Permanent settlement permit for EU Blue Card holders - application

You have been employed for at least 27 months in a job that meets the requirements for the issue of an EU Blue Card (see “More Information")? And you continue to work in such a job and have basic knowledge of the German language?

In this case, you will be granted a permanent settlement permit upon application if you meet the requirements.

If you have sufficient German language skills, the period is reduced to 21 months of employment.

Procedure
1. Please note the following information before submitting an application:
  • Please use the Quick-Checks first (under “Do it online now")to find out quickly and easily whether your application is likely to be successful.
  • Check once again whether you meet all the requirements and have the documents and evidence listed in the “Documents required” section.
  • The online application is extensive, so it will take some time to complete. However, you can interrupt the application at any time, save it temporarily and continue at a later date.
2. Carry out the online application „Niederlassungserlaubnis für Fachkräfte“
  • Please have all the necessary documents ready for this in PDF format if possible. However, you can also still photograph and upload the documents during the application process using your smartphone or tablet. The following file formats are accepted: PDF, JPG, JPEG, and PNG. The total size of your files must not exceed 100 MB. A single file must not exceed 7 MB in size.
  • Before you can send off the application, you need to pay the service fee.
  • At the end you will receive a PDF document to confirm your application. This document will certify that your current residence title remains valid in the federal territory beyond the previous validity date. (This does not apply if you hold a Schengen visa (C visa) for a short-term stay).
  • Please therefore make sure to save this document and print a copy if possible.
3. Once you have carried out the online application, we will check it and then contact you as soon as possible. Where necessary, we will request further documents.

4. If your application is considered to be successful, you will be given an appointment for an in-person interview.
  • Because of the high number of applications, however, this can take some time. We ask you for your understanding and patience.
  • Please bring all documents in the original specified in the invitation letter.

You can also access this service online

Online processing

Prerequisites

  • At least 27 months of employment with basic knowledge of the German language
    • You have been employed for at least 27 months with an EU Blue Card or another residence title within the meaning of Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card, see section "More information").
    • Then you must have basic knowledge of the German language. Basic knowledge of the German language corresponds to level A 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • At least 21 months of employment with sufficient German language skills
    • If you have sufficient German language skills, the required period of employment will be shortened. You then only need to have been employed for at least 21 months in order to meet the requirements for the issue of an EU Blue Card.
    • Sufficient German language skills corresponding to level B 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • You continue to work in a job that meets the requirements for the issue of an EU Blue Card
  • Old-age provision
    You must have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme for the duration of your employment (27 or 21 months). Expenses for an entitlement to comparable benefits from a private insurance company or a pension institution are also accepted.
  • Secured livelihood through own income
    • Your livelihood and that of your close family members (spouse/life partner and children) is secured. You must not receive or be entitled to any benefits from a job center or social welfare office under the second or twelfth German Social Code (such as the Bürgergeld citizen's allowance or social assistance).
    • In the case of a domestic partnership in the context of a marriage or same-sex civil partnership, proof of income can also be provided by the spouse or civil partner.
    • With the Quick-Check (under “Do it online now”) you can check free of charge whether your income currently covers your living expenses.
  • Adequate health insurance
    You have health insurance in Germany, either in the statutory health insurance system or a comparable private health insurance.
    Foreign health insurance is not sufficient. For more information, please read the leaflet.
  • You have no previous convictions or are the subject of an open investigation
    • Fines alone can prevent the granting of a permanent settlement permit.
    • An application for a permanent settlement permit may not be processed while investigation proceedings are ongoing.
  • Basic knowledge of the German legal and social order and living conditions in Germany
    Basic knowledge is assumed to be present in particular if
    • an integration course or the "Living in Germany" orientation course has been successfully completed,
    • an educational or vocational qualification was obtained in Germany or
    • you have completed at least one year of schooling or vocational training in Germany.
  • Sufficient living space
    You have sufficient living space for yourself and the family members living with you at home.
  • Main residence in Berlin
    You live in Berlin. A second residence in Berlin is not sufficient.
  • Current email adress
    The Berlin Immigration Office will contact you via your current email address. Please also check your spam folder regularly.
  • For the online application: Consent to the electronic payment process
    The following methods of payment are available to you:
    • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
    • Paypal

