Skilled workers

If you have completed vocational training or a university degree and are staying in Germany for the purpose of employment as a skilled worker, you can apply for a settlement permit after three or two years.

This page describes the requirements which must be met.

Requirements

1. Holder of a residence permit for three years
   You have held a residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment in accordance with Section 18a / Section 18b AufenthG (German Residence Act) or for the purpose of research according to Section 18d AufenthG (German Residence Act) for three years.
   
   If you have acquired a vocational qualification or a university degree in Germany, the period is reduced to two years.
    
2. Employment as a skilled worker
   You continue to be employed as a skilled worker in a qualified profession.
    
3. Retirement provisions
   You have made compulsory contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme over a period of at least 36 months.
   
   Have you successfully completed vocational training or a university degree in Germany? In this case, 24 months of compulsory contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme are sufficient.
    
4. Sufficient knowledge of German
   You have sufficient knowledge of the German language. This corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
    
5. Covering living expenses
   You can cover your own and your family’s living expenses without applying for public benefits. This means that you do not receive public benefits such as those from the Job Centre.
    
6. Basic knowledge of the legal and social systems
   You have a basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany. You can prove this by passing the “Living in Germany” test or the citizenship test. In addition, the completion of your school education in Germany is also an indication that you are in possession of this knowledge.
    
7. Adequate living space
   You and your family members have adequate living space. As a rule, this is the case if each family member over the age of six has 12 square metres of living space (excluding kitchen, bathroom and toilet) at their disposal. For children under six years of age, living space of 10 sqm is sufficient.
    
8. No criminal offences
   You must not commit any criminal offences in Germany. In this case, even fines may prevent the granting of a settlement permit.
    
9. Health insurance
   You and your family members must have sufficient health insurance cover. This is the case if you have statutory health insurance or equivalent private health insurance.

If you meet the requirements for the granting of a settlement permit, you can be issued a permanent certificate of residential status.

Please bring the following with you…

If you wish to apply for a settlement permit as a skilled worker, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Employment contract
• Current salary statements
• Tenancy agreement (and current rent certificate, if available)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of compulsory contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme
• B1 certificate (alternatively: degree certificate)
• “Living in Germany” test or citizenship test (alternatively: degree certificate)
• Fee: € 113.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required to receive the settlement permit. Please send us an appointment request.

Paid employment

Pursuing paid employment is permitted if you have been issued a settlement permit. This means that you can take up employment or become self-employed.