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EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

28-84 days

Application Fee

109 EUR

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Permanent-equivalent residence for non-EU nationals who have legally resided in an EU country for 5+ years.

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit (§ 9a AufenthG) is a near-permanent status for non-EU nationals who have legally lived in Germany for at least five continuous years. It grants equal treatment with German nationals in employment, education, and social security, plus facilitated mobility to other EU member states.

The permit is open-ended, renewed every five years, with full unrestricted work rights. Spouses may join under family reunification and work without restriction. Applicants must show stable income, B1 German, health insurance, pension contributions, and adequate housing. Fee: EUR 109; processing 4–12 weeks.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals who have built a stable, long-term life in Germany and want a secure, near-permanent status with EU-wide mobility rights.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Continuous legal residence in Germany for at least 5 years

Secured livelihood through own income for self and family members

Adequate health and nursing care insurance

Adequate retirement provision (pension contributions)

Sufficient knowledge of the German language (B1 level)

Basic knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany

Sufficient living space for the applicant and family

No grounds for exclusion based on public safety or order

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed application form for EU permanent residence

Valid passport or passport substitute

Current biometric passport photo

Proof of income (e.g., employment contract, tax assessments)

Proof of health and nursing care insurance

Proof of retirement provision (pension insurance records)

Proof of German language proficiency (B1 certificate)

Proof of successful completion of orientation course/test

Proof of accommodation (rental contract or proof of ownership)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Near-permanent status
EU-wide mobility rights
Full work rights

Worth Knowing

5-year residence requirement
Integration tests in some countries

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	—	service.berlin.de
Fee Breakdown	Standard fee: 109 EUR	service.berlin.de
Fees	EUR 109	service.berlin.de
Forms	—	service.berlin.de
Included Nationalities	—	service.berlin.de
Job Offer Required	false	make-it-in-germany.com
Official Info	https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/324281/	service.berlin.de
Max Stay	Permanent (renewable every 5 years)	service.berlin.de

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