Applying for a settlement permit for family members of Germans

You must apply for a settlement permit in writing to the foreigners authority at your main place of residence. Depending on where you live, the foreigners authority is the city administration or the district administration.

The requirements for a settlement permit for family members of Germans are

• written application to the responsible immigration authority
• Valid passport or passport substitute and clarified identity
• Possession of a residence permit for 3 years
• Family cohabitation with a German national (spouse or same-sex partner, child or parent) for at least 3 years
• sufficient knowledge of German (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• secure livelihood through own income
• Sufficient health insurance and adequate living space
• No criminal offenses

• valid passport
• 1 current biometric passport photo
• Proof of income
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Rental agreement or purchase contract with details of living space
• Proof of receipt of other benefits (e.g. child benefit, parental allowance, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient knowledge of German

Please note that further proof may be requested in individual cases.

Processing can take several weeks, as other authorities are also involved in the procedure.

• § Section 5 Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 9 (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 28 (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 44 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

Since September 1, 2011, you will receive a settlement permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. You can find more information on this at:

• "Introduction of the electronic residence permit (eAT)"

26.08.2022