Types of German Residence Permits

Residence permits are handled by the alien’s office (Ausländerbehörde) and granted for a definite (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or indefinite term (Niederlassungserlaubnis).

Limited residence permits are issued for a specific purpose such as study, internship, vocational training, employment, self-employment or family reunification. Therefore, we speak of a residence permit for the purpose of study or for the purpose of gainful employment, etc. A limited residence permit does not automatically imply that the holder is allowed to work and depending on the type of a residence permit restrictions may apply.
An unlimited residence permit, also known as a settlement permit, is issued for indefinite term and is only granted to foreign nationals who have been living in Germany for quite some time. Holders have an unrestricted access to the German labour market.

Studying and Vocational Training in Germany

German secondary schools and, especially, German universities are open to students from all over the world. There are plenty of opportunities for foreign students to participate in intensive language courses, secondary-school exchange programmes, vocational training courses, in-company training programmes, university exchange programmes and university courses for international students as well as regular university study programmes.

The good news is that public schools and public universities in Germany typically charge no tuition fees. However, students from third countries (i.e., countries outside of the European Economic Area) need a residence permit for study purposes, whereas one of the requirements for issuing this permit is the proof of sufficient financial resources. Once finished with their studies, foreign graduates can stay in Germany for another 18 months looking for a job. Those who find a job will have their residence permit for study purposes converted into a residence permit for work. After two years of staying and working in Germany they are entitled to a permanent residence title also known as a settlement permit (upon meeting certain other conditions). 

Employment and Self-Employment in Germany

Citizens of the EEA countries have an unrestricted access to the German job market. For other nationals, access to the German labour market is less straightforward. They need a residence permit for work and their chances of securing this permit largely depend on their qualifications and professional skills. Germany is welcoming people from all over the world to fill labour shortages in many areas. These include healthcare professionals, electrical and mechanical engineers, IT specialists, natural scientists, teachers and some other professionals. However, the majority of humanities graduates or unskilled labourers will find it difficult to secure a residence permit for work purposes.

There are also restrictions for those citizens of third countries who would like to start their own business in Germany. Typically, an investment of 250,000 Euros or creating five jobs in Germany would be required. In addition, candidates will have to prove that their products or services benefit the German economy. If successful, they will be issued a residence permit for self-employment.

Family Reunification in Germany

Nationals of third countries who want to join their spouse or family member living in Germany must apply for a residence title for the purpose of family reunification at the German embassy or consulate in or nearest to their home country (they will be issued a family reunification visa by the embassy). Typically, they will be asked to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the German language. This also applies to children over 16. However, exceptions do exist. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA are exempt from this rule. Likewise, foreign spouses of EU Blue Card holders do not need to take a language exam. In addition, proof of the German language proficiency can be waived for university graduates and for spouses of highly skilled professionals, researchers and self-employed business people if they were married or lived in a registered partnership before moving to Germany. For information on examinations used to evaluate basic language skills (A1 level) for the purpose of family reunification please refer to the section “German language proficiency examinations”. Once in Germany, foreign spouses and family members will need to register with local authorities (the alien authority and the resident registration office). Then they will be entitled to take up gainful employment.


To be continued.....