If you have a residence permit, you initially have a temporary permit to live and work in Germany. If you have already lived and worked in Germany for an extended period, you can apply for a settlement permit under certain conditions.
The settlement permit is a permanent residence permit. It allows you to work and live anywhere in Germany, and there are no additional requirements.
When and at which competent authority you can apply for a settlement permit depends on the reason for your previous residence permit.
More Information
Publisher
No information available
Last update or date of publication
No information available
Contact
The government service telephone number 115 – your point of contact for questions related to the federal, state and local.
Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 (and beyond these times in some regions).
Call 115 nowGovernment service telephone number calls are charged at local rates.
The deadlines you may have to meet depend on the type of residence permit you wish to apply for.
Preconditions
Online-Service: Residence permit Hamburg
- You need a valid residence permit or visa to use the online service.
- You can also use the online service if you do not need a visa to enter Germany.
- You cannot use the online service if you have a temporary suspension of deportation or a residence permit. In this case, please contact the Migration Office.
- You do not need to register to use the online service.
Hints
Online-Service: Residence permit Hamburg
The online service is structured in 3 steps:
• Step 1: You will be asked about your current situation. The correct residence permit will be determined for you. You will receive a list of the documents you will need.
• Step 2: You will be asked for your personal information. You upload all required documents (list from Step 1). You send your data and documents to the responsible authority.
▪ Step 3: You will receive an appointment to appear in person at the responsible office.
You can use the online service free of charge.
There are usually fees associated with a residence permit. The amount of the fees depends on the individual case. It is approximately €100.
Related Links
- Federal Employment Agency (Hamburg Employment Agency)Currently this link is only available in german
- Foreigner mattersCurrently this link is only available in german
- Forms and Checklists for the Residence Permit (HWCP)Currently this link is only available in german
- Law on the residence, employment and integration of foreigners in the federal territoryCurrently this link is only available in german
- Leaflet overview on immigration matters (visa) of the Central Immigration Office, HTMLCurrently this link is only available in german
- Photo sample board (Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs)Currently this link is only available in german
- eAT - electronic residence permitCurrently this link is only available in german
Deadlines
The deadlines you may have to meet depend on the type of residence permit you wish to apply for.
Processing time
The responsible authority typically needs several weeks for processing. The duration depends in particular on whether you have sent all the required supporting documents to the responsible authority.
More Information
Publisher
Hamburg
Last update or date of publication
Contact
The government service telephone number 115 – your point of contact for questions related to the federal, state and local.
Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 (and beyond these times in some regions).
Call 115 nowGovernment service telephone number calls are charged at local rates.
If you have a residence permit, you initially have a temporary permit to live and work in Germany. If you have already lived and worked in Germany for an extended period, you can apply for a settlement permit under certain conditions.
The settlement permit is a permanent residence permit. It allows you to work and live anywhere in Germany, and there are no additional requirements.
When and at which competent authority you can apply for a settlement permit depends on the reason for your previous residence permit.
- Valid passport or passport replacement
- Biometric passport photo in electronic form
- You can have your passport photo taken on-site. A photo booth is available.
- Employment contract or extension of employment contract
- current certificate from your employer
- last 12 pay slips
- current pension insurance history from the German Pension Insurance
- Rental agreement from which the current rent is derived
- If necessary, additionally: Certificate “Living in Germany” and a language certificate
You must submit the documents in German. In individual cases, the responsible authority may require fewer or more documents from you.
Preconditions
- You have been in possession of a valid residence permit for several years without interruption. The actual number of years depends on the legal basis of your residence permit. Examples of the most common cases are: You have been in possession of a valid residence permit for at least
- 3 years in possession of a residence permit as a family member of a German
- 3 years in possession of a residence permit as a skilled worker
- 5 years in possession of a residence permit as an employee
- 5 years in possession of a residence permit as a family member of a foreigner
- 7 years in possession of a residence permit for humanitarian reasons
- You can prove that you were in Germany during this time.
- You have knowledge of the German language at level B1.
- You can finance your living expenses from your own resources.
- You have paid compulsory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme for at least 60 months (or for the duration of the required stay).
- There is no interest in deporting you
- You have permission to practice your profession on a permanent basis.
- You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system as well as living conditions in Germany.
- You have enough living space for you and your family.
Hints
The responsible authority will determine which settlement permit is appropriate for you. Apply for only one settlement permit.
Residence permit: 113.00 EUR
biometric passport photo: 6.00 euros
Basis for legal action
Section 9 (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__9.html
Legal Remedies
Contradiction
Action before the administrative court
Related Links
- Federal Employment Agency (Hamburg Employment Agency)Currently this link is only available in german
- Foreigner mattersCurrently this link is only available in german
- Forms and Checklists for the Residence Permit (HWCP)Currently this link is only available in german
- Law on the residence, employment and integration of foreigners in the federal territoryCurrently this link is only available in german
- Leaflet overview on immigration matters (visa) of the Central Immigration Office, HTMLCurrently this link is only available in german
- Photo sample board (Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs)Currently this link is only available in german
- eAT - electronic residence permitCurrently this link is only available in german
Deadlines
Submit your application no later than 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.
The settlement permit is valid indefinitely. The card issued with it (eAT) is valid for 10 years and must then be updated.
Processing time
Processing will begin immediately at the appointment if all documents are complete. The delivery time for the electronic residence permit from the Federal Printing Office is typically two to four weeks.