Different German Residence Permits

How long does it take to get a Residence Permit in Germany?

From the time of your interview, provided your documents are completely in order, it will usually take around 2-3 weeks for your permanent residence Permit to be processed.

How much is a German Residence Permit?

The cost of a German residence permit can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of permit and the applicant's specific circumstances. Usually, it costs between €135 and €200.

Dual citizenship in Germany

Some individuals choose to progress from being a residence permit holder and apply to be a German Citizen with a German passport. Unlike nations that prohibit dual citizenship, it has long been possible to have dual citizenship in Germany, provided the other country also allows dual citizenship.

While it is allowed, individuals aren’t actively encouraged to have two passports. However, for EU nationals naturalized in Germany, dual citizenship is common. It is also permitted for refugees from countries where it is not possible to renounce citizenship. Countries that do not allow dual citizenship include China, Japan, and India. Individuals from those countries wishing to become naturalized Germans will need to give up their citizenship’s rights or their home country.

In order to apply for dual citizenship, you need to follow the process for how to become a German citizen. This usually requires having a permanent residence permit for at least 8 years.

EU Blue Card for Germany

The EU Blue Card is a relatively new type of residency permit, which permits non-EU workers to gain residency without a visa. It is issued for the purpose of highly qualified employment. According to the Residence Act, you are considered a skilled worker if you have for example have successfully completed qualified vocational education and training in Germany or have a German university degree, a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree comparable to a German degree.

It is aimed at highly skilled workers. The Requirements for an EU Blue card are significant, and it’s certainly not a quick or easy solution to residency. For a start, individuals who would like to become EU Blue Card holders must have a university degree.

The initial terms of the Blue Card will normally permit you as a Blue Card holder to stay for up to four years unless the work contract is shorter than this. There is, then, the option to apply for permanent residence status after that time. Once you have been granted an EU Blue Card, you can move to another EU country after a period of 18 months of living in Germany. In this case, you must then apply for a new EU Blue Card in the country you are moving to.

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Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national is granted German Citizenship. The method of applying for naturalization can be complicated. You will need to provide a range of documents, including evidence of your language skills and knowledge of the legal system. You will also need to pass a naturalization test and have not committed any crime or criminal offense.

To be eligible for naturalization, you must have:

• Lived in Germany for eight years with a residence permit. 
• You can live independently and support yourself and your family without relying on social security benefits or employment insurance.
• You have the right to reside in Germany as long as you want.

You can find more information about naturalization on the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) website.

The Application process for naturalization

The application for naturalization is a two-stage process. The first stage is submitting the application form and required documents to the responsible naturalization authorities. If you are under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must apply on your behalf.

The fee for applying for naturalization is €255.00. The fee for naturalizing children with their parents is €51 per child. In the case of low-income or a large number of children to be naturalized simultaneously, these fees may be reduced or waived by authorities.

After submitting your application, the authorities will review your documents and decide whether to grant you an interview. The interview is the second stage of the application process. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your motivation for applying for German Citizenship and your knowledge of the German language, culture, and society. You will also be asked to take a German language test (if you have not already done so) and a naturalization test.

After completing both stages, you will be granted German Citizenship. You will then receive a certificate of naturalization (Einbürgerungszusicherung), and you can apply for a German passport or ID card.

Benefits: Work in Germany without restrictions and more

Any legal employment is permitted. It is also unlimited in time and place. This means that with a valid PR permit, you can freely choose your occupation, such as self-employment. A big advantage is that this permit is not tied to a specific job! This means you can change your job without having to notify the Federal Office or the Federal Employment Agency. In addition, you do not have to apply for an extension of your residence permit every few years.

Better credit rating

Another advantage of the unrestricted residence permit in Germany that should not be neglected becomes apparent when taking out a loan. If you only have a temporary right of residence in Germany, it is very hard to find a bank that will grant you a loan. It can be too uncertain if you can really repay the loan. An unlimited settlement permit entitles you to permanent residency in Germany and significantly increases your chances of obtaining a loan from the bank.

Travel permit

Permanent residency in Germany gives you complete freedom of movement. This means that you can not only travel within Germany without restrictions but also leave and return without any problems. The only important thing is that you are not allowed to leave the country for longer than 6 months or with the intention to emigrate. Upon application, you may even leave Germany for longer than 6 months. This has the particular advantage that you can travel to your country of origin at any time without losing your Residence Permit in Germany.

EU permanent residence permit

This unlimited residency permit goes beyond a temporary settlement permit. In addition to permanent living and working in Germany, a longer stay in other EU countries is also possible. Depending on the country, there is also a work permit. If this residence title was acquired in Germany, it expires for Germany, for example, only after one has resided in another EU country for 6 years.

Guaranteed social security

German permanent residents are entitled to social security and health insurance. This means that they have access to social benefits, such as childcare benefits, health benefits, and social assistance, if they lose their jobs or are made redundant.

Become a German national with a PR

Becoming a German national is more than just acquiring a passport. It's about embracing a new home, culture, and way of life. As you walk the streets of historic cities, engage with the vibrant culture, and participate in the democratic process, you begin to weave yourself into the fabric of German society. It’s a journey that transforms your identity, providing a sense of belonging and stability. From the robust social benefits to the freedom to travel and work across the EU, German citizenship opens doors to new opportunities and experiences, making every step of the naturalization process worthwhile.