Apply for Settlement Permit for Skilled Workers
Secure your indefinite settlement permit in Germany after 2 or 3 years as a skilled worker.
At a glance
How do you get a settlement permit as a skilled worker?
You have been working in Germany for at least 3 years as a skilled worker with a vocational qualification, academic qualification or in research? Then you have a statutory right to an indefinite settlement permit. The authority must grant it to you if you meet the requirements.
If you completed vocational training or a degree in Germany, this is possible after just 2 years of employment as a skilled worker.
You must submit the application exclusively online. Use the Quick Check beforehand to see whether your application is likely to be successful. After the online application, you will receive a PDF confirmation. This means your current residence title remains valid beyond its previous expiry date.
Note: If you hold an EU Blue Card as a skilled worker, slightly lower requirements with shorter periods apply. Find out more under the service Settlement permit for EU Blue Card holders.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You have held a residence title as a skilled worker for at least 3 years (e.g. under Section 18a, 18b or 18d of the Residence Act) and continue to be employed as a skilled worker. If you completed vocational training or a degree in Germany, the period is reduced to 2 years.
Additional requirements
- You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance or comparable contributions for at least 36 months (or 24 months with a German qualification).
- You have sufficient German language skills at level B1 of the CEFR.
- Your livelihood and that of your close family members is secured. You must not receive or be entitled to benefits such as citizen's allowance (Buergergeld) or social assistance. The income of the spouse or registered life partner can be taken into account.
- You are covered by health insurance in Germany (statutory or comparable private). You have no criminal record and no ongoing investigation.
- You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and have sufficient living space. Your main residence is in Berlin.
How to apply
Use the Quick Check to verify whether you meet the requirements
Submit the online application and upload all required documents
Pay the processing fee by credit card or PayPal and save the PDF confirmation
Wait for the review by the State Office for Immigration (LEA). The LEA will contact you and request further documents if needed.
Attend the appointment and bring all documents listed in the invitation letter in original
Done! The authority must grant you the settlement permit if you meet the requirements
Processing fee for highly qualified skilled workers with academic qualification (in online application)
- Issuance fee for highly qualified skilled workers with academic qualification (at appointment)73,50 EUR
- Processing fee for skilled workers in all other cases (in online application)56,50 EUR
- Issuance fee for skilled workers in all other cases (at appointment)56,50 EUR
Good to know
For your settlement permit, the authority does not need approval from the Federal Employment Agency. This makes the process faster and simpler for you.
Liegen die Erteilungsvoraussetzungen vor, ist eine Zustimmung der Arbeitsagentur nicht erforderlich.
VAB A.18c, S. 196-198
Have you already worked in Germany with a national visa? This time counts. It is credited towards the required employment period.
Die Zeit des Besitzes eines nationalen Visums ist nach § 6 Absatz 3 Satz 3 gleichfalls anzurechnen, soweit der Inhaber währenddessen schon einer entsprechenden Beschäftigung nachgegangen ist.
VAB A.18c, S. 196-198
Did you previously hold an EU Blue Card? Then you retain your EU mobility right even after the settlement permit. This is noted on your electronic residence title.
Er verdeutlicht, dass der Ausländer das Wanderungsrecht aus Art. 21 der Richtlinie (EU) 2021/1883 ableiten kann. Dieses Recht knüpft an den vorherigen Besitz der Blauen Karte an und entsteht kraft Unionsrecht. Es erlischt nicht durch den Wegfall der Blauen Karte mit der Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis.
VAB A.18c, S. 196-198
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Apply for Settlement Permit for Skilled Workers
If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment. At the appointment, you will receive a written confirmation of your lawful residence until the ordered residence title is handed over. After the appointment, it takes at least 4 weeks until the settlement permit is issued as an electronic residence title and can be collected.