With its diverse culture, innovative technology, job opportunities, and academic advancement, Germany is a top-choice destination for those seeking to settle abroad. The country has consistently been ranked the fifth most favoured destination in the world and is a strong contender for higher education. Therefore, a Permanent Residence or PR in Germany after study is most opted for, especially by students completing their Masters or PhD from a top-notch universities there.
If you are wondering whether a PR in Germany is the best option for you—as well as essential details regarding Germany PR rules, and PR in Germany for international students—we have a guide explaining it all. Let’s get started!
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What is Germany Permanent Residence?
PR in Germany or German Permanent Residence Permit essentially allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to stay in Germany for as long as they desire. Also called the Settlement Permit or Niederlassungserlaubnis, it is issued only to those who have lived and worked in the country for a considerable period of time—in most cases, four years.
Read: Cost of living for Germany
Most people opt for a Permanent Residence permit as soon as they fulfil the eligibility criteria because of the immense benefits it promises to offer. For instance, as a PR permit holder, you will not have to renew your residence permit every few years and can avail German social security benefits, among many other benefits.
You can apply for a PR Permit if you are:
- A skilled worker with a foreign University degree
- A skilled worker with a German University degree
- Self-employed
- Family of a German national
- Asylum seeker or Refugee
Read: PR in Germany after Masters
Now you know when can you apply for a Germany PR visa from India. Next, let’s explore the…
Types of German Permanent Residency?
Following are the types of German permanent residency.
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Student Residence Permit
This type of permit is for international students who het tenrolled in Germany school and university. For this, a student needs to provide the proof of their admission and availability of financial resources. This allows you to stay in Germany and do work as a student for certain hours.
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Job Seeker’s Permit
This type of permit is for the indivviduals who want to work in Germany. It allows them to stay in Germany for a period of 18 months and search for a job opportunity. For this, you will have to provide proof of your job search and financial status. This can also be applied after completing your education from Germany.
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Employment Residence Permit
This type of permit is valid for people who have a job in Germany and it is given based on your job duration/contract. For this, you need to provide a proof of work visa and job contract.
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Residence Permit for Family Renuncification
This permit is for foreigners who have their family in Germany. However, the family members should provide proof of their relationship with the applicant and guarantee that they can support them financially.
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Permanent Residence Permit
This type of residence permit is for individuals who are living in Germany but fullfill the following reasons.
- Have been living in Germany from atleast 5 years (3 years in case married to a German citizen.)
- Provide proof of employment, financial resources, and German language proficiency.
- Are an international student who has graduated from German university and holds 2-years work related permit.
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EU Blue Card
This residence permit is valid for upto 4-years. It is for international individuals who have a work visa, proof of financial resources, and meet specific language requirements.
Note: An individual get neutrilization in Germany—the certificate of citizenship that acts as a proof of German citizenship if their application is successful. It can take 2-3 years to get this certification.
Read: German Student Visa Interview Questions
Benefits of a Germany PR for Indians
Following are the benefits of German PR’s for Indian individuals:
- It helps the individuals work in Germnay without any restrictions. Any gainful employment opportunity is permitted with a German permanent resident.
- It helps earn better credit rating for procuring future loans, etc.
- It acts as a travel permit and allows the free movement within erozones.
- Helps get the EU permanent residence permit.
- Helps get guaranteed social security.
- With this you can apply for financial aid to study in German universities.
- Helps you become a German national.
Read: Interview with a Student in Germany
Next, let’s check out the requirements to initiate the PR process in Germany.
Requirements for PR in Germany after Study
The PR in Germany after study requirements vary not only with respect to your current residential status but also with respect to the requirement itself. Therefore, notwithstanding the specifications, the common Germany PR requirements are:
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Completed application form:
The first and most important Germany PR requirements is submitting a completed form “Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis” or settlement permit.
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Biometric Photo:
You need to submit one recent 35mm x 45mm biometric photo. You can get this picture at any Fotofix booth located in U-Bahn stations around Germany.
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Proof of Financial Stability:
The foremost requirement in the German PR Process of Application is Financial Stability. As a graduate lying in Germany, you must earn enough to sustain yourself without the use of public funds. Therefore for proof, bank statements must be disclosed while applying for PR. Students may also need to furnish their employment records and employment contract.
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Valid Passport:
You must have a valid passport that does not expire in the next three months after the application date.
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Proof of Housing:
You must have an ample amount of space to live in a safe and friendly neighbourhood. For proof, you must submit:
- A lease agreement from your landlord or
- Certificate of Registration of Address.
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Proof of Contributions to Social Security Funds:
During your time of working and residing in Germany, you must have contributed monetarily to the Statutory Pension Insurance Fund.
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Health Insurance:
You must have sufficient health insurance while applying for PR after study in Germany. Proof can be provided by:
- Submitting the confirmation document of your Statutory Health Insurance, or
- Submitting the insurance policy and proof of payment from your Private Health Insurance.
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Proof of Education in Germany:
If you are applying for a PR in Germany after masters, or after completion of a degree in a German university, you must provide proof through:
- Academic Transcripts
- A copy of your degree or academic title from a recognized German higher education provider. The degree must show the level of the academic title received between bachelor, master, PhD, and diploma.
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Proof of employment:
If you are applying for PR after studying in Germany, proof of employment is essential. That can be provided by
- Releasing salary statements for the last 6 months.
- Proof of employment through a Certificate of Employment issued by your employer in the last 14 days
- Proof of employment for the last 2 years.
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Proof of paid pension insurance:
You also need to have a paid pension insurance plan covering a minimum two-year period. This certificate must reflect paid private or statutory pension insurance.
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Proof of Germany Proficiency:
Eligibility for PR in Germany largely depends upon sufficient knowledge of the German language. Therefore a B1 level of Proficiency is a must for applicants.
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Pass the ‘Life in Germany’ Test:
The Life in Germany test will evaluate your knowledge of German laws, customs and culture and is essential for your application.
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Not have a criminal record:
You must declare any convictions in the past.
Read: Ultimate Guide to German Student Visa
Next, let’s chcek out the steps to initiate PR process for Germany.
How to Apply for PR in Germany: Step-Wise Germany PR Process
So now that you have all the requirements for PR in Germany in order and have sufficiently fulfilled all the eligibility criteria let us find out how to apply for PR in Germany.
Germany PR process for Indian is quite simple and can be done through the following steps:
- Make an appointment with the German Immigration Office for the purpose of a PR application Germany.
- Pick up the application form and go through it carefully. Make sure you have all the required documents. The documents that need to be submitted with the application are the same as those mentioned in the requirements section above. Besides those, there might be additional documents that you might need to submit, so make sure to check the official website.
- On your appointment date, arrive at the Immigration Office in advance and be prepared for an in-person interview with a German official, as well as a review of the documents and the application form submitted.
- The final step is the payment of the application fee. The fee differs on the basis of your current residential status:
- For skilled workers (with and without a German University degree), the fee is 113 EUR.
- For self-employed individuals, the fee is 124 EUR.
Read: Best Universities in Germany
The application processing for a PR in Germany takes around two to four weeks, upon which you will be notified of either your acceptance or rejection. If your permit is accepted, you will be allowed to stay in Germany for as long as you desire.
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NOTE: If your permit is rejected, you are allowed to apply again only after rectifying any previous mistakes. |
We hope that you have more clarity about the PR process and eligibility in Germany after reading this blog. Living in Germany after completing your studies can be a good decision for several reasons. The quality of life and the opportunities for growth the country provides is unparalleled. However, in the process, if you need end-to-end guidance, connect with our counsellors by subscribing to Yocket premium.
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