Niederlassungserlaubnis für Familienangehörige von Deutschen beantragen

Have you been married to or in a civil partnership with a German citizen for 3 years? Then you can obtain a permanent settlement permit if you meet other requirements.

If you have been living together with a German spouse or same-sex partner, child or parent with a residence permit for 3 years, have sufficient knowledge of German and your family's livelihood is secure, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit.

• valid passport
• 1 current biometric passport photo
• Proof of income
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Rental agreement or purchase contract with details of living space
• Proof of receipt of other benefits (e.g. child benefit, parental allowance, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient knowledge of German

Please note that further proof may be requested in individual cases.

The requirements for a settlement permit for family members of Germans are

• written application to the responsible immigration authority
• Valid passport or passport substitute and clarified identity
• Possession of a residence permit for 3 years
• Family cohabitation with a German national (spouse or same-sex partner, child or parent) for at least 3 years
• sufficient knowledge of German (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• secure livelihood through own income
• Sufficient health insurance and adequate living space
• No criminal offenses

Processing can take several weeks, as other authorities are also involved in the procedure.

Since September 1, 2011, you will receive a settlement permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. You can find more information on this at:

You must apply for a settlement permit in writing to the foreigners authority at your main place of residence. Depending on where you live, the foreigners authority is the city administration or the district administration.