PERMANENT RESIDENCE- EU

What is EU permanent residence?

EU permanent residence is a Permanent residence permitwhich is regulated under EU law. It gives third-country nationals a high degree of security and rights comparable to those of EU citizens. With this residence permit, a person can not only stay in Germany permanently, but can also move to other EU countries and work or study there under certain conditions.
The title differs from the Settlement permit due to its validity throughout the EU (with the exception of Denmark and Ireland).

Advantages of EU permanent residence

1.Permanent residence permit
-Like the settlement permit, EU permanent residence is unlimited and does not have to be extended.

2.Freedom of movement in the EU
-Allows you to move to and take up work in other EU countries, provided the national conditions are met there.

3.Similar rights to EU citizens
-Access to the labor market, education system, social benefits and housing market.

4.Family reunification
-Easier conditions for the immigration of spouses and children.

5.Legal claim
-Third-country nationals have a legal entitlement to EU permanent residence if all requirements are met.

Requirements for EU permanent residence

The requirements are comparable with the Settlement permitbut there are additional conditions, particularly with regard to security and integration:

1st stay in Germany
-At least 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence in Germany with a valid residence permit.

2. secure livelihood
-Proof that your livelihood is secured without social benefits such as unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV).

3. living space
-Proof of sufficient living space for yourself and any family members traveling with you.

4. pension insurance
-Proof of 60 months of compulsory contributions to statutory pension insurance or comparable private pension provision.

5. language skills and integration
-Proof of German language skills on B1 level and basic knowledge of the social and legal system in Germany (e.g. by successfully completing an integration course).

6. no criminal offenses
-The applicant must not have committed any serious criminal offenses.

Special regulations for certain groups

1.Holders of the EU Blue Card
-You can apply for EU permanent residence after 33 months apply, with German language skills (B1) even after 21 months.

2.Persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees
-Periods of asylum status or subsidiary protection are taken into account.

3.Students and researchers
-Periods of study or research in Germany can be recognized under certain conditions.

Application procedure for EU permanent residence

1. consultation and preparation
-Applicants should contact the responsible foreigners authority to find out whether they meet all the requirements.

2. application
-The application must be submitted in writing to the Foreigners' Registration Office. The application is usually processed within 4 to 8 weeks.

3. required documents
-Valid passport
-Residence permit and proof of length of stay (e.g. registration certificate)
-Proof of income (employment contract, payslips)
-Proof of pension insurance contributions
-Rental contract and proof of living space
-Language certificate (B1)
-Certificate of completion of an integration course (if required)

4. decision and notification
-After checking the documents, the immigration authority issues the residence permit.