Germany Residence Permits

A German residency permit is a document that allows non-EU citizens to live in Germany. It entitles the possessor to stay in Germany for a certain length of time. In most cases, a residence permit extension is possible. The German residence permit holder can study, work, and participate in other activities in Germany. 

According to the purpose and expected period of stay, there are many types of German residency permits. Read on to find out about the several types of German residency permits, how to apply for one, the application requirements, and more.

Different types of German residence permit

There are several types of German Residence Permits available, depending on your purpose and length of stay in Germany. It is critical that you choose the appropriate form of residency permit. The type you choose will determine your entire application process, including the required paperwork and payments.

Here are the types of German residency permits:

• Germany Permanent Settlement Permit.
• Germany Temporary Residence Permit.
• Germany EU Blue Card.
• Germany EU long-term residence permit.
• Germany ICT Card.
• Germany Mobile ICT Card.

German residence permit – an application process

The application process for a German residence permit is different depending on the type of application form you submit. There is, however, a standard outline for all forms of German residency permits. To obtain a resident permit in Germany you have to as follows:

Have the right visa

If you require a visa to enter Germany, make sure you have the correct one. A tourist or business visa does not allow you to apply for a residence card. Even if you have a medical or cultural visa, you won’t be able to enter. 

Make a German address registration

If you haven’t previously registered your address in Germany, arrange for a place to stay in Germany before you arrive. Your address should be registered with the German authorities in the city where you have settled.

Purchase health insurance

It’s possible that you bought temporary health insurance in your native country. However, you should obtain health insurance in Germany for the duration of your planned stay.

Open a bank account

This is required when applying for a residence visa in Germany. You must have a bank account in order to demonstrate your financial stability.

Set up an appointment 

After filling out an application form you can book an appointment. For each type of residence title, there is a separate application form. Obtain the appropriate form and respond to all of the questions. Additionally, make an appointment with the immigration center nearest to your German residence.

Prepare your documents ahead of time

While you are still in your home country, you should start preparing the majority of your documentation. Even so, double-check that you have all of them before going to your appointment.

Attend your scheduled appointment

Bring all of your documentation to the right centre on the day of your appointment. You’ll have a quick interview and then wait for your application to be processed. On this day, you must usually pay the Residence Title costs.

Permanent settlement in Germany 

A German permanent settlement permit is a residence permit that allows you to settle in Germany unlimitedly. The following are the key requirements for obtaining a German permanent settlement permit :

• The applicant has had a temporary residence permit in Germany for at least 5 years.
• She/he possesses the required levels of German language proficiency.
• The applicant has the financial means to support themselves.
• The applicant has made at least 5 years of contributions to the statutory pension fund.
• He or she has a place to live for themselves and their family.
• The applicant has a fundamental understanding of Germany’s legal and social systems, as well as its way of life.

You do not have to meet the requirements above If one of the following applies to you:

• You have a Blue Card from the European Union.
• You have graduated from a German school.
• You’re a professional expert with qualifications or a self-employed individual.

How to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany?

The application for a German permanent residence permit is straightforward and fast. All you have to do now is follow the 5 steps below:

1. Check to see if you meet all of the conditions for a German settlement permit.
2. Gather the necessary documents for a permanent residence permit in Germany.
3. Make an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany. 
4. Pay for a residency permit. For a permanent settlement permit, all applicants must pay a fee. Depending on your present residence permit, the cost may differ.
5. Attend the interview which will last approximately 15-20 minutes. The interviewer will inquire about your applications as well as your background.

Requirements for a settlement permit in Germany

A few documents must be submitted on the day of your appointment with the German Foreigners’ Registration Office. The required documents are used to demonstrate that you fulfil the requirements for a permanent residence permit in Germany. The German authorities will decide on your case based on these documents and the interview.

