Niederlassungserlaubnis beantragen

You can find the legal basis here:

You have a temporary residence permit? After a certain period of time has elapsed, you can obtain a settlement permit that is not limited in time and space.

You have a temporary residence permit? After a certain period of time has elapsed, you can obtain a settlement permit that is not limited in time and space. In principle, every foreigner who has held a residence permit for five years can apply for a settlement permit. Spouses of German nationals can apply for a settlement permit after only three years if they have held a residence permit during this time and the marriage has existed in the Federal territory during this time. Holders of residence permits for humanitarian reasons can in principle apply for a settlement permit after 5 years. It must be taken into account that not all periods of residence can be counted towards the five-year period.

With the settlement permit you are allowed to pursue gainful employment. It may only contain incidental provisions in exceptional cases (e.g. ban on political activity) and provides special protection against expulsion.

• Proof of fulfillment of passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure livelihood
• Proof that there are no grounds for deportation against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Proof that you have held a residence permit for five years
• Proof of paid pension insurance contributions or payments to a comparable pension institution
• Proof that you are allowed to work and that you have the necessary permits to do so
• Proof of sufficient German language skills and basic knowledge of the German legal and social system
• Proof of sufficient living space for yourself and your family.

Please inquire at your local immigration office.

Prerequisites for the settlement permit are:

• Your identity is clarified and you fulfill the passport obligation.
• Your livelihood is secured without you drawing on public funds.
• There are no grounds for expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have had a residence permit for five years.
  However, depending on the purpose of the stay for which you have received the residence permit, other periods may apply.
• You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance or to another pension scheme with comparable benefits for five years.
• You may engage in gainful employment and have all the necessary permits to do so.
• You have sufficient knowledge of German and basic knowledge of the German legal and social system.
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.

Note: In some cases, other requirements and residence periods apply. You will find more detailed information on our pages for the following groups of people:

• Highly qualified
• Graduates of German universities
• Holders of an EU Blue Card
• Self-employed persons
• Family members of Germans (husband or wife, minor unmarried children).

Please inquire at your responsible immigration office.

• 147 euros for the issuance of the settlement permit for highly qualified persons
• 124 Euro for the issuance of the settlement permit for self-employed activity
• 113 Euro for the issuance of the settlement permit in all other cases.

Reductions and exemptions may be possible in exceptional cases.

You must apply for the settlement permit in writing at the Aliens' Registration Office of your main place of residence.

You have a temporary residence permit? After a certain period of time has elapsed, you can obtain a settlement permit that is not limited in time and space.

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.