Settlement permit
Niederlassungserlaubnis
The settlement permit is Germany's open-ended residence title under Section 9 of the Residence Act. The general route needs five years with a residence permit, 60 months of pension contributions and B1 German. Faster tracks exist: skilled workers after three years (two with a German degree or vocational qualification) and EU Blue Card holders after 27 months, or 21 months with B1 German.
Life in Germany
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
81
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 19%
Basic allowance EUR 12,348; 42% from EUR 69,879 and 45% above EUR 277,825 (single); solidarity surcharge of 5.5% of the tax for high earners and optional church tax.
Living
1
Happiness
#16 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals already living in Germany on a residence permit, especially skilled workers, EU Blue Card holders and graduates of German universities or vocational training who want an unlimited right to stay.
Eligibility
General route: five years with a residence permitSection 9(2) Residence Act
Held a residence permit for five years, livelihood secured, at least 60 months of compulsory or voluntary statutory pension contributions (or comparable insurance), permission to work if employed, any permits needed to practise the occupation, sufficient German (B1), basic knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions, and sufficient living space for the family. Public safety or order must not stand in the way.
Skilled workers: after three yearsSection 18c(1) Residence Act
Three years holding a residence title as a skilled worker (Sections 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g), a job the person may hold under those rules, 36 months of pension contributions, sufficient German (B1) and the general conditions on livelihood, public order, work permission, professional permits, civic knowledge and living space. No Federal Employment Agency approval is needed.
German degree or vocational training: after two yearsSection 18c(1) Residence Act, sentence 2
If the skilled worker successfully completed vocational training or a degree in Germany, the periods shorten to two years with the residence title and 24 months of pension contributions.
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