Germany · Niederlassungserlaubnis

Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany

A Niederlassungserlaubnis is Germany's permanent settlement permit: unlimited in time, with the full right to work, and a step towards citizenship. Most people in Germany qualify after five years on a residence permit, but EU Blue Card holders can apply much sooner. You apply at the Ausländerbehörde with proof of income, pension contributions and German.

Fee typically ~€113 (less for Blue Card holders). Book the Ausländerbehörde appointment well in advance.

Good to know — wherever you live

  • The usual route needs five years of residence, 60 months of pension contributions, secure income, adequate housing and B1 German — gather proof of each before you apply.
  • Blue Card holders reach permanent residence far faster: 33 months, or 21 months with B1 German — one of the card's biggest advantages.
  • Your pension record (Rentenversicherung) is central evidence — request an up-to-date statement early, as gaps can delay approval.
  • Time spent studying usually counts only partially toward the five years — ask the Ausländerbehörde in your city how your student years are credited.
  • Permanent residence is not citizenship: you keep your original nationality, and you can lose the permit if you leave Germany for an extended period.

Now pick your city

The office, booking portal and local quirks differ from city to city — your city's guide has the exact steps, documents and booking link.

BerlinMunichHamburgFrankfurtCologneDüsseldorfStuttgartLeipzigDortmundEssenBremenDresdenHannoverNurembergBonnMannheimKarlsruheMünsterAachenMainzAugsburgWiesbadenBielefeldBochumWuppertalFreiburgHeidelbergDarmstadtRegensburgWürzburgKielLübeckPotsdamSaarbrücken

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