{"id":2454,"date":"2024-08-20T09:47:53","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T07:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/?page_id=2454"},"modified":"2025-12-17T10:30:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T09:30:09","slug":"niederlassungserlaubnis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/niederlassungserlaubnis\/","title":{"rendered":"How can I get the permanent residence permit?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\u25b7 See all <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/buerokratie-guidelines\/\">step-by-step guides<\/a>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2100 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/property-2-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/property-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/property-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/property-2.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out in 9 steps how to get the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit). <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>A quick overview<\/strong><\/span>: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check if you meet the requirements regarding the duration of residence, pension contributions and income.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the B1 German test and the naturalization test (Einb\u00fcrgerungstest).<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Collect all necessary documents. Submit the complete application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tipp:\u00a0<\/strong>Take our <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/test-einbuergerung\/\">free test<\/a> to find out if you can apply for permanent residency. On <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/tipps-einbuergerung\/\">this page<\/a>, you can find a checklist of all necessary documents and a sample application.<\/p>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: semi-bold;\"><strong>Click on headlines<\/strong> to open steps<\/span><\/summary>\n<ul>\n<li>For more information, click on the small <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>numbers<\/strong><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"1\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-1\">1<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-1\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"1\">Example<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">1. Inform yourself about the application process<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1979 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/website-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/website-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/website-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/website.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform yourself about the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>requirements<\/strong><\/span> for the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit). Take our <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/test-einbuergerung\/\">free test<\/a> to find out if you meet the requirements to apply for a Niederlassungserlaubnis. These are:<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You have a residence permit since 5 years (see 2) and have paid into the pension system for 5 years (see 3). There are many exceptions.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You have a sufficiently high income (see 4).<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You have passed the B1 German test and the naturalization test (Einb\u00fcrgerungstest) (see 6).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Inform yourself about the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>process<\/strong><\/span>:\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">If possible, <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>book an appointment first<\/strong><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"2\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-2\">2<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-2\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"2\">In some cities or districts, the appointment can be booked online. If this is not possible, ask by phone or email how you can get an appointment.<\/span> Look for the appointment early on, as they are often hard to get.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Alternatively, you can send the application and documents <strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">online or by post<\/span><\/strong>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"3\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-3\">3<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-3\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"3\">In some cities or districts, there are no appointments or even after several attempts you do <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/auslaenderbehoerde\/\">not get an appointment<\/a>. You can also choose to send the application online or by post for other reasons.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will have to pay a fee of <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>between 113 and 147 euros<\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">2. Check if your residence period is sufficient<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1821 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/question.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Check the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>required <\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>years of legal residence<\/strong><\/span>:\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Generally <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>5 years<\/strong><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span lang=\"de\">Recognized refugees or those entitled to asylum<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"4\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-4\">4<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-4\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"4\">Not for subsidiary protection or deportation ban.<\/span> with a german C1-certificate: <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 years<\/strong><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"de\"><span lang=\"de\">Skilled workers<\/span><\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"5\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-5\">5<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-5\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"5\">You must be working as a skilled worker. Skilled workers perform jobs that require vocational training or a university degree.<\/span>: <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 years<\/strong><\/span> of residence as a skilled worker (if you have obtained your qualifications in Germany: 2 years).<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"de\"><span lang=\"de\">Additional more favorable regulations apply for the <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Blue Card<\/span><\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"6\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-6\">6<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-6\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"6\">21 months (with B1) or 27 months (with A1) of residence with a Blue Card.<\/span>, self-employment<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"7\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-7\">7<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-7\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"7\">3 years residence as a self-employed person<\/span> and for family members of German citizens.