Niederlassungserlaubnis Erteilung für Fachkräfte

§ 18c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18c.html

If you have been living and working in Germany as a skilled worker from abroad for several years, you can apply for a settlement permit. Further information can be found here.

If you have a residence permit as a skilled worker from abroad, 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.

• 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.
• If applicable: proof of your qualification obtained in Germany (e.g. certificates, diplomas)
• Current proof of income (employment contract, pay slips, employer certificate)
• Proof of sufficient living space (rental or purchase agreement that provides information about the living space)
• Proof of knowledge of the German language at level B1
• Proof of basic knowledge of the German legal and social system (e.g., certificate of passing the "Living in Germany" test)
• Proof of existing retirement provision (e.g. pension insurance history)
• Proof of existing health insurance

You must submit the documents in German. In individual cases, the responsible authority may require fewer or more documents from you.

• You have held a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker for at least 3 years.
• If you have successfully completed vocational training or studies in Germany, you can submit your application after just two years of residence.
• You continue to work as a specialist in Germany.
• You have already paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme or to an equivalent private insurance company or pension scheme for at least 36 months.
  • If you have successfully completed vocational training or a degree course in Germany, 24 months are sufficient.
• You have sufficient knowledge of the German language (level B1)
• You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany.
• You can secure your own livelihood.
• You have health insurance.

Processing fee: 113.00 EUR
Biometric photo on site: 6.00 euros

• You use the online service "Residence Permit Hamburg" to apply for a settlement permit and upload the required documents.
  • If you need to submit additional documents, please do so via the service portal "Resolve issues regarding your residence permit".
• The responsible office will then send you an appointment for an interview.
• Please bring all necessary documents, preferably in original, to the appointment.
• The responsible authority will check your identity and documents.
• The competent authority shall involve other authorities where necessary.
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints, signature and a biometric photo will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• The responsible authority commissions an external agency, the Federal Printing Office, to produce your eAT.
• As soon as the eAT is ready, you will receive a notification and can pick it up in person from the responsible office. The responsible office will schedule an appointment for you.
• If the application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice with the reasons for the rejection.

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.

Submit your application at least 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.
The settlement permit is valid indefinitely.
The card issued through this (eAT) is valid for 10 years and must then be updated.

If you are a skilled worker holding an EU Blue Card, you may be able to obtain a permanent residence permit even earlier.

Contradiction
Action before the administrative court

• A settlement permit for skilled workers is a permanent permit that allows skilled workers from abroad to live and work in Germany.
• The settlement permit grants a permanent right of residence in Germany.

Department of Home Affairs and Sport