Apply for Settlement Permit for EU Blue Card Holders
Secure your unlimited settlement permit as an EU Blue Card holder after 21 or 27 months of employment.
At a glance
How do you get a settlement permit with an EU Blue Card?
You have been employed for at least 27 months in a position that meets the requirements for an EU Blue Card? Then you have a statutory right to an unlimited settlement permit. The authority must grant it to you if you meet the requirements.
If you have sufficient German language skills at level B1, the period is reduced to 21 months. With basic German language skills at level A1, you need at least 27 months.
You submit the application exclusively online. Use the Quick Check beforehand to verify whether your application is likely to be successful. After the online application, you will receive a PDF confirmation. This keeps your current residence title valid beyond its previous expiry date.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You have been employed for at least 27 months (or 21 months with German language skills at B1) in a position that meets the requirements for an EU Blue Card under Section 18g AufenthG, and you continue to hold such employment.
Additional requirements
- You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance for the duration of employment, or have demonstrated comparable expenditure for private retirement provision.
- Your livelihood and that of your close family members is secured. You must not receive or be entitled to benefits such as Bürgergeld (citizens' benefit) or social welfare. The income of your spouse or registered life partner may be taken into account as a supplement.
- You are covered by health insurance in Germany (statutory or comparable private). You have no criminal convictions and no pending criminal proceedings.
- You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and have sufficient living space. Your primary 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 your 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 (in the online application)
- Issuance fee (at the in-person appointment)56,50 EUR
Good to know
Your electronic residence card contains the note "former holder of an EU Blue Card". This means you keep your right to move to other EU countries. This right arises from EU law and does not expire with the settlement permit.
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
For your settlement permit, the authority does not need approval from the Federal Employment Agency. The authority MUST grant you the settlement permit if you meet all requirements. The authority has no discretion.
Liegen die Erteilungsvoraussetzungen vor, ist eine Zustimmung der Arbeitsagentur ebenfalls nicht erforderlich. Es besteht ein Anspruch auf Erteilung. Ein Ermessen der Behörde ist nicht eröffnet.
VAB A.18c, S. 196-198
As a former holder of an EU Blue Card, you retain the privileges for family reunification. This also applies after the settlement permit has been granted. In addition, more favorable rules apply to you regarding the expiry of the residence title.
Da das Recht aus der Blauen Karte weiterhin besteht, gelten in diesen Fällen - auch aus systematischen Gründen - die Privilegierungen aus den §§ 30 Abs. 1 S. 3 Nr. 5, 51 Abs. 10 fort.
VAB A.18c, S. 196-198
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 Settlement Permit for EU Blue Card Holders
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.