Settlement permit for highly qualified persons

In special cases, highly qualified foreign nationals can obtain a permanent residence permit without prior residence in Germany.

Description

Do you come from a third country (not from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland) and are you a particularly highly qualified specialist with an academic qualification? Then you can apply for a settlement permit under certain conditions.

The settlement permit is an unlimited residence title that allows you to live and work in Germany without any time or place restrictions

To apply and make an appointment, please use our online application form or send us your documents and application by post. After we have checked everything, you will be given an appointment with us.

Prerequisites

In particular, "highly qualified" in this sense means

  • Scientists with special specialised knowledge or
  • Teachers in a prominent position or
  • academic staff in a prominent position.

These examples are not exhaustive. In individual cases, other groups of people may also be considered as highly qualified employees. If in doubt, please contact the Foreigners Office.

A further requirement is that they are registered in Munich and that they can integrate into the local living conditions and secure their livelihood without state assistance.

Required documents

  • fully completed application form
  • valid passport or passport substitute
  • a current biometric passport photo(photo machines are available at the Foreigners Office)
  • University certificate or doctoral certificate (in the case of foreign degrees, a certified German translation and, if applicable, the formal recognition and, in the case of a university professorship, the doctoral certificate must also be submitted)
  • Proof of high qualification (e.g. expertise from a scientific institution or organisation, special publications, proof of scientific awards, international reputation, statement from the "recruiting" body)
  • Proof of monthly housing costs and living space:
    • Rental agreement or purchase contract stating the number of square metres and bank statements showing the amount of rent
      or
    • Housing certificate

Further documents may be required in individual cases.

Duration & Costs

Processing time

20 weeks

Fees

  • 147 Euro
  • Turkish nationals authorised to associate: 37 euros
  • Costs for sending the electronic residence permit (eAT): 5.70 euros

Payment methods available

Questions & Answers

Your settlement permit is still valid even if your previous passport has expired and you have already received a new passport. You will need to show your old and new passports and your previous settlement permit. You can find information on passport transfer here.

Your residence permit usually expires if:

  • You leave the country for a reason that is not only temporary, for example:
    • Attending school abroad
    • Working abroad
    • Caring for a family member abroad
    • Marriage abroad
    • Settling abroad
  • You leave Germany and do not re-enter within six months or a longer period specified by the Foreigners Office (exception: you fulfil a compulsory military service in your home country and re-enter Germany within three months of completing it).

More information can be found here.

If you have an EU Blue Card, you can apply for a settlement permit in accordance with Section 18c (2) AufenthG under special conditions.

Legal basis

§ Section 18c (3) Residence Act

Landeshauptstadt München

Kreisverwaltungsreferat
Hauptabteilung II Bürgerangelegenheiten
Ausländerangelegenheiten
Service-Center für internationale Fachkräfte

Postal address

Landeshauptstadt München
Kreisverwaltungsreferat
Hauptabteilung II Bürgerangelegenheiten
Ausländerangelegenheiten
Service-Center für internationale Fachkräfte

Ruppertstraße 19
80466 München

Fax: +49 89 233-44284

Address

Ruppertstraße 19
80337 München

Only with appointment

Related services

Residence permit - skilled workers with vocational training

If you are a skilled worker with vocational training and would like to work in Germany, you will need a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training.

Residence permit - opportunity card

The opportunity card is for foreign nationals who are looking for work in Germany or for measures to recognise a professional qualification.

ICT card (intra-corporate transfer)

The ICT card is a temporary residence permit for intra-company transfers throughout Europe.

Residence permit - doctoral candidates

If you come from a third country and would like to complete a doctoral programme in Munich, you will need a residence permit.

Residence permit - Qualification as a doctor

If you have a foreign qualification as a doctor and wish to obtain a licence to practise or a professional permit, you will need a residence permit.

Qualification support

Do you have a degree / vocational qualification from another country? Do you still need a qualification to get a job that matches your profession?

Counselling for nursing staff from abroad

Are you working in nursing abroad or have you completed your nursing training abroad?

Authorisation for self-employment for third-country nationals

Third-country nationals and their family members can apply for a permit for self-employment.

Residence permit - researchers and scientific staff

Would you like to start a research project or pursue a scientific activity? If so, you can apply for various residence permits

Counselling on the entry of foreign skilled workers

If your company would like to employ foreign skilled workers, we can advise you on entry options and the recognition procedure.