What is a permanent residence permit and who can apply for it?

A permanent residence permit (PR) is a work and residence permit. The advantage of a permanent residence permit (PR) is that it is not linked to a certain job and, therefore, it gives to the holder much more flexibility than a standard work permit.

When considering to apply for a PR, the following options are available:

1. Application from Blue Card (§ 18 c Abs. 2 AufenthG n. F.);
2. Application for qualified employees (holders of permits issued based on 18 a AufenthG n. F.), highly qualified (holders of permits issued based on18 b AufenthG n. F.) employees and researchers (holders of permits issued based on18 d AufenthG n. F.); 
3. Holders of German university degrees (§18 c Abs. 1 S. 2 AufenthG n.F.).
4. Special application for highly qualified employees (university degree holders):

   A highly qualified employee, who does not (or not yet) fulfill the requirements listed in 2, can still apply for a PR permit. In this case the decision will be made under the descretion of the immigration authorities (§ 18 c Abs. 3 AufenthG n.F.).

   This option also applies for self employment and feelancers.
5. All other employees:
   Other than the above employees can also apply for a PR permit, but have longer waiting times. 

Within the individual options, the following additional conditions must be fulfilled before applying for a PR permit:

1. Blue Card holders:
   • 33 months of previous employment in case of low level knowledge of German language;
   • 21 months of previous employment in case of good German language Level;
   • Pension fund payments must have been made during this time.
2. Qualified, highly qualified employees and researchers: 
   • The relevant (above mentioned) permits must have been held for 4 years and applicant must still be working in the relevant position;
   • Good German language level;
   • Pension fund payments must have been made for 48 months;
   • Applicant generally qualifying for a PR permit (§ 18 c Abs. 1 Nr. 5 AufenthG n. F.).
3.  Holders of German University degrees:
   • The relevant (above mentioned) permits must have been held for 2 years and applicant must still be working in the relevant position;
   • Good German language level;
   • Pension fund payments must have been made for 24 months;
   • Applicant personally qualifying for a per permit (§ 18 c Abs. 1 Nr. 5 AufenthG n. F.).
4. Special application for highly qualified employees (university degree holders):
   • Applicant is likely to be integrated into the German society and system;
   • Applicant is in the financial postion to support himself;
   • Applicant personally qualifying for a PR permit (§ 18 c Abs. 1 Nr. 5 AufenthG n. F.).
5. All other employees:
   • Current residence permit must be held for a persiod of 5 years;
   • Good German language level;
   • Pension fund payments must have been made for 60 months;
   • Applicant has been integrated into the German society and system;
   • Applicant is in the financial postion to support himself.