Permanent settlement permit for family members of German citizens - Services - Service Berlin (2024)

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Upon application, you may receive a permanent settlement permit if

  • you have cohabited with a German spouse or same-sex life partner, child or parent
  • for 3 years with a temporary residence permit,
  • have sufficient proficiency in the German language, and
  • the subsistence of your family is ensured.

A permanent settlement permit will be granted in most cases if you have satisfied the requirements set out in the section “Prerequisites”.

Prerequisites

  • Possession of a residence permit for 3 years

    The period in which a valid national visa was held will be counted as well, provided you have cohabited with your German family member since arrival.

  • Family cohabitation with one German national.

    The German family member may be your

    • spouse or same-sex life partner,
    • child, or
    • parent.

    Family cohabitation must

    • have persisted without interruption for at least 3 years
    • and still be current.
  • Personal appearance by appointment is required

    Your German family member must also attend the appointment.

    If the foreign father of a German child places an application for a temporary residence permit without being accompanied by the child’s mother, confirmation from the Youth Welfare Office (not older than 14 days) concerning visiting rights must be submitted.

  • Proof of Income

    Your income must be sufficient to ensure your subsistence (including the subsistence of your foreign family members).
    Your subsistence is not ensured if you receive public benefits from a Job Center (citizen’s benefit (Bürgergeld)) or the Social Welfare Office (basic income support payment).
    Your spouse or same-sex life partner may also provide proof of income.

  • Sufficient health insurance

    Proof of a secure livelihood must also include sufficient health insurance. Those with statutory health insurance are sufficiently insured. Those with private health insurance must consider the type and extent of their health insurance. For more information, please read the leaflet "Information on adequate health insurance".

  • Sufficient command of the German language

    You must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the German language (level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

  • No criminal record

    Even fines may prevent the granting of a permanent settlement permit.

  • Main residence in Berlin

Documents required

  • Valid passport

    An ID card or a child ID card is also sufficient for the German family member.

  • 1 current biometric photo

    35mm x 45mm, frontal shot with neutral facial expression and closed mouth, looking straight into the camera, light background

  • Proof of income

    For employees:

    • Employment contract,
    • Confirmation from the current employer of ongoing employment (not older than 14 days),
    • The last six payslips,
    • Insurance history from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung – German Statutory Pension Insurance Scheme

    For self-employed persons:

    • Audit report (Prüfungsbericht) prepared by an accountant, auditor or tax consultant with all the documents referred to therein, e.g. the excerpt from the commercial register (refer to Forms)
    • Last tax assesment

    For pensioners:

    • notice of pension approval

    In case of disability or a reduction in earning capacity:

    • notice of pension approval due to disability or a reduction in earning capacity, or
    • current assessment by the Federal Employment Office, or
    • meaningful doctor’s certificate
  • Health insurance
    • If you have “statutory” health insurance: current confirmation of cover from your health insurer
    • If you have “private” health insurance: insurance policy and proof that the premiums are paid (for instance bank statements)
  • Lease or proof of home ownership

    The living space as well as the monthly rent or the housing costs of your own property (house or apartment) must be proven.

  • Certificates showing participation in the integration course (if available)
    • "Zertifikat Integrationskurs" (Integration Course Certificate) confirming successful completion of the integration course
    • Certificate showing the results of the final test

    These documents facilitate review of the application. You may also demonstrate your sufficient proficiency in the German language by other means during the personal appointment.

  • Proof of the receipt of other benefits

    Do you receive child benefits, child allowances, parental benefits, a care allowance or similar benefits?
    If so, please bring suitable proof (e.g. notices of approval).

  • Certification of school attendance or a vocational training course for adult children

    Certification of school attendance or a vocational training course is necessary for:

    • an adult foreign child of a German parent, or
    • a foreign parent of an adult German child.
  • Proof of main residence in Berlin
    • Certificate of registration at the main residence or
    • lease and written confirmation of occupancy from the landlord

    More on the topic in the section "More information"

Forms

  • Leaflet "Health insurance"
  • Audit report form (Prüfungsbericht) for entrepeneurs, self-employed persons and freelancers

Fees

In principle, the obligation to pay the processing fees arises as soon as an application is received. A repayment is not possible even if the application is withdrawn if the substantive processing has already begun (examination of the necessary residence times and/or examination of the documents sent or sending an appointment for an interview). The fees are:

  • EUR 113.00 (EUR 56.50 upon receipt of application and EUR 56.50 upon grant)

For Turkish nationals:

  • EUR 22.80: up to the age of 24 (EUR 11.40 upon receipt of application and EUR 11.40 upon grant)
  • EUR 37.00: from the age of 24 (EUR 18.50 upon receipt of application and EUR 18.50 upon grant)

More information

  • Bescheinigung über die Anmeldung einer Wohnung (Meldebestätigung) (Dienstleistung)
  • Example: confirmation of occupancy from the landlord

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Related services

  • Permanent settlement permit (general)
  • Permanent settlement permit for children (aged over 16)
  • Permanent settlement permit for EU Blue Card holders
  • Permanent settlement permit for persons recognised as being entitled to asylum and refugees
  • Permanent settlement permit for qualified skilled workers
  • Permanent settlement permit for self-employed persons
  • Residence title for former Germans

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