Long-Term Residence in the EU; Applying for a Permit

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit is a residence permit with no fixed term and serves to consolidate a foreign national’s residence in Germany. It entitles the holder to work as an employee or to engage in self-employment within Germany.
In this respect, the EU Long-Term Residence Permit is equivalent to a “national” settlement permit (see “Related Topics”).

On the other hand, the EU Long-Term Residence Permit also serves as the basis for obtaining a right of residence and permission to take up employment in another EU member state under simplified conditions. In this way, even a third-country national gains a certain degree of freedom of movement within the European Union. By contrast, the holder of a “national” settlement permit can only take advantage of the so-called Schengen freedom of movement in the member states of the European Union (stay solely for visitation purposes for a maximum of 90 days per 180-day period).

The requirements for issuance essentially correspond to those of the “national” settlement permit (see “Related Topics”). However, stricter requirements are imposed—for example, regarding the foreign national’s ability to support himself and his dependents—than those for the “national” settlement permit.

The following are excluded from being granted a Long-Term EU Residence Permit:

• Holders of certain residence permits granted on humanitarian grounds, as well as foreign nationals who have applied for such a permit.
• Foreign nationals who have applied for humanitarian protection status in another Member State, as long as a decision on their application has not yet been made.
• Diplomats
• Persons residing in the territory for the purpose of study or as part of vocational training.

A foreign national shall be granted an EU long-term residence permit if

• he has resided continuously in Germany for five years with a residence permit,
• his livelihood and that of his dependents, for whom he is responsible, are secured by a steady and regular income,
• he has sufficient knowledge of the German language,
• he has a basic understanding of the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany,
• there are no grounds related to public safety or public order—taking into account the severity or nature of any violation of public safety or public order, or the danger posed by the foreign national, as well as the duration of the stay to date and the existence of ties within the federal territory—and
• he has sufficient living space for himself and his family members living with him as part of a family unit.

• Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office allows you to submit your application online or provides a specific application form. Once you have entered your place of residence, you may find a link to the application form or the online procedure under "Forms" or "Online Procedures."
• If you can only submit your application in person, schedule an appointment at the Foreigners’ Registration Office. If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment, preferably the originals).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to issue your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT).
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to issue the eAT. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up your residence permit at the appropriate office. You must generally pick it up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

• The documents to be submitted can vary widely.
  

  Please check with your local immigration office. However, the following documents are generally required, among others:

• valid passport
• a recent biometric photograph (front view)
• Proof of a secure source of income
• Proof of adequate living space
• Proof of Health Insurance Coverage
• Proof of completion of an integration course

109 euros