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Publication date: 22.08.2024
Long-term residence permit in Germany (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
A multi-year residence permit in Germany (Niederlassungserlaubnis) gives foreigners the right to live permanently, work and enjoy many other rights in Germany without any restrictions on the duration of the permit.
Conditions for granting a multi-year residence permit
To obtain a multi-year residence permit in Germany, the following conditions must be met:
- Long-term residence: The applicant must have a temporary residence permit and reside in Germany for a certain period, usually five years.
- Financial Stability: Having a stable and sufficient income to support yourself and your family without the need for government assistance.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering all necessary medical expenses.
- Contributions to social insurance: Payment of contributions to the social insurance system within a set period.
- Knowledge of the German language: Sufficient knowledge of the German language (usually level B1).
- Knowledge of the legal and social order: Knowledge of the basics of the legal and social order of Germany, which can be confirmed by taking an integration course.
- Absence of offenses: Absence of convictions or serious administrative offences.
The procedure for issuing a long-term residence permit
- Preparation of documents: Collection of necessary documents, including application, passport, proof of income, health insurance, certificates of no criminal record, language certificates, etc.
- Applying: Applying to your local immigration office.Interview and verification: It is possible to conduct an interview to assess the applicant's compliance with the requirements, verify the authenticity of the submitted documents.
- Application review: Evaluation and verification of documents by immigration authorities. The review period can vary from several weeks to several months.
- Receiving a decision: Notification of a decision on granting a long-term residence permit.
The rights of persons who have a long-term residence permit
- Persons who have a long-term residence permit in Germany receive the following rights:
- The right to permanent residence: The possibility of permanent residence in Germany without restrictions on the validity period of the permit.
- Right to work: Unrestricted to work in any field or with any employer.
- Right to education: Access to the German education system, including schools, universities and vocational training institutions.
- Right to health care: Access to the German health care system, including public and private health services.
- Right to social services: The ability to receive social services, including social assistance and support.
- Right to family reunification: The ability to apply for family reunification.
- Right to free movement: Free movement within the territory of the Schengen zone without additional visas.
Duties of persons who have a long-term residence permit
Persons who have a multi-year residence permit must comply with the following obligations:
- Legal Compliance: The need to comply with all German laws and regulations.
- Notification of change of address: Obligation to notify immigration authorities of change of residence.
- Medical insurance: Maintenance of valid medical insurance during the entire period of residence.
- Financial stability: Providing yourself with the financial resources to live in Germany without depending on government benefits.
- Taxes: Timely payment of taxes according to German law.
Responsibility of persons who have a long-term residence permit
Persons who have a multi-year residence permit are responsible for:
- Failure to comply with duties: Failure to comply with established duties may result in administrative or criminal sanctions, including the cancellation of a residence permit.
- Violation of laws: Committing offenses that result in a criminal record may be grounds for deportation or revocation of permit.
- Providing false information: Providing false or inaccurate information when obtaining a permit may result in its cancellation.
- Abuse of social services: Inappropriate use of social services or attempts to fraudulently obtain public benefits can result in legal liability.
Perspectives of persons who have a long-term residence permit
Obtaining a multi-year residence permit in Germany opens up a number of perspectives for you:
- Residence: The ability to live stably in Germany without the need for regular applications for the extension of a temporary permit.
- Work: You have the right to free employment in any field without the need for special permits.
- Family rights: Ability to obtain a residence permit for family members and support them under German law.
- Education: Access to the German education system on the same terms as German citizens.
- Health insurance: The right to health care within the framework of the German social health insurance system.
- Social services: Ability to use social services provided by the state.
- Free movement: The right to visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
- Citizenship: After a certain period of residence in Germany with the right of permanent residence, you can apply for German citizenship.
Question
Can refugees from Ukraine who came to Germany because of the war get a long-term residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)?
Answer
Refugees from Ukraine who arrived in Germany as a result of the war have the opportunity to obtain a long-term residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) under certain conditions. In particular, the time they stay in Germany on the basis of temporary protection can be counted towards the required period of residence for obtaining this permit. However, for this, refugees will need to meet general requirements, such as financial independence, knowledge of the German language at the B1 level, having a permanent job and social insurance. The German government offers special support programs for the integration of refugees that can help them meet these requirements and obtain a long-term residence permit.
Question
Can students or temporary workers get a multi-year residence permit in Germany?
Answer
Students and temporary workers can obtain a multi-year residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), but additional conditions must be met. For example, the time of studying at a university or staying in Germany under a temporary work contract can be partially counted towards the required five-year period of residence. However, after completing your studies or temporary work, you need to have a permanent job that ensures financial independence, as well as fulfill other requirements, such as knowledge of the German language at the B1 level.
Assistance of a lawyer in obtaining a multi-year residence permit
Contacting a migration lawyer is a key step in the process of obtaining a multi-year residence permit in Germany. Legal service "Consultant" is ready to provide you with a wide range of services:
Lawyer consultation, lawyer's consultation, lawyer consultation: Getting detailed information about the permit process and your rights.
Analysis of documents, verification of documents by a lawyer: Verification of existing documents for compliance with the requirements of German migration legislation.
Legal analysis of the situation, legal opinion of the lawyer: Assessment of your situation from the point of view of migration law and identification of possible risks.
Creation of necessary documents: Preparation of necessary statements, declarations and other procedural documents.
Submission of documents, lawyers' documents: Conducting the process of submitting documents to migration authorities. Lawyers prepare documents in accordance with the requirements of migration services and relevant procedures.
Legal Opinion, lawyer's legal opinion: Providing a comprehensive legal opinion with recommendations for next steps.
Online support, lawyer online, lawyer help online: The possibility of receiving advice and support via the Internet at any time. An online lawyer will provide assistance at a time convenient for you.
With the help of the "Consultant" legal service, you have the opportunity to go through the process of obtaining a long-term residence permit in Germany as efficiently as possible and are guaranteed to enjoy all the benefits that this permit provides.
Obtaining a multi-year residence permit in Germany (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is an important step for foreigners who want to settle in the country for a long time. This status provides significant benefits, including the right to permanent residence, unrestricted access to the labor market and social services, and the opportunity for family reunification. In order to obtain it, certain requirements must be met, such as having a sufficient level of income, knowing the German language, and having a stable residence in the country for a certain period of time.
Obtaining a Niederlassungserlaubnis opens up new opportunities for integration into German society, which contributes to economic stability and social security both for the applicant himself and for the entire country. It is also an important step for those planning to obtain German citizenship in the future.
