Settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
Permanent residence in Germany:
Settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
Do you have an EU Blue Card and would like to stay in Germany permanently? Then the settlement permit is your next step. As an EU Blue Card holder, you benefit from simplified requirements, meaning that you can obtain a permanent residence permit after just 21 or 27 months with the settlement permit (Section 18c (2) AufenthG).
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about the requirements, benefits and how to apply for a settlement permit with an EU Blue Card.
Your contact
Shahroch Taleqani
Overview
Table of contents
The essentials
- Who is affected?
Holders of an EU Blue Card - Advantages:
Shorter waiting periods for obtaining a settlement permit (21 or 27 months) - Settlement permit:
Permanent, flexibility in career choice, social security - Legal basis:
Section 18c (2) AufenthG
Requirements for a settlement permit with an EU Blue Card
1. duration of employment and pension insurance
You must have been in qualified employment for at least 27 months (or 21 months if you have B1 German language skills). Qualified employment is employment that requires knowledge and skills that are usually acquired through studies or vocational training. You must have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme for the duration of this employment.
Important details:
- The employment must fulfill all the original requirements for the EU Blue Card
- Interruptions can extend the deadline
- Voluntary contributions to statutory pension insurance or a comparable private pension plan are also recognized
2. knowledge of German: Level A1 or B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
German language skills are a key factor in obtaining a settlement permit with a Blue Card, not only as a prerequisite for granting the permit, but also with regard to the required length of stay. Depending on your language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), your waiting time will be reduced as follows:
With B1 level you can apply for a settlement permit after 21 months, with A1 level after 27 months.
3. basic knowledge of the German legal and social order
You must also be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany - usually by passing the "Living in Germany" test. A passed naturalization test can also serve as proof of this knowledge.
4. sufficient living space
You must prove that you have sufficient living space for you and your family. The requirements are based on:
- Size: Appropriate for the number of people
- Equipment: Basic equipment available
- Legal relationship: rental agreement or proof of ownership
You can find more detailed information on the requirements for the size and equipment of the living space here.
5. secure livelihood
You and your family must be able to earn a living. This is assessed by the following factors:
- Current income from employment
- Job stability and future prospects
- No dependence on public funds
For holders of a Blue Card, this should generally not be a problem unless you have changed jobs. After all, a certain minimum salary must be proven in order to obtain a Blue Card.
6. check claim now
Would you like to receive a quick and uncomplicated initial assessment of whether you could be entitled to a settlement permit? Then we recommend our free settlement permit check. In addition to the general requirements for a settlement permit, this test also takes into account the numerous exceptions for holders of an EU Blue Card.
Settlement permit vs. EU Blue Card: What is the difference?
| Feature | EU Blue Card | Permanent residence permit |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Temporary (usually 4 years) | unlimited |
| Employer loyalty | Yes | no |
| Extension necessary? | Yes | no |
| Legal basis | § 18g AufenthG | § Section 18c (2) AufenthG |
| Legal objective | Immigration of skilled workers | Permanent integration |
Special advantages of a settlement permit with an EU Blue Card
As the holder of an EU Blue Card, a settlement permit offers you more professional flexibility. It allows you to pursue any form of employment in Germany - regardless of your previous qualifications or field of study. You can also set up your own business without any additional permits. You are completely free to choose your workplace and approval from the Federal Employment Agency is no longer required.
The main advantage of the settlement permit for holders of a Blue Card is the shortened duration of stay. With at best only 21 months of residence in Germany, it represents the fastest route to a settlement permit available under German law.
Checklist: Applying for a settlement permit with an EU Blue Card
Required documents
Gather all the necessary documents in good time - preferably at least a few weeks before your appointment with the authorities or before submitting your application. The most important documents are
The exact list of required documents differs from authority to authority. You should therefore find out in advance from your local immigration authority about the documents they require.
Applying for a settlement permit with a Blue Card
Submit your complete application with all documents for the settlement permit. An incomplete application can lead to delays.
How lawyers can help you
Applying for a settlement permit as an EU Blue Card holder offers numerous advantages. At the same time, however, you must also consider various legal and formal aspects. The experienced lawyers at RT & Partner will guide you reliably and personally through the entire application process.
Whether shortened deadlines, complex proof of employment or individual particularities: With our specialists in migration law, we ensure that your application is submitted in a legally secure and efficient manner - and that nothing stands in the way of your long-term future in Germany.