The settlement permit under Section 18c(2) AufenthG is permanent. It removes the link to a particular job and means you no longer need the immigration office's approval to change employers.

Timelines: 21 months with B1 or 27 months

The law sets two periods: after 27 months of qualified employment with basic German (A1), you can apply for the settlement permit. If you prove B1 German with an official certificate, you can apply after just 21 months.

Mandatory statutory pension contributions

A key requirement is proof of mandatory contributions to the statutory pension insurance for the required 21 or 27 months. The evidence is your insurance record (Versicherungsverlauf), which you can request online free of charge from Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

Proof of employment and housing

At the time of application, your employment should not have been terminated or still be in its probationary period. You provide an employer's certificate of current employment, payslips for the last three months and proof of sufficient living space.

Knowledge of Germany's legal and social order

You must prove basic knowledge of the legal and social order in Germany. You can do this with the “Leben in Deutschland” test certificate, a completed integration course or a university degree obtained in Germany.

What to check

  • Request your insurance record from Deutsche Rentenversicherung about a month before applying.
  • Take a B1 exam to shorten the waiting period.
  • Get a current employer's certificate confirming that no notice has been given.
  • Book the “Leben in Deutschland” test early, as there may be waiting lists.

Example situation

An IT architect with a Blue Card passes the “telc Deutsch B1” exam in his 19th month, requests his insurance record and receives the settlement permit after 21 months.

Next step

A settlement permit makes your stay independent of your employment contract; start learning German in your first months.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.