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"8\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-8\">8<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-8\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"8\">usually 3 years<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Check if the <strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">duration <span style=\"caret-color: #ff9900;\">of<\/span> your asylum procedure<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0counts:\n<ul>\n<li>Generally: Only the time since you had a residence title counts. The time of asylum process and Duldung (tolerated stay permit) <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>does not count<\/strong><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span lang=\"de\">Resident permits as recognized refugees <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Fl\u00fcchtlingseigenschaft), <\/span>those entitled to asylum and\u00a0with subsidiary protection: The time of your asylum process <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>counts<\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"9\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-9\">9<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-9\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"9\">In the case of a deportation ban, the time of your asylum procedure also counts, but you may additionally need to have had a residence permit for 3 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Additionally: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must have a <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>valid residence permit<\/strong><\/span>,<\/span> must usually not have been convicted of a crime, and your identity must be verified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">3. Check your pension contributions<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-2102\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pension-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pension-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pension-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pension.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>required years of pension contributions<\/strong><\/span>:\n<ul>\n<li>Generally: <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>5 years<\/strong><\/span> (60 months).<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span lang=\"de\">Skilled workers: <\/span><span lang=\"de\"><span lang=\"de\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 years<\/strong><\/span> (36 months) (in case of qualification in Germany: 2 years (24 months)).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span lang=\"de\">Additional more favorable regulations for the Blue Card.<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"10\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-10\">10<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-10\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"10\">21 months (with B1) or 27 months (with A1).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div><span lang=\"de\">The following persons do <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>not need contributions <\/strong><\/span><\/span>to the pension system:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span lang=\"de\">You are a recognized refugees or are entitled to asylum.<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"11\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-11\">11<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-11\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"11\">Does not apply to subsidiary protection or deportation ban.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You are a high-school student, university student, or trainee (Auszubildende).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You were younger than 18 years old when you entered Germany.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"12\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-12\">12<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-12\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"12\">Under certain conditions (\u00a7 35 AufenthG).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You are a family member of a German citizen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You are not able to work due to illness or disability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pension contributions <\/span><span lang=\"de\">are usually paid during your working periods.<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"13\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-13\">13<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-13\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"13\">The months of pension contributions do not need to be consecutive. They can come from different jobs.<\/span> You can also <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>pay them voluntarily<\/strong><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"14\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-14\">14<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-14\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"14\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de\/DRV\/DE\/Ueber-uns-und-Presse\/Presse\/Meldungen\/2024\/240226-freiwillige-beitraege-lohnen-sich.html\">Minimum contribution approx. 100 \u20ac per month<\/a>. Contributions can be paid retroactively until the end of March of the following year. If it&#8217;s important for your Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit), make sure to pay pension insurance even with a mini-job.<\/span> Ask the pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) for your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eservice-drv.de\/SelfServiceWeb\/\">insurance history<\/a><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"15\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-15\">15<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-15\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"15\">Select \u201cInsurance history\u201d, enter your social insurance number and your first and last name. You will receive the information by post in a few days. With your electronic residence permit and PIN you can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eservice-drv.de\/SelfServiceWeb\/\">online login<\/a> and download.<\/span> and check the months you have completed so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">4. Check if your income is sufficient<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-2103\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/salary-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/salary-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/salary-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/salary.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span lang=\"en\">Calculate if your <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>income is sufficient<\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"16\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-16\">16<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-16\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"16\">Rough estimate: The sum of your net income and child benefit should be greater than: \u20ac1,500 (1 person), \u20ac2,200 (2 people), \u20ac2,600 (3 people), \u20ac3,000 (4 people), \u20ac3,400 (5 people).<\/span> It usually has to be so high that you can&#8217;t get any money from the Jobcenter (citizen&#8217;s allowance) or social assistance (Sozialhilfe).<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"en\">Enter your income<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"17\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-17\">17<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-17\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"17\">Possible income sources are work, pension, self-employment as well as unemployment benefits (only ALG1), child benefits, supplementary child allowance (Kinderzuschlag), child-raising allowance (Erziehungsgeld), parental allowance (Elterngeld), BAf\u00f6G (student allowance), BAB (vocational training allowance) and advance maintenance payment (Unterhaltsvorschuss).