How do I become a legal resident of Germany?

Asked by: Ashley Schimmel  |  Last update: September 25, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (4 votes)

Permanent EU residence permit
  1. You have legally lived in Germany for at least five years;
  2. you can financially support yourself and your family members;
  3. you have a sufficient command of German and basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany;

How can I get legal residence in Germany?

German permanent residence permit

To apply for the settlement permit, you need: To have lived in Germany for at least 5 years on a temporary residence permit. Proof that you're able to financially support yourself and your family without the aid of public funds. Sufficient living space for you and your family.

How hard is it to get residency in Germany?

To be eligible for this permit, you must have lived in Germany for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a German citizen). You must also be able to provide proof of your employment, financial resources, and German language skills.

Can a US citizen get a residence permit in Germany?

Info. Citizens of the United States of America may also apply for their residence permit after entering Germany without a visa.

How can I get permanent residency in Germany fast?

If you are in one of the following categories, then you become eligible for permanent residency in Germany quicker than in four years' time:
  1. A graduate from a German university or vocational school.
  2. A highly qualified professional.
  3. EU Blue-Card holder.
  4. A self-employed person.
  5. A family member of a German citizen.

Step by Step: The German Residence Permit, Permanent Residency and Citizenship: How many Years?🇩🇪

45 related questions found

Which European country gives fastest permanent residency easily?

The easiest country for obtaining a residence permit in Europe is Portugal. There are options like a D7 visa for financially independent persons, a StartUp visa, a visa for retired persons, and the Golden Visa for investors.

How long does it take to get residency in Germany?

You'll also be allowed to work without needing approval from the Federal Employment Agency each time that you change jobs. To apply to become a permanent resident in Germany, you must fulfill the following conditions: Five uninterrupted years of residence in Germany with a residence permit.

Can I just move to Germany from USA?

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Germany From The US? As a US citizen, you do not need a long-stay visa to enter Germany. But, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit in the first few days of your arrival.

Can US citizens retire to Germany?

If you're an American citizen planning to retire in Germany, it's possible to enter Germany without any visa, for a stay of up to 90 days, and apply for a residence visa during that time. However, it's usually best to apply in your local consulate before you travel, to avoid any delays or issues.

Can I live in Germany without a job?

You can move to Germany without a job if you intend to start your own business. You will need to apply for a residence permit and permission to start your business. You will need a self-employment visa if you are coming to Germany temporarily and for business purposes.

How much money do you need for a residence permit in Germany?

You have the choice of applying for the residence/work permit (1) before traveling to Germany or (2) after arriving in Germany. The issuance fee (in Germany) for stays of less than a year is 50 euros; 60 euros for stays of more than a year (cash only). For minor children, the fee is reduced by half.

Does Germany allow dual residency?

If you are born outside of Germany to at least one German parent, you qualify for dual citizenship. However, you must have lived in Germany for at least eight years and attended school there for at least six years.

Do you need to speak German to get a residence permit?

You must have had a residence permit for at least 5 years. You must be able to secure a living for yourself (and your family) independently, i.e. you are not allowed to receive any money from the Job Centre or Social Welfare Office. You must be able to speak German at level B1 and provide relevant evidence.

How long can US citizens stay in Germany?

You can remain in Germany for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

How can I live in Germany without citizenship?

Moving to Germany as a Non-EU Citizen
  1. Find and apply for a job. ...
  2. Apply for a work visa and work permit. ...
  3. Register for German health insurance. ...
  4. Obtain a German residence permit. ...
  5. Start working.

Can you buy a house in Germany without citizenship?

There is no restriction on foreigners buying property in Germany, no matter whether they live in Germany or elsewhere. You can, therefore, buy property as a non-resident with the expressed purpose of renting it out, or you can choose to rent out your own home if you move away from Germany.

Can I collect Social Security living in Germany?

If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Germany, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.

How much does it cost for a US citizen to live in Germany?

The average cost of living in Germany in 2023

As a basic estimate, you can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany. At the cheaper end of this range, you would likely be living in a flatshare outside of the city centre.

Can I be a dual citizen of US and Germany?

A child born to an American parent and a German parent acquires both American and German citizenship at birth, regardless of place of birth, if the parents satisfy the jus soli or jus sanguinis requirements of their respective countries.

How hard is it for a US citizen to move to Germany?

For US citizens, the Schengen Visa is not required. This lack of Schengen Visa requirement means that you can move to Germany and you can stay there for 90 days until you get your residence permit. Since you are moving to Germany from the US, you will need a residence permit. Looking to relocate to Germany?

Where do most Americans live in Germany?

Berlin is, of course, the number one place to find expats in Germany. For many, many years, Berlin has been home to international artists. But in recent years, the development of the tech industry has seen a growing number of expats move there.

Is it better to live in Germany or USA?

When considering the cost of living in Germany vs. the U.S., you'll find that the cost of living in Germany is nearly 19% lower. Munich is the most expensive city in Germany, and yet consumer prices are 32.5% lower than in New York City and 14% lower than in Los Angeles.

What is blue card in Germany?

German: Blaue Karte EU. The EU Blue Card is a residence title for academics outside the EU who wish to work in an EU Member State. To obtain an EU Blue Card, applicants are required to have a university degree and a work contract which meets the minimum gross salary requirement.

How can I stay in Germany longer than 90 days?

If you intend to stay in Germany permanently or for more than 90 days, you have to apply for a national visa (long stay). This type of visa has to be applied for if you want to join a family member living in Germany or if you are interested to study or work in Germany.

What is the hardest country to get residency in?

15 hardest countries to get citizenship
  • China. ...
  • North Korea. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • United Arab Emirates. ...
  • San Marino. ...
  • Austria. ...
  • Monaco. ...
  • Finland. Finland is considered to be the hardest country to get permanent residency, due in large part to their stringent requirements and lack of flexibility.