The following documents are necessary for a German permanent residence permit:

• Application for a settlement permit in Germany. The application includes questions about your identity, time spent in Germany, occupation, and so forth. Make sure you answer all of the required questions.
• A valid passport and a copy. Keep in mind that while your application is being processed, your passport will be held by German authorities.
• A biometric photograph taken within the last 3 months.
• Health insurance.
• An integration course or German language certificate with the final exam’s grade listed.
• Proof that you (or your partner) are contributing to the pension system.
• A registered address. 
• Proof of sufficient income if you are employed, e.g. contract of employment.Your employer’s most recent statement confirming your employment, payslips over the previous six months, etc, or in case of being self-employed, applicants can provide a recent tax return. If you’re retired, a pension statement and if you are unable to work, you should provide a statement from a doctor, disability statement, etc.
• A rental agreement or purchase contract.

Additional documentation may be required in some circumstances, so check the criteria for your employment category

German permanent residence permit – fee

The cost of a German permanent residence permit varies and depends on your circumstances. The majority of applicants are required to pay a fee of €135. However, self-employed people must pay a €200 fee and highly qualified individuals – €250.

German resident permit application – timeline

A residency permit application in Germany takes two to three weeks to process. The prices differ regarding the time of processing and validity.

German temporary residence permit

The German temporary residence permit is intended for people who need to stay in Germany for a short time and for a specific reason. There are several types of German temporary resident permits available for various purposes such as:

• German student residence permit
• German residence permit for temporary work in Germany.
• German residence Permit for humanitarian or political grounds
• German family residence permit.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit in Germany

A long-term residence permit issued by the EU is equivalent to a German permanent settlement permit. The following are the major requirements for persons seeking an EU long-term resident permit:

• A minimum of five years of residence in the EU is required.
• A predictable and consistent income
• A good command of German language is required.
• The candidate must be able to provide enough living space for himself/herself and his/her family.

EU Blue Card 

A European Blue Card is a residency card granted to nationals of third countries who wish to work in Germany or another EU country as highly qualified workers. The card comes with a four-year validity period. If the candidate holds a job for at least 33 months, the EU Blue Card can lead to a permanent settlement permit.

An EU Blue Card to work in Germany is awarded if the applicant meets the following criteria:

• Has a higher education qualification from a recognised university in Germany or other countries
• Has worked in their field for a minimum of five years.
• Has a job approval from the German Federal Employment Agency.
• Receives a remuneration that is equal to or greater than the minimum wage in Germany.

ICT Card in Germany

The ICT card is a temporary residency permit for employees who have moved to Germany to work for a subsidiary of their company. The card can be issued for a period of up to three years.

Below are the major requirements for obtaining a German Intra-Corporate Transfer Card:

• The applicant is not a European Union citizen
• He or she is employed by the host entity as a manager or specialist.
• The transfer will take over three months to be completed.
• The intra-transfer has been approved by Germany’s Federal Employment Agency.
• The applicant must present a legitimate contract for the duration of his or her expected stay in Germany.
• He or she should be able to show proof of professional qualifications.
• An ICT Card can also be applied for by a trainee employee. In this scenario, though, the card’s validity is limited to one year.

A Mobile ICT Card

A Mobile Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card is a residency permit that allows staying in Germany for a limited period of time. The card is given to people who have a lawful residency in another country and want to relocate to Germany under the intra-corporate transfer.

The following are the essential requirements for a Mobile ICT Card:

• In the host entity in Germany, the applicant will work as a manager, specialist, or trainee employee.
• The transfer will take more than three months to be completed.
• For the length of the move, the candidate is employed.
• Knowledge of German language is required.
• The transfer has been approved by the German Federal Employment Agency.

How much are the German resident permits?

All applicants for a German residence permit must pay a fee to have their application processed. The charge is determined by the type of permission being sought.

The following are the costs of obtaining a German resident permit:

• Permit for temporary residence in Germany – 50 euros for one-year valid card, 80 euros for a card valid for over one year, 15 Euros for an extension of up to three months. Extending the contract for more than three months costs 30 euros, and 40 euros for a change of residence title, including an extension. The applicants will pay 85 euros for a long-term residence permit in the EU.
• A Blue Card of the European Union costs 100 euros for the initial application, and 96 Euros for a three-month extension.