<\/span>, rent, heating costs, and number of children into an <span lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brutto-netto-rechner.info\/buergergeld-rechner.php\">online B\u00fcrgergeld calculator<\/a><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"18\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-18\">18<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-18\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"18\">If you live with a partner, you must also enter their income.<\/span> If the calculator states that your B\u00fcrgergeld is \u20ac0, your income is likely sufficient.<\/li>\n<li>In some cases, a <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>lower income<\/strong><\/span> may be sufficient:\n<ul>\n<li>Recognized refugees or those entitled to asylum<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"19\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-19\">19<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-19\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"19\">Does not apply to subsidiary protection or deportation ban.<\/span>: After 5 years (with A2): at least 50% of the amount. After 3 years (with C1): at least 75% of the amount.<\/li>\n<li>If you are at school, at a university or a in a vocational training program (Ausbildung): BAf\u00f6G (student allowance) or training salary+BAB (vocational training allowance) may possibly be sufficient.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"20\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-20\">20<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-20\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"20\">U<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nder certain conditions (\u00a7 35 AufenthG) no proof is required, if <\/span>you entered Germany younger than 18 years old.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Incapacity to work due to illness or disability: No income required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">5. Consider naturalization as an alternative<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1975\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/passport-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/passport-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/passport-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/passport.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div><span lang=\"en\">The requirements for a Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit) and <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/einbuergerung\/\">German citizenship<\/a><\/span> are similar. <span>Take our <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/test-einbuergerung\/\">free test<\/a> to find out if you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. <\/span>In these cases, <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>naturalization<\/strong><\/span> might be easier:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>You have legally resided in Germany for 5 years or more, but have not paid pensions long enough.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"21\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-21\">21<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-21\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"21\">This can be the case, for example, with people with subsidiary protection who have been in Germany for 5 years but have not yet paid into the pension insurance for 5 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>You speak German at C1 level (e.g., university\/Abitur).<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"22\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-22\">22<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-22\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"22\">Naturalization may be possible after 3 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 22px;\"><b>6. Take the B1 German exam and the naturalization test<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1978\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/lightbulb-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/lightbulb-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/lightbulb-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/lightbulb.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check which tests you have to take:\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Generally: <span lang=\"de\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">B1 <span style=\"caret-color: #ff9900;\">language<\/span> test<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0(oral and written)<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"23\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-23\">23<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-23\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"23\"><span lang=\"de\">With a Blue Card or (under certain conditions) if you had a residence permit on 31.12.2004, you need A1.<\/span><\/span> and the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>naturalization test<\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"24\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-24\">24<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-24\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"24\">The naturalization test and the integration test \u201cLeben in Deutschland\u201d are the same. You can take the test at the end of the integration course or indepedently<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span lang=\"de\">Recognized refugees or those entitled to asylum<\/span>: <span lang=\"de\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">A2 language test<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0(oral)<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"25\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-25\">25<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-25\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"25\">For permanent residence after 5 years.<\/span> and the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>naturalization test<\/strong><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">With a German school diploma, vocational training (Ausbildung), or university degree: <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>No tests<\/strong><\/span> required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"de\">You can take the B1 course together with the integration course or at a <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>language school<\/strong><\/span><\/span>. You can also take the exam <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>without a course<\/strong><\/span>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"26\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-26\">26<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-26\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"26\">This is possible, for example, at the Goethe-Institut or TELC. If you only take the exam, it is very important that you prepare well for it.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can take the naturalization test<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with the integration course. The test is also offered by other organizations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Register early for the tests<\/strong><\/span>. It is often difficult to get appointments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">7. Collect all documents<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1556\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/documentation-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/documentation-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/documentation-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/documentation.