Documents required

  • Application for a permanent settlement permit for qualified skilled workers (with Quick-Check)
    • only possible online
    • You will receive a PDF document to confirm your application. This document will certify that your current residence title remains valid in the federal territory beyond the previous validity date. (This does not apply if you hold a Schengen visa (C visa) for a short-term stay).
    • Please therefore make sure to save this document and print a copy if possible.
  • In the case of an application being filed by an authorised representative: power of attorney stating the subject matter of the procedure
  • Passport copies (in color)
    Copies of the data pages of your passport or passport replacement (with your photo and personal data) are required.
  • Copy of your current residence title
  • Proof of your employment
    • Employment contract,
    • Proof of net salary for the last 6 months (wage slips, bank statements),
    • current certificate from the employer (not older than 14 days) and
  • Proof of health insurance in Germany
    • If you have statutory health insurance: electronic health card (copy front and back) or a current confirmation from the health insurance company
    • In the case of private health insurance: certificate from the insurer regarding the scope and costs of the insurance in accordance with § 257 Para. 2a SGB V. Please point out to your insurer that you need the certificate for a permanent residence title.
  • Proof of the size and cost of the living space
    The floor space and the monthly rent or housing costs of your own property (house or apartment) must be demonstrated as follows.
    In the case of a rental property:
    • Tenancy agreement (without house rules or other annexes) and
    • Proof of the current monthly costs (rent with utility costs included – “Warmmiete”), e.g. bank statements
    In the case of an owned property:
    • Extract from the land register, third section,
    • Costs of the home-owner charges and possible monthly loan costs for the property
  • Old-age provision
    • Pension information from the German Pension Insurance or
    • Proof of entitlement to comparable pension benefits from an insurance or pension institution or insurance company
  • After vocational training or studies in Germany: Proof of the degree achieved
    Certificates
  • Proof of German language skills
    In particular, the following proof is possible:
    • language certificate with an overall result of A 1 of the CEFR (with at least 27 months of employment) or B 1 (with at least 21 months of employment) of the CEFR or an equivalent or higher language diploma,
    • language level Certificate of at least language level A 1 of the CEFR (only sufficient with at least 27 months of employment),
    • certificate of successful completion of the integration course,
    • at least 4 years of successful attendance at a German general education school (promotion to the next higher grade) and an average grade of at least “sufficient” in the last school report,
    • promotion to the tenth grade of a general education German school,
    • acquisition of vocational qualification or an equivalent level of education or school leaving certificate from a general education school,
    • successful completion of a German-language qualified vocational training,
    • successful completion of a German-language course of study at a university or university of applied sciences or
    • German-language doctorate from a German university
  • Evidence of knowledge of the German legal and social order
    In particular, the following proof is possible:
    • certificate of successful completion of the integration course,
    • certificate of successful completion of the orientation course,
    • certificate of successful completion of the “Test Living in Germany”,
    • certificate of successful completion of the naturalization test,
    • at least 4 years of successful attendance at a German general education school (promotion to the next higher grade) and an average grade of at least “sufficient” in the last school report,
    • promotion to the tenth grade of a general education German school,
    • acquisition of vocational qualification or an equivalent level of education or school leaving certificate from a general education school,
    • successful completion of a German qualified vocational training or completion of a corresponding training in Germany for at least one year,
    • successful completion of a degree at a German university or university of applied sciences,
    • German-language doctorate from a German university or
    • obtaining a state license to practice the profession independently (approbation)

Fees

  • 56.50 Euro: Processing fee (for the online application)
  • 56.50 Euro: Issuing fee (for in-person appointments)
For Turkish nationals up to the age of 24
  • 11.40 Euro: Processing fee (for the online application)
  • 11.40 Euro: Issuing fee (for in-person appointments)
For Turkish nationals as from the age of 24
  • 18.50 Euro: Processing fee (for the online application)
  • 18.50 Euro: Issuing fee (for in-person appointments)
Note: A refund of the processing fee is not possible in the event that the application is withdrawn if we have already begun to process the application (by examining the required residence time and/or the documents you sent or sending you an appointment for an in-person interview).

Average time to process request

You will receive an appointment for an interview if your application is reviewed positively. At the appointment, you will receive written confirmation of lawful residence until issue of the appointed residence title.

Following the appointment, it will take at least 4 weeks until the permanent settlement permit is issued as a electronic residence title and can be picked up.

Notes on responsibility

This service can only be taken advantage of in the Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung – LEA) at Friedrich-Krause-Ufer.

Your point of contact