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EU permanent residence; applying for a permit

Foreign nationals from non-EU countries who are legally resident in Germany on a long-term basis and who have integrated both economically and socially can, under certain conditions, obtain an EU permanent residence permit.

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92318 Neumarkt i.d.OPf.

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Procedure details

The EU permanent residence permit is an unlimited residence title and serves to consolidate a foreigner's residence in Germany. It entitles the holder to work as an employee or to pursue self-employment in Germany.
In this respect, the EU long-term residence permit is equivalent to a "national" settlement permit (see "Related topics").

On the other hand, the EU permanent residence permit is also the basis for obtaining a right of residence and permission to take up employment in another EU Member State under simplified conditions. In this way, a third-country national also obtains a certain degree of freedom of movement within the European Union. The holder of a "national" settlement permit, on the other hand, can only make use of the so-called Schengen freedom of movement in the member states of the European Union (stay only for visiting purposes for a maximum of 90 days per 180-day period).

The conditions for issuing the permit are essentially the same as for the "national" settlement permit (see "Related topics"). However, there are stricter requirements than for the "national" settlement permit, for example with regard to securing the livelihood of the foreigner and their dependants, whom they must support.

Exceptions to the granting of an EU permanent residence permit are

  • Holders of some residence permits on humanitarian grounds, as well as foreigners who have applied for such a permit.
  • Foreigners who have applied for humanitarian protection status in another member state, as long as a decision has not yet been made.
  • Diplomats
  • Persons staying in the territory for the purpose of study or vocational training.

A foreigner is to be granted an EU permanent residence permit if

  • he/she has resided in the federal territory with a residence permit for five years without interruption,
  • his or her livelihood and that of his or her dependants, to whom he or she is obliged to provide maintenance, is secured by fixed and regular income,
  • they have sufficient knowledge of the German language,
  • they have a basic knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in the federal territory,
  • there are no reasons of public safety or order to the contrary, taking into account the severity or nature of the violation of public safety or order or the danger posed by the foreigner, taking into account the duration of previous residence and the existence of ties in the federal territory, and
  • he has sufficient living space for himself and his family members living with him in the same household.

  • If necessary, you may be required to produce additional documents

    The documents to be presented may vary greatly. Please find out more details from your competent Aliens Department (Ausländerbehörde). As a general rule, the documents listed above will be required (among others).

  • Valid passport
  • Current biometric photograph (frontal view)
  • Supporting documents evidencing guaranteed means of subsistence
  • Supporting documents evidencing adequate living quarters
  • Supporting documents evidencing medical insurance coverage
  • Supporting documents evidencing the completion of an integration course

  • Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form. If you have entered your place of residence, you may be referred to the application form or the online procedure under "Forms" or "Online procedure".
  • If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
  • During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
  • If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken in order to produce the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT).
  • The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT. After completion, you will receive information and can collect your residence permit from the responsible office. This must always be collected in person.
  • If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

109 Euro

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Administrative court action

Status: 21.05.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
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