A settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is permanent. It isn't tied to a job or an employer and doesn't need renewing, only the card is replaced. How soon you can apply depends on your current permit.
| You hold | Earliest application | Main conditions |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | After 27 months, or 21 with B1 German | Qualified work and pension contributions for that period; basic German (A1) for the longer route |
| Skilled worker permit (§ 18a, § 18b) | After 3 years | Qualified work, 36 months of pension contributions, B1 German |
| Skilled worker who studied or trained in Germany | After 2 years | As above, with 24 months of contributions |
| Most other permits | After 5 years | Income, pension contributions, B1 German and a basic knowledge test |
Each route also needs a secure income, adequate living space and, for most, the "Leben in Deutschland" knowledge test or an integration course.
Citizenship
- Since June 2024, you can apply for German citizenship after 5 years of legal residence. The three-year fast track introduced then was abolished in October 2025.
- You need B1 German, a secure income without state benefits, and a passed naturalisation test.
- Germany now allows dual citizenship, so you don't have to give up your current nationality under German law. Your home country's law may still require it.
BAMFOfficial site
BAMF: residence and citizenship
The federal office's information on permanent residence, integration courses and the naturalisation test.
Go to BAMFTrack Residence permit in HomeSettled
HomeSettled tracks your permit's expiry and the date you become eligible to apply.
Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.