Settlement permit

Do you have a temporary residency permit? Following the expiry of a fixed period of time, you can obtain a permanent residency permit which is unlimited in terms of time and area.

With the permanent residency, you are entitled to work. This can only be obtained in exceptional cases (for example ban on political activities).

Note: Holders of a (temporary) residency permit for the purpose of studying or undertaking professional training cannot obtain a permanent residency permit in direct connection.

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

  • Your identity is clear and you fulfil the passport requirement. In respect of the passport requirements, it suffices if you are in possession of a replacement identity car.
  • Your maintenance costs are covered, without you needing recourse to public funds. Your maintenance costs are deemed to be covered if:
    • you generate income to the amount of the standard rate of social assistance plus
    • costs for accommodation and heating, as well as
    • any health insurance contributions.
  • Reasons of public security and order (e.g. a committed criminal offense) do not preclude the issuance.
  • You have had a residency permit for five years.
  • Depending on the purpose of the stay for which you have received the residency permit, other time periods can apply.
  • You have paid contributions to the state pension fund or to another comparable pension scheme for five years.
  • You are allowed to carry out employment and possess all necessary permits in this respect.
  • You have sufficient command of the German language, as well as basic knowledge of German law and the German social system.
  • You have sufficient accommodation for yourself and your family.

Responsible department

The authority for foreign nationals (Ausländerbehörde), where your primary residence is located.

The authority for foreign nationals is the city council (Stadtverwaltung) or the regional countil office (Landratsamt) depending on your place of residence.

Procedure

You must apply for the permanent residency permit in writing from the foreigners authority of your principal place of residence.

You receive the permanent residency permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. You can find further information concerning thisat "Elektronischen Aufenthaltstitel (eAT) beantragen".

Required documents

  • Proof of compliance with the passport and visa obligation
  • Proof of ensured maintenance
  • Proof that no reason for deportation exists against you
  • Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • Proof that you do not have any previous criminal convictions
  • Proof that you have been in possession of a residency permit for five years
  • Proof of payment of state pension contributions or payments to a comparable pension scheme
  • Proof that you may carry out employment and possess the necessary permits in this respect
  • Proof of sufficient command of the German language, as well as basic knowledge of German law and the German social system
  • You have sufficient accommodation for yourself and your family

Costs

  • 113 euros
  • Permanent residency permit for the self-employed: 124 euros
  • Settlement permit for highly qualified people: EUR 147.00

Note: Special regulations apply in relation to minors.

Detailed information

  • You can find further information on this under "Applying for an electronic residence permit (eAT)".
  • In some cases, other requirements and residence periods apply:
    • Highly qualified
    • Skilled workers (completed domestic vocational training or studies)
    • Holders of an EU Blue Card
    • former German
    • Self-employed
    • Family members of Germans (husband or wife, minor unmarried children)
    • Asylum seekers and Convention refugees

Legal basis

Release note

08.07.2021 Ministry of Justice Baden-Württemberg