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2 programs for Germany. Explore the options and get an expert assessment.
EU-wide permanent residence status (§9a Residence Act) 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.
Family reunification lets spouses and minor children — and, since the 2024 reform, parents of certain skilled workers — join a family member legally resident in Germany. Spouses of skilled workers and Blue Card holders enjoy several waivers.
The Settlement Permit is Germany's open-ended permanent residence title. The standard route requires five years, but Blue Card holders qualify in as little as 21 months and skilled workers in three years.
Both are permanent residence titles, but EU Long-Term Residence is recognised across the EU and lets you move more easily to other member states, while the German settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is a national-only status.
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.
The EU Blue Card is Germany's premium route for highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree and a qualifying job offer that meets a salary threshold. It offers the fastest path to a settlement permit — as early as 21 months with B1 German.
Permanent residence is the settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), available in five years standard — but as little as 21 months for Blue Card holders and three years for skilled workers. Citizenship by naturalisation generally follows after five years, with dual citizenship now allowed.
Yes. You can work part-time during your studies, and after graduating you can apply for an 18-month job-search permit to find work matching your qualification, then move to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card.
It's a residence permit for non-EU students admitted to a recognised German higher-education institution. Part-time work is allowed during studies, and an 18-month post-study job-search permit is available after graduation.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Immigrate (Permanent Residence) — Germany