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check the website of your city or municipality to find out <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>which documents<\/strong><\/span> you need and collect them all. On <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/tipps-einbuergerung\/\">this page<\/a>, you will find application tips, a checklist and a sample application including all the necessary documents. Usually, you need:\n<ul>\n<li><span lang=\"de\">Application form from your immigration authority.<\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"27\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-27\">27<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-27\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"27\">\n<div><span lang=\"de\">Only in case that there is an (online) application form available. Otherwise, the application can also be submitted without a form. In that case, write down since when you have been living in Germany and for how long you have had a residence title.<\/span><span lang=\"de\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>B1 exam certificate and the naturalization test certificate.<\/li>\n<li>\n<div><span lang=\"de\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eservice-drv.de\/SelfServiceWeb\/\">Insurance history<\/a><\/span> of the pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung).<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"de\">Copy of your employment contract<\/span>, letter from your company confirming that you are currently employed. Here you can find a <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Positive-Prognose-.pdf\">downloadable employer confirmation form<\/a> for you and your employer to use. <sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"28\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-28\">28<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-28\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"28\"> This certificate must not be older than 14 days.<\/span> and proof of income for the last 6 months or income tax assessment.<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the rental agreement, proof of current rent, and a copy of the heating costs bill.<\/li>\n<li>Copy of your passport, residence permit, and registration certificate, biometric photos.<\/li>\n<li>Membership certificate of your health insurance.<\/li>\n<li>Tip: Include a screenshot of your result of the online B\u00fcrgergeld calculator (see point 6).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If you submit your application in a <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>personal appointment<\/strong><\/span>, bring all documents with you to the office.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">8. Send your application or deliver it to the office<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1982\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/delivery-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/delivery-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/delivery-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/delivery.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check carefully if your application and the necessary documents are <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>complete<\/strong><\/span>. You can also ask someone for help or contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/beratungsstelle\/\">advisory center<\/a>.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"29\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-29\">29<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-29\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"29\">If you are missing a few months of residence or pension insurance, you may possibly still be able to submit the application. This also applies if you are missing a document (e.g., the B1 certificate). In that case, attach a document stating what you will send later (e.g., appointment booking for the B1 exam).<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Pay the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>fee<\/strong><\/span> (113 to 147 euros), if required by the immigration authority.<\/li>\n<li>Submit the application before your current residence permit expires and possibly apply for an extension of your residence permit at the same time.<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"de\">Submit the application <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>online<\/strong><\/span><\/span><sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"30\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-30\">30<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-30\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"30\">You must be able to prove that you have sent the application. Take a screenshot of the confirmation. Save an email confirmation as a PDF.<\/span> <span lang=\"de\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>or by post<\/strong><\/span><\/span> (as a registered letter (Einwurfeinschreiben)<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"31\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-31\">31<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-31\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"31\">The registered letter with proof of delivery is like a letter. But you get proof that it has arrived. It costs 3.10 \u20ac. To send it, you need to go to an office of Deutsche Post. The post office will give you a code with the delivery proof. Take a photo of the code and keep it.<\/span>). If you have an appointment, bring all documents with you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">9. Get your residence permit<\/span><\/summary>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1983 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/certificate-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/certificate-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/certificate-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/certificate.png 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Once the immigration authority has reviewed everything, they will send you a letter and an appointment to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>pick up your permanent residence permit<\/strong><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>If the immigration authority does not respond after <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>2 months<\/strong><\/span>, you can ask about the status of your application. If you haven\u2019t received a response after <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 to 6 months<\/strong><\/span>, you can consider to discuss <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>a lawsuit for inactivity <\/strong><\/span>(Klage wegen Unt\u00e4tigkeit) with a <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/anwaltssuche\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">lawyer<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>If you have a residence permit and leave Germany for more than 6 months, the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>permit will become invalid<\/strong><\/span>. Make sure to get information before traveling for an extended period.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote modern-footnotes-footnote--hover-on-desktop \" data-mfn=\"32\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\"  role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-32\">32<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-00000000000020f50000000000000000_2454-32\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"32\">There are exceptions if you have already lived in Germany for more than 15 years (\u00a7 51 AufenthG)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<p>This page was realized with the support of the Postcode Lottery and lawyer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nora-ebeling.de\/\">Nora Ebeling<\/a> (Last updated October 2024).