Obtain Certificate of Permanent Residence Right
You hold an indefinite residence title and plan an extended stay abroad? This certificate secures your re-entry.
At a glance
What is the certificate of an indefinite right of residence?
You hold a settlement permit or an EU long-term residence permit and plan an extended stay abroad? Then your residence title may expire. A settlement permit expires after at least six months of uninterrupted absence. An EU long-term residence permit expires after twelve months outside the EU or after six years in another EU member state.
However, there are exceptions. Your residence title does not expire if you live in a marital union with a German national. Or if you have lived in Germany for at least 15 years and your livelihood is secured.
In these exceptional cases, you can apply for a certificate. It proves that your indefinite residence title remains valid. This makes re-entry easier. You can apply for the certificate before or after leaving Germany.
Note: EU citizens, nationals of EEA states and Swiss nationals do not receive this certificate.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You hold an indefinite residence title (settlement permit, EU long-term residence permit or an indefinite residence permit or residence authorisation issued before 01.01.2005).
Additional requirements
- You live in a marital union with a German national. Or you have lived in Germany for at least 15 years and your livelihood is secured without public benefits under SGB II or XII.
- There must be no grounds for expulsion under Section 54 para. 1 no. 2 to 5 or para. 2 no. 5 to 7 of the Residence Act.
- The certificate is only issued if Berlin is or was the place of your last habitual residence.
- EU and EEA nationals as well as Swiss nationals do not receive this certificate.
How to apply
Check whether you meet the requirements: marital union with a German national or at least 15 years of residence in Germany with a secured livelihood.
Gather all necessary documents: passport with your indefinite residence title, biometric photo and if applicable proof of livelihood.
Submit the application in person on site or in writing from abroad at the foreigners authority.
Done! You will receive the certificate proving the continued validity of your indefinite residence title.
Adults
- Minors9,00 EUR
Exemptions
- Turkish nationals
Good to know
You can apply to the immigration authority for a longer re-entry period. The period can be up to 2 years. You generally have a statutory right to this if your stay abroad is temporary.
In solchen Fällen beträgt die Frist für einen unschädlichen Auslandsaufenthalt max. 2 Jahre.
VAB A.51, S. 455-463
Do you have an EU Blue Card? Then your residence title only expires after 12 months abroad. This also applies to your family members with a residence permit.
Diese erlischt nach einem Auslandsaufenthalt von mehr als 12 Monaten. Die Regelung gilt zur Vermeidung von Mobilitätshindernissen entsprechend auch für die Familienangehörigen des Inhabers der Blauen Karte EU.
VAB A.51, S. 455-463
Your settlement permit remains valid even without the continuation certificate. The certificate only confirms the existing status. You can also apply for it after you have already departed.
Die Niederlassungserlaubnis besteht ausweislich des Wortlauts auch ohne unsere Bescheinigung fort
VAB A.51, S. 455-463
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Obtain Certificate of Permanent Residence Right
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