In Germany, various temporary residency permits and the German permanent residency permit, also known as a settlement permit, are available, each with its own requirements. The settlement permit is granted to non-EU citizens residing in Germany for five years or more. This permit offers the advantage of free movement within the Eurozone and doesn’t require renewal, making it an open-ended residency permit. It’s important to note that this is distinct from becoming a German citizen through naturalization. Explore the permit types, application process, requirements, and get an idea of the timeline for obtaining your permit.

What Is PR In Germany?

An Australia PR is a point-based permanent residency visa that grants the holder the right to Live, Work, and Settle in Australia permanently. The visa allows residency for five years, and after spending four years in Australia on a PR visa, one can apply for Australian citizenship.

Benefits Of Germany PR

  1. No need to reapply for PR during indefinite stay.
  2. No job change requirement or restrictions on starting unrelated businesses.
  3. Eligible for social security assistance, including unemployment benefits.
  4. Easy approval for bank loans.
  5. After eight years, eligible for naturalization as German citizens.
  6. Admission to any German University with financial assistance during the course.

How Many Years To Get PR In The Germany?

To qualify for this permit, you need to have resided in Germany for at least five years (or three years if married to a German citizen). You must demonstrate evidence of employment, financial stability, and proficiency in the German language. With this permit, you can stay in Germany indefinitely.

How Long Until I Can Become A German Permanent Resident?

The time it takes to become a German permanent resident varies based on your current situation:

  1. Skilled Worker: 4 years
  2. Researcher: 4 years
  3. Skilled Worker with German degree or training: 2 years
  4. EU Blue Cardholder: 33 months (21 months with good German language skills)
  5. Self-employed: 3 years
  6. Freelancer: 5 years
  7. Family member of a German national: 3 years
  8. Asylum seeker or refugee: 5 years (can be shortened to 3 years with good German skills and financial independence).

Where Can I Travel With German Permanent Residence?

If you possess a German permanent residence permit, you can travel to all Schengen Area countries and the following non-Schengen countries without needing a separate visa:

  1. Albania
  2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  3. Bulgaria
  4. Croatia
  5. Cyprus
  6. Georgia
  7. Kosovo
  8. Mexico
  9. Montenegro
  10. North Macedonia
  11. Romania
  12. Turkey (with an eVisa)

How To Get Germany PR?

Step 1: Register Your German Address

Before applying for German permanent residency, register your German address within the first 90 days of your stay. Failure to do so may result in fines and application rejection.

Step 2: Get Health Insurance and Bank Account

Obtain health insurance from a German company, as foreign policies are rarely accepted. Additionally, open a German bank account to demonstrate financial stability during your stay.

Step 3: Get an Appointment and Fill out the Form

Schedule an appointment at the local immigration office to obtain the permanent residency form. Attend the appointment promptly to avoid delays, as immigration offices can be crowded.

Step 4: Show up Early

Arrive early on the appointment day. Submit all required documents and undergo a brief interview to verify their authenticity.

Step 5: Make Payment

After the interview, proceed to the payment counter to submit the application fee. Payment can be made in cash, through a bank, or using an EC card. Once completed, wait for approval.

Germany PR Requirements

Understanding the specific requirements for the chosen immigration pathway is key to a successful Canada PR application. The process might seem intricate initially, but breaking it down based on your chosen route simplifies the journey. It’s all about aligning with the right program and meeting the associated criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

According to Australia’s PR eligibility criteria, you must fulfil the following requirements:

  1. Minimum Points: You need to have a minimum of 65 points under Point’s Grid.
  2. Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a good hold in English.
  3. Age: You should be younger than 45 years to be eligible for Australian citizenship.
  4. Skills Assessment: The officials will run a skill assessment based on work and education experience.
  5. Nominated Occupation: Make sure your occupation is listed under Australia’s Demand List.
  6. Medical Status: Lastly, you must have good health and character status.

