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 €113 (€124 on the self-employed route, €147 on the highly-qualified route; § 44 AufenthV). 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: 27 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.