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It's EU-wide permanent residence status after five years of legal residence. Unlike the national settlement permit, it carries the right to move to and settle in other EU member states.
EU Long-Term Residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU, §9a Residence Act) gives you permanent status after five years of continuous legal residence in Germany. The requirements are similar to the national settlement permit: German at B1 level, basic knowledge of the legal and social system, a secured livelihood without recourse to public funds, and adequate housing.
The key difference from the national settlement permit is portability: EU long-term residence carries the right to move to and settle in other EU member states. If your life or career may take you elsewhere in the EU, this status offers flexibility that the national permit does not.
The fee is EUR 109. Because the national settlement permit can be reached faster on the skilled-worker and Blue Card fast tracks, the choice often comes down to whether you value speed (settlement permit) or EU-wide mobility (long-term residence). Confirm current conditions on bamf.de, and ACME can help you decide which permanent status best fits your plans.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.