Apply for Permanent Residence Card for Family Members of EU (except Germany) and EEA Citizens
Find out how you can get a permanent residence card after 5 years as a family member of an EU or EEA citizen.
At a glance
How do you get a permanent residence card as a family member of an EU or EEA citizen?
You are related to an EU or EEA citizen and have lived together in Germany for at least 5 years? Then you have a statutory right to a permanent residence card. The authority must issue it to you.
The requirement is that your family member has continuously exercised a right of free movement during these 5 years. This means, for example, as an employee, self-employed person or with sufficient own financial means. A lawful stay alone is not sufficient.
The permanent residence card only applies if you are not an EU or EEA citizen yourself. Your family member must hold the nationality of an EU member state (other than Germany) or of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway.
Note: Family members of German nationals do not receive a permanent residence card. They can instead apply for a settlement permit under the Residence Act.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You are not an EU or EEA citizen yourself and have lived continuously for at least 5 years together with a free-movement-entitled EU or EEA citizen (other than Germany) in Germany
- Your family member must have continuously exercised a right of free movement during these 5 years (e.g. as an employee, self-employed person or with own financial means). A lawful stay alone is not sufficient.
Additional requirements
- You need your main residence in Berlin. Applications can only be submitted in person with an appointment.
- Note: Family members of German nationals do not receive a permanent residence card; they can instead apply for a settlement permit under the Residence Act.
How to apply
Book an appointment at the State Office for Immigration via the contact form of department E 6
Gather all necessary documents: passport, residence card, biometric passport photo, proof of the right of free movement for the last 5 years and proof of your main residence
Complete the form Application for issuance of a permanent residence card
Attend the appointment in person and bring all documents
Done! You have a statutory right to the permanent residence card if you meet the requirements
Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more
From age 24
- Up to age 2422,80 EUR
- Digital passport photo at self-service terminal on site (additional)6,00 EUR
Good to know
With the permanent right of residence, you may freely enter and depart. You may also receive social benefits. This does not harm your residence status.
Unabhängig von den Voraussetzungen des § 2 Abs. 2 können daueraufenthaltsberechtigte Unionsbürger und Drittstaatsangehörige sodann ein- und ausreisen oder sich hier niederlassen. Die Inanspruchnahme von öffentlichen Mitteln ist gänzlich unschädlich.
VAB C.4a, S. 763-765
The authority MUST issue your permanent residence card within 6 months. This is a fixed deadline. You have a right to it.
Familienangehörigen aus Drittstaaten wird auf Antrag innerhalb einer Frist von 6 Monaten eine Daueraufenthaltskarte ausgestellt.
VAB C.4a, S. 763-765
You may be abroad for up to 6 months per year. This does not interrupt your continuous residence. The period counts from the day of departure.
Abwesenheiten von bis zu insgesamt 6 Monaten pro Jahr gerechnet ab der Ausreise unterbrechen nicht den ständigen rechtmäßigen Aufenthalt
VAB C.4a, S. 763-765
Contact & Responsibility
Find responsible department
The responsible department depends on your surname and/or nationality.
Report waiting time
Help the community by sharing your recent experience with appointment wait times.
Comments
Ratings and reviews from the community.
Something wrong? Help us improve this page.
Apply for Permanent Residence Card for Family Members of EU (except Germany) and EEA Citizens
After the appointment, it takes approximately 4 weeks until the permanent residence card is issued as an electronic residence title and can be collected.