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Permanent Residence
in Germany for Specialists

According to Section 18c of the Residence Act (§ 18c AufenthG), the permanent residence permit allows foreigners who have worked in Germany for a longer period to live here indefinitely. This permit also grants the right to family reunification. The requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit vary depending on the applicant's current residence status and identity. We assist our foreign clients who wish to move permanently to Germany in applying for the appropriate residence permit.

Do you want to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany?
O. Law can help you!

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Permanent Residence Permit for Skilled Workers (as Qualified Workers)

To obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany as a person with a recognized professional or academic qualification or as a holder of the European Blue Card, you must meet the following conditions

  • You must have held your current residence permit for more than three years.
  • You must be able to support yourself without recourse to
    public funds.
  • You must have paid pension contributions for at least
    three years.
  • Your residence permit must allow you to continue your
    current employment.
  • You must have a German language proficiency of at least
    B1 level.
  • You must demonstrate basic knowledge of German law and social order by taking the "Leben in Deutschland"
    (Living in Germany) test.
  • You must prove that you have adequate housing for yourself and your family.

You can apply for a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) at the local foreigner’s authority. There are simplified application conditions for European Blue Card holders, graduates who have studied or trained in Germany, highly qualified persons, and self-employed persons.

Are you a foreign expert interested in applying for permanent residence in Germany? O. Law can help you with your application!

Permanent residence for European Blue Card holders

According to Section 18g of the Residence Act (§ 18g AufenthG), European Blue Card holders can obtain a permanent residence permit under simplified conditions. These conditions are

  • You must have worked in a qualified job and paid social security contributions for at least 27 months.
  • You must have a German language proficiency of at least A1 level. (If you have B1 level language skills, the period required to work in a qualified job is reduced from 27 months to 21 months).
  • You must prove your basic knowledge of German law and social order by taking the "Leben in Deutschland" test.
  • You must prove that you have adequate housing for yourself and your family.
  • You must prove that you can support yourself financially.

Are you a foreign citizen interested in obtaining a European Blue Card and permanent residence in Germany? O.Law can assist you with the application process at the relevant foreign authority.

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Permanent residence for persons who have studied
or trained in Germany

Special conditions apply to the granting of a permanent residence permit to persons who have studied
or trained in Germany:

  • You must have held a residence permit according to Section 18a ,18b or 18d of the Residence Act (§ 18a, 18b or 18d AufenthG )for at least 24 months.
  • Your residence permit must allow you to continue your employment.
  • You must have paid social security contributions for at least two years.
  • You must have German language skills at the B1 level.
  • You must demonstrate basic knowledge of German law and social order by taking the "Leben in Deutschland" (Living in Germany) test.
  • You must be able to prove that you have adequate housing for yourself and your family.

Are you a foreign citizen who has studied or trained in Germany and is interested in applying for permanent residence? O. Law can be your professional partner!

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highly qualified

Permanent residence for highly
skilled workers

Permanent residence may be granted to highly qualified workers under certain conditions. For example, it may be possible for scientists with specialized knowledge or teachers in prominent positions to obtain permanent residence in Germany without a minimum duration requirement. The conditions are:

  • You must be able to prove your academic qualifications.
  • It must be recognized that you can easily integrate into Germany and support yourself without public assistance.
 

Permanent residence
for freelancers

If you are working as a freelancer in Germany, you can apply for a permanent residence permit after three years if you meet the following conditions:

  • You have a valid residence permit.
  • You have worked as a freelancer for three years.
  • You can prove that your business will continue to be successful.
  • You can prove that you and your family are financially supported.

As a foreign citizen working as a highly qualified professional or freelancer in Germany and interested in obtaining a permanent residence permit, O. Law can assist you with your application!

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Permanent
residence for
spouses of
professionals

Spouses of specialists who wish to obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany must meet the following requirements:

  • The spouse must hold a residence permit for specialists.
  • They must have held a residence permit for at least three years.
  • You must work at least 20 hours per week and have the necessary permits to do so.
  • You must be married.
  • You must have German language skills at the B1 level.
  • They must demonstrate basic knowledge of German law and social order by taking the "Leben in Deutschland" test.

O.Law
Your partner for permanent residence and long-term living in Germany


O. Law, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a law firm specializing in work migration processes from foreign countries to Germany. Our clients include individuals and companies who wish to relocate their work or life to Germany. We provide consulting services as well as effective assistance with correspondence and applications to foreign missions and immigration authorities to ensure the success of your application.

 
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