Permanent settlement permit for family members of German citizens

Upon application, you may receive a permanent settlement permit if

• you have cohabited with a German spouse or same-sex life partner, child or parent
• for 3 years with a temporary residence permit,
• have sufficient proficiency in the German language, and
• the subsistence of your family is ensured.

Prerequisites

• Possession of a residence permit for 3 years
  
  The period in which a valid national visa was held will be counted as well, provided you have cohabited with your German family member since arrival.
• Family cohabitation with one German national.
  
  The German family member may be your
  

  • spouse or same-sex life partner,
  • child, or
  • parent.

  Family cohabitation must
  

  • have persisted without interruption for at least 3 years
  • and still be current.
• In-person visit
  
  Personal appointments should be by arrangement only. Your German family member must also attend the appointment.
  
  If the foreign father of a German child places an application for a temporary residence permit without being accompanied by the child’s mother, confirmation from the Youth Welfare Office (not older than 14 days) concerning visiting rights must be submitted.
• Proof of Income
  
  Your income must be sufficient to ensure your subsistence (including the subsistence of your foreign family members).
  Your subsistence is not ensured if you receive public benefits from a Job Center (unemployment benefits II) or the Social Welfare Office (basic income support payment).
  Your spouse or same-sex life partner may also provide proof of income.
• Sufficient health insurance
  
  Proof of a secure livelihood must also include sufficient health insurance. Those with statutory health insurance are sufficiently insured. Those with private health insurance must consider the type and extent of their health insurance. For more information, please read the leaflet "Information on adequate health insurance".
• Sufficient command of the German language
  
  You must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the German language (level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• No criminal record
  
  Even fines may prevent the granting of a permanent settlement permit.
• Main residence in Berlin
  

Documents required

• Valid passport
  An ID card or a child ID card is also sufficient for the German family member.
• 1 current biometric photo
  35mm x 45mm, frontal shot with neutral facial expression and closed mouth, looking straight into the camera, light background
• Proof of income
  For employees:
  

  • Employment contract,
  • Confirmation from the current employer of ongoing employment (not older than 14 days),
  • The last six payslips,
  • Insurance history from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung – German Statutory Pension Insurance Scheme
  
  

  For self-employed persons:
  

  • Audit report (Prüfungsbericht) prepared by an accountant, auditor or tax consultant with all the documents referred to therein, e.g. the excerpt from the commercial register (refer to Forms)
  • Last tax assesment
  
  

  For pensioners:
  

  • notice of pension approval
  
  

  In case of disability or a reduction in earning capacity:
  

  • notice of pension approval due to disability or a reduction in earning capacity, or
  • current assessment by the Federal Employment Office, or
  • meaningful doctor’s certificate
• Health insurance
  • If you have “statutory” health insurance: current confirmation of cover from your health insurer
  • If you have “private” health insurance: insurance policy and proof that the premiums are paid (for instance bank statements)
• Lease or proof of home ownership
  The living space as well as the monthly rent or the housing costs of your own property (house or apartment) must be proven.
• Certificates showing participation in the integration course (if available)
  • "Zertifikat Integrationskurs" (Integration Course Certificate) confirming successful completion of the integration course
  • Certificate showing the results of the final test

  These documents facilitate review of the application. You may also demonstrate your sufficient proficiency in the German language by other means during the personal appointment.
• Proof of the receipt of other benefits
  Do you receive child benefits, child allowances, parental benefits, a care allowance or similar benefits?
  If so, please bring suitable proof (e.g. notices of approval).
• Certification of school attendance or a vocational training course for adult children
  Certification of school attendance or a vocational training course is necessary for:
  

  • an adult foreign child of a German parent, or
  • a foreign parent of an adult German child.
• Proof of main residence in Berlin
  • Bescheinigung über die Anmeldung der Wohnung oder
  • Mietvertrag und Einzugsbestätigung des Vermieters

Forms

• Leaflet "Health insurance"
• Audit report form (Prüfungsbericht) for entrepeneurs, self-employed persons and freelancers

Fees

Legal basis

• Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) § 28 Absatz 2

More information

• Certificate of registration at the main residence (Meldebestätigung)
• Example: confirmation of occupancy from the landlord

Responsible authorities