What is a residence permit?

Table of Contents

A residence permit is usually granted for a maximum of 3 years, after which it can be extended. A residence permit is issued for a limited period so that it can be revoked if the foreigner who has moved to the country does not fulfill his/her civic duties. Anyone applying for a residence permit must have a reason for this request. The various reasons for moving to a foreign country are assigned to specific paragraphs.

Applying for a residence permit to:

to be able to carry out a course of study or training (§ 16-17)
to be able to carry out a professional activity (§ 18)
to be able to live in another country for humanitarian, international law or political reasons (§ 22 - 26, 104a, 104b)
to be able to achieve family reunification (§ 27 – 36)
to enable former Germans or foreigners to return to Germany (§ 37 – 38)
Persons who have a permanent right of residence in another EU state to legalize their stay in Germany (§ 38a)

Where can a residence permit be applied for?

The residence permit must be obtained from the local foreigners Authority be requested. The application for the initial issue of a residence permit can be made at the German diplomatic mission in your home country.

After entering the Federal Republic of Germany, the residence permit must be regularly extended. After a period of residence of 5 years in the Federal Republic of Germany, an unlimited residence permit can be applied for at the competent foreigners authority.

The requirements for the grant

The requirements that must be met for the granting of a residence permit are specified. Fulfilling the requirements 100 percent is the basis for issuing a residence permit.

After a maximum period of 3 years after the residence permit has been issued, it expires. It can be extended after checking whether all the requirements for granting are still fully met.

If the reasons given for your stay in Germany (see division into paragraphs) no longer apply at this point in time, the immigration authorities may refuse to extend your residence permit. In addition, applicants who have applied for a residence permit are subject to obligations that must be fulfilled. These obligations can e.g. B. Participation in an integration course.

The requirements that must be met in order to be granted a permanent residence permit include the following points:

proof of a valid right of residence, e.g. B. a visa or a residence permit
no criminal proceedings that are pending or that there are no previous convictions
the presence of proof of a valid passport
you must be able to secure your livelihood from your own resources
a residence permit that has been in existence for at least five years
Payment into the statutory pension insurance for at least 60 months
Proof of the reason for your stay
adequate health insurance
Good knowledge of the German social system and the German language
a main place of residence in the city where the application for a permanent residence permit is submitted, with sufficient living space for the specified number of people

If necessary, the foreigners authority can request further documents and papers, which must then be submitted promptly. Depending on the situation, the requirements for a permanent residence permit may vary.

Are you expecting visitors from abroad? With a Travel insurance for foreign guests benefit from comprehensive protection in Germany and Europe.

Costs

The costs for the first issuance of a residence permit in the Federal Republic of Germany are 100 euros. A residence permit must be regularly extended before its validity expires so that the residence permit does not expire.

If a residence permit is extended by more than 3 months, the fee for the extension is 93 euros. The term "unlimited residence permit" has not been used since January 1, 2005. Since then, foreigners who have an unlimited and unlimited right of residence have received a “settlement permit”. This is equivalent to the former permanent residence permit.

Can you work with a residence permit?

The immigration authorities can issue a work permit together with a residence permit. However, this is only possible if the employment administration has given its consent. Approval is requested in an internal procedure. If the residence permit has been issued without a work permit, applicants can ask the competent foreigners authority whether it is possible to issue a work permit.

One Eligibility to work is therefore not automatically included in a residence permit.

The difference between residence title and residence permit

A residence permit must be applied for before entering the Federal Republic of Germany and regularly renewed after entry. If the requirements for a place of residence in Germany cannot be met or proven by those affected, the immigration authorities can refuse to extend a residence permit.

Under the designation residence permit the granting of a settlement permit is understood as a permanent residence permit. This does not have to be continuously extended, as it is unlimited.

residence permit