The German government has published the specific conditions under which foreign graduates who completed higher education or vocational training in Germany can apply for a settlement permit—permanent residence—after just two years of employment. The guidance, released on the official Make it in Germany portal, targets skilled workers currently holding temporary residence permits who wish to settle permanently.
Five Conditions for a Settlement Permit
Under Section 18c of the Residence Act (AufenthG), a settlement permit removes time restrictions on a foreign national's stay and allows the holder to work as an employee or self-employed person. To qualify, applicants must meet all five of the following conditions:
- Hold a residence permit for employment as a "skilled worker" under Sections 18a, 18b, 18d, or 18g of the Residence Act for at least two years.
- Be working in a role that the current residence permit authorizes.
- Have made contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme for a minimum of 24 months.
- Demonstrate German language proficiency at B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), plus a basic understanding of Germany's legal and social system, typically evidenced by passing the "Living in Germany" test.
- Show adequate living space.
Applicants should also be aware that a processing fee applies, with the exact amount depending on the applicant's status group.
What the Settlement Permit Allows
Beyond the right to stay indefinitely, a settlement permit allows family members to join without the restrictions that apply under a temporary residence permit. It also gives the holder full flexibility to switch jobs or move into self-employment, widening career options compared to a standard skilled worker visa.
The German government noted that these provisions are intended to make it easier for skilled workers who have already built their lives in Germany to transition into permanent residents rather than face uncertainty at the expiry of their temporary permits. Full details of the requirements are available on the Make it in Germany website.
Related Measures for Skilled Workers
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that Germany had published four categories of foreigners eligible for a faster permanent residence. Additionally, Germany released a list of seven IT occupations that qualify for its EU Blue Card residence permit. The list, designed to give prospective skilled workers and employers clear guidance, covers job titles relevant to the EU Blue Card application process and the points-based opportunity card known as the Chancenkarte. The seven roles fall under Group 25 of Germany's occupational classification system, split across two sub-groups.