Documents Required To Apply For Germany PR After Study

  1. Identification proof
  2. Immigration pass
  3. Passport with a validity of six months 
  4. Name changing certificate and deed poll, if required
  5. Two passport-sized photos
  6. Certificate of the highest degree of education
  7. Proof of the individual’s date of birth
  8. Current employment letter with every detail of your employment
  9. Registration certificate showing details of shareholders and owner in case of self-employed business
  10. Signed consent issued by the Tax department to obtain financial documents

There are other documents too that are necessary if you fall under a particular category like:

For Employed Individuals

  • Contract of employment
  • Previous six-month salary statement
  • Employer’s current certificate as issued in the last fourteen days
  • Pension insurance documentation certificate

For Self-Employed Individuals or Freelancers

  • The current tax assessment notice
  • Audit report carried by a professional auditor, tax consultant or tax agent
  • Any other document that officials may ask

Different Pathways To Apply For Permanent Residency In Germany

PR in Germany for Graduates

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Job connected to vocational training or education in Germany.
  • Fluent in at least B1 level German and pass ‘Life in Germany’ exam.
  • Pension insurance not due for the next 24 months.

PR in Germany for Highly Qualified Professionals:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Can integrate into German life.
  • Academically trained.
  • Can afford own expenses without public assistance.

PR in Germany for EU Blue Card Holders:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Fluent in A1 German language.
  • Settle in the German way of living.
  • Adequate space to spend a lifetime.

PR in Germany for Self-Employed:

Eligibility Criteria to Set up a Business:

  • Economic interest in a specific region.
  • Ability to finance business through own capital or loan commitment.
  • Adequate provision certificates for individuals above 45.

Eligibility Criteria for Freelancers:

  • Evidence of funding projects.
  • Requisite licenses for the field of work.
  • Old age pension provision certificates for individuals above 45.

PR for Family Members of Someone With German Residence:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Fluent in B1 level German.
  • Hold a valid work permit.
  • Contributed to the pension insurance fund.
  • Intent to continue living as a German citizen.
  • Sufficient personal income without social security assistance.

Additional Requirement for Dependent Family Members:

  • Five-year stay proof.

Cost For Germany PR

The cost of your permanent residence permit depends on the type of permit you have:

  1. For skilled workers, the fee is €113.
  2. For freelancers or self-employed individuals, the fee is €124.
  3. For highly qualified professionals, the fee is €147.
  4. For Turkish citizens, the fee is €28.80.

Processing Time Of Germany PR

Getting your Australia PR visa is a multistage process, and each stage comes with its own timeframe:

  • Skill Assessment: This stage typically takes 45 to 90 days.
  • Visa Approval: The approval process can range from 3 to 12 months.
  • Preparation for Departure: Once approved, you’ll need 2-3 weeks to get ready.

In total, the Australia PR visa application process can take around 6.5 to 8 months. While it may seem complex, seeking assistance from an immigration consultant with over 15 years of expertise can make it smoother. They’ve helped numerous individuals secure their Australia PR visas.

Apply For PR In Germany

  1. Visit the Immigration office where you got the initial residence permit to make an appointment.
  2. Fill up the provided application form.
  3. Collect the required documents.
  4. Move to the Immigration Officer with your application form and documents for an interview.
  5. If applying as the spouse of a German National, ensure your spouse is present during the interview.
  6. Pay the application fee.

How To Track The Application Status Of PR Process In The Germany Online?

The process is simple; just follow the below steps:

Step 1: Visit the official VFS website.

Step 2: Select ‘Track your Application.’

Step 3: Provide your application reference number, date of birth, and captcha in the dialogue box.

Step 4: Fill in the required information and click ‘Submit’ to check your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get PR if I buy property in Germany?

Buying property alone cannot grant you a PR. It is also a clear violation of Germany PR rules. However, having a PR permit will allow you to buy property in Germany.

Can someone lose their German permanent residence permit?

If a person leaves Germany for taking short trips, they need not worry about losing a permanent residence permit. However, if the vacation exceeds six months, they may lose it.

Is getting a PR in Germany easy?

You can apply for a Germany PR right away if you are a highly qualified worker with the required annual income. You can get a PR visa immediately if you have specialized technical knowledge or are active in academic teaching or research. You’ll need the following items for this: Evidence of your employment offer.

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