Apply for Settlement Permit for Persons with Subsidiary Protection or Federal Admission Commitment
Apply for an indefinite settlement permit as a person with subsidiary protection after 5 years.
At a glance
How do you apply for a settlement permit as a person with subsidiary protection?
You received subsidiary protection from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)? Or you hold a residence permit based on an admission commitment by the federal government? Then you can apply for an indefinite settlement permit after 5 years of lawful residence. This is at the authority''s discretion.
You must submit the application exclusively online. Use the Quick Check beforehand to see whether your application is likely to be successful. After submitting, you will receive a PDF confirmation. This certifies that your current residence title remains valid beyond its previous expiry date in Germany. This does not apply if you hold a Schengen visa (C visa).
If you hold a humanitarian residence permit for a different reason, find out about the settlement permits available to you in the Further Information section.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You are an adult (at least 18 years) and have held a residence permit under Section 23 para. 2 or Section 25 para. 2 of the Residence Act (subsidiary protection) for at least 5 years. Periods of an asylum procedure are generally credited for up to 2 years. Periods with toleration status (Duldung) are not credited.
Additional requirements
- Your livelihood and that of your close family members must be secured through your own income. You must not receive or be entitled to citizen's allowance (Buergergeld) or social assistance. This requirement is waived if you cannot secure your livelihood due to a permanent illness (specialist medical certificate required). In a marriage or registered life partnership, income proof may also be provided by the spouse or registered life partner.
- You need adequate health insurance in Germany (statutory or comparable private), at least 60 months of pension insurance contributions (or comparable retirement provision) and sufficient living space. Periods of childcare or home care are credited. Self-employed persons can also prove retirement provision through their own assets or business assets. The retirement provision requirement is waived from age 67 or in the case of a medically certified illness or disability.
- You must prove sufficient German language skills at B1 level and basic knowledge of the legal and social system. In the case of a permanent illness or disability, this is waived (specialist medical certificate required).
- There must be no indications of a threat to public safety or order. Even fines can prevent the issuance. During an ongoing investigation, the application must not be processed.
- You must have your main residence in Berlin and provide a current email address.
How to apply
Use the online Quick Check to see whether your application is likely to be successful
Gather all required documents and have them ready in PDF format if possible
Complete the online application, pay the processing fee and submit the application -- save the confirmation
Wait for the review by the State Office for Immigration (LEA). If necessary, the LEA will request further documents
Receive an appointment and bring all documents listed in the invitation letter in original
Done! You may receive an indefinite settlement permit. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis
Good to know
The authority decides on your settlement permit at its discretion. You do not have an automatic entitlement. This distinguishes you from recognised refugees, who have a legal entitlement.
Anders als bei der Entscheidung nach § 9 handelt es sich bei der Entscheidung über die Niederlassungserlaubnis nach § 26 Abs. 4 um eine Ermessensentscheidung.
VAB A.26, S. 348-357
When you receive the settlement permit, the reunification of your family is facilitated. This applies specifically to persons with former subsidiary protection under Section 25(2), second alternative.
der Nachzug zum Inhaber einer Niederlassungserlaubnis nach § 26 Abs. 4 privilegiert, wenn dieser zuvor im Besitz einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 25 Abs. 2, 2. Alt. (subsidiärer Schutz) war.
VAB A.26, S. 348-357
You cannot obtain a passport from your home country? Then the authority must exercise its discretion in your favour. Together with the settlement permit, you will also receive a travel document for foreigners.
Soweit die Voraussetzungen des § 5 AufenthV erfüllt sind (Passlosigkeit und Unzumutbarkeit der Passbeschaffung) ist das Ermessen für den Versagungsgrund § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 allerdings zugunsten des Antragstellers auszuüben. Hier ist mit Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis ein Reiseausweis für Ausländer auszustellen.
VAB A.26, S. 348-357
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Apply for Settlement Permit for Persons with Subsidiary Protection or Federal Admission Commitment
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.