How can I, as a foreigner, apply for a residence permit in Germany?
April 4, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Fred Busse
Dear lawyer for immigration law,
my name is Babette Widmann and I am a foreign citizen who has been living in Germany for several years. I work here, have a permanent residence and feel very comfortable in Germany. However, I am currently in an uncertain situation as my residence permit is soon to expire and I would like to apply for a settlement permit.
Currently, I hold a residence permit that was issued based on my work here in Germany. I am now worried that my current residence permit will not be extended, leaving me with no security to stay here. Therefore, I would like to know how I, as a foreigner, can apply for a settlement permit in Germany.
I have heard that certain requirements must be met for the application of a settlement permit, such as a secured livelihood, sufficient knowledge of the German language, and integration into German society. I am willing to meet these requirements in order to stay in Germany long-term.
Could you please explain to me the specific steps I need to take to apply for a settlement permit? What documents do I need and what deadlines must be met? Are there any particularities or pitfalls I should be aware of?
I thank you in advance for your help and support with this important matter.
Sincerely,
Babette Widmann
Dear Mrs. Widmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the application for a settlement permit as a foreign citizen in Germany. I understand your concern regarding the uncertainty of your current residence permit and would like to help you clarify this matter.
To apply for a settlement permit in Germany, certain requirements must indeed be met. These include a secure livelihood, sufficient knowledge of the German language, and integration into German society. It is important that you can prove these requirements in order to have a chance of success with your application.
Firstly, you should contact the competent foreigner's office in your place of residence to submit the application for a settlement permit. There you will be informed about the exact steps and receive a list of the required documents needed for the application. Typically, these include your passport, biometric passport photos, a current registration certificate, evidence of your secure livelihood (e.g. employment contract, income statements), as well as possibly evidence of your German language skills and integration (e.g. participation in integration courses, voluntary work).
It is important that you submit all required documents fully and correctly to avoid delays in the processing of your application. You should also make sure to meet any deadlines set by the foreigner's office. If you are unsure about the exact documents needed or the deadlines, you can always contact me or inquire directly with the foreigner's office.
There are indeed some specificities and pitfalls to watch out for. For example, there may be certain residency requirements or other conditions that must be met before you can apply for a settlement permit. There may also be certain circumstances (e.g. criminal convictions) that may make it more difficult or even prevent the issuance of a settlement permit. Therefore, it is advisable to inform yourself well in advance and seek legal advice if necessary.
I hope this information helps you and I am available to assist you further if you have any questions or need support with your application.
Best regards,
Fred Busse
Lawyer specializing in foreigner's law