<br \/>\n\u25b7\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/buerokratie-guidelines\/\">View all step-by-step guides<\/a>.<br \/>\n\u25b7\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/kontakt\/\">Get in touch with us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h6 class=\"modern-footnotes-list-heading modern-footnotes-list-heading--show-only-for-print\">Fu\u00dfnoten<\/h6><ul class=\"modern-footnotes-list modern-footnotes-list--show-only-for-print\"><li><span>1<\/span><div>Example<\/div><\/li><li><span>2<\/span><div>In some cities or districts, the appointment can be booked online. If this is not possible, ask by phone or email how you can get an appointment.<\/div><\/li><li><span>3<\/span><div>In some cities or districts, there are no appointments or even after several attempts you do <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/auslaenderbehoerde\/\">not get an appointment<\/a>. You can also choose to send the application online or by post for other reasons.<\/div><\/li><li><span>4<\/span><div>Not for subsidiary protection or deportation ban.<\/div><\/li><li><span>5<\/span><div>You must be working as a skilled worker. Skilled workers perform jobs that require vocational training or a university degree.<\/div><\/li><li><span>6<\/span><div>21 months (with B1) or 27 months (with A1) of residence with a Blue Card.<\/div><\/li><li><span>7<\/span><div>3 years residence as a self-employed person<\/div><\/li><li><span>8<\/span><div>usually 3 years<\/div><\/li><li><span>9<\/span><div>In the case of a deportation ban, the time of your asylum procedure also counts, but you may additionally need to have had a residence permit for 3 years.<\/div><\/li><li><span>10<\/span><div>21 months (with B1) or 27 months (with A1).<\/div><\/li><li><span>11<\/span><div>Does not apply to subsidiary protection or deportation ban.<\/div><\/li><li><span>12<\/span><div>Under certain conditions (\u00a7 35 AufenthG).<\/div><\/li><li><span>13<\/span><div>The months of pension contributions do not need to be consecutive. They can come from different jobs.<\/div><\/li><li><span>14<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de\/DRV\/DE\/Ueber-uns-und-Presse\/Presse\/Meldungen\/2024\/240226-freiwillige-beitraege-lohnen-sich.html\">Minimum contribution approx. 100 \u20ac per month<\/a>. Contributions can be paid retroactively until the end of March of the following year. If it&#8217;s important for your Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit), make sure to pay pension insurance even with a mini-job.<\/div><\/li><li><span>15<\/span><div>Select \u201cInsurance history\u201d, enter your social insurance number and your first and last name. You will receive the information by post in a few days. With your electronic residence permit and PIN you can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eservice-drv.de\/SelfServiceWeb\/\">online login<\/a> and download.<\/div><\/li><li><span>16<\/span><div>Rough estimate: The sum of your net income and child benefit should be greater than: \u20ac1,500 (1 person), \u20ac2,200 (2 people), \u20ac2,600 (3 people), \u20ac3,000 (4 people), \u20ac3,400 (5 people).<\/div><\/li><li><span>17<\/span><div>Possible income sources are work, pension, self-employment as well as unemployment benefits (only ALG1), child benefits, supplementary child allowance (Kinderzuschlag), child-raising allowance (Erziehungsgeld), parental allowance (Elterngeld), BAf\u00f6G (student allowance), BAB (vocational training allowance) and advance maintenance payment (Unterhaltsvorschuss).<\/div><\/li><li><span>18<\/span><div>If you live with a partner, you must also enter their income.<\/div><\/li><li><span>19<\/span><div>Does not apply to subsidiary protection or deportation ban.<\/div><\/li><li><span>20<\/span><div>U<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nder certain conditions (\u00a7 35 AufenthG) no proof is required, if <\/span>you entered Germany younger than 18 years old.<\/div><\/li><li><span>21<\/span><div>This can be the case, for example, with people with subsidiary protection who have been in Germany for 5 years but have not yet paid into the pension insurance for 5 years.<\/div><\/li><li><span>22<\/span><div>Naturalization may be possible after 3 years.<\/div><\/li><li><span>23<\/span><div><span lang=\"de\">With a Blue Card or (under certain conditions) if you had a residence permit on 31.12.2004, you need A1.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><span>24<\/span><div>The naturalization test and the integration test \u201cLeben in Deutschland\u201d are the same. You can take the test at the end of the integration course or indepedently<\/div><\/li><li><span>25<\/span><div>For permanent residence after 5 years.<\/div><\/li><li><span>26<\/span><div>This is possible, for example, at the Goethe-Institut or TELC. If you only take the exam, it is very important that you prepare well for it.<\/div><\/li><li><span>27<\/span><div>\n<div><span lang=\"de\">Only in case that there is an (online) application form available. Otherwise, the application can also be submitted without a form. In that case, write down since when you have been living in Germany and for how long you have had a residence title.<\/span><span lang=\"de\"><\/div><\/li><li><span>28<\/span><div> This certificate must not be older than 14 days.<\/div><\/li><li><span>29<\/span><div>If you are missing a few months of residence or pension insurance, you may possibly still be able to submit the application. This also applies if you are missing a document (e.g., the B1 certificate). In that case, attach a document stating what you will send later (e.g., appointment booking for the B1 exam).<\/div><\/li><li><span>30<\/span><div>You must be able to prove that you have sent the application. Take a screenshot of the confirmation. Save an email confirmation as a PDF.<\/div><\/li><li><span>31<\/span><div>The registered letter with proof of delivery is like a letter. But you get proof that it has arrived. It costs 3.10 \u20ac. To send it, you need to go to an office of Deutsche Post. The post office will give you a code with the delivery proof. Take a photo of the code and keep it.<\/div><\/li><li><span>32<\/span><div>There are exceptions if you have already lived in Germany for more than 15 years (\u00a7 51 AufenthG)<\/div><\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u25b7 See all step-by-step guides. Find out in 9 steps how to get the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit). A quick overview: Check if you meet the requirements regarding the duration of residence, pension contributions and income. Take the B1 German test and the naturalization test (Einb\u00fcrgerungstest). Collect all necessary documents. Submit the complete application. Tipp:\u00a0Take [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2454","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How can I get the permanent residence permit? - LIFE Initiative<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/niederlassungserlaubnis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How can I get the permanent residence permit? - LIFE Initiative\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u25b7 See all step-by-step guides. Find out in 9 steps how to get the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit). A quick overview: Check if you meet the requirements regarding the duration of residence, pension contributions and income. Take the B1 German test and the naturalization test (Einb\u00fcrgerungstest). Collect all necessary documents. Submit the complete application. 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