EU Long-term Residence Permit — Germany

The EU long-term residence permit gives you permanent residence in Germany and the right to move to other EU countries. You qualify after five years of lawful residence and apply using the official form issued by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) (BAMF).

Program summary

The EU Long-term Residence Permit is a permanent residence status available after five years of residence in Germany. It’s distinct from temporary residence permits issued for work, study, or family reasons.

You’ll need to use the official form titled “EU Long-term Residence Permit”. BAMF issues the form, but your local Ausländerbehörde processes residence permits inside Germany.

Key features:

• Permanent residence status
• Eligibility after 5 years of residence
• Right to move to other EU countries under EU rules
• Formal application using the BAMF-issued form

This status differs from a Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) because it specifically includes mobility rights within the European Union framework.

If you currently hold a residence title such as an EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa, Family Reunion Visa, or another Aufenthaltstitel, those years may count toward the five-year residence period. Confirm how your time is calculated with your local Ausländerbehörde.

For official form details and procedural guidance, refer to BAMF and your local immigration office.

Who it's for

The EU long-term residence permit is for those who have lived in Germany for at least five years and want both permanence and mobility within the EU.

You may consider this status if you:

• Have maintained lawful residence in Germany for 5 years
• Hold or previously held a valid Aufenthaltstitel
• Want long-term security beyond temporary visas
• Plan to move to another EU country in the future

It’s relevant if you first entered Germany on a:

• EU Blue Card
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Family Reunion Visa
• Other residence-based permits

If you are still on a short-term or transitional status, such as a Job Seeker Visa, you must first accumulate the required five years of residence before qualifying.

Your eligibility depends on how your residence periods are recognized. The local Ausländerbehörde will assess your individual record, including your Form Residence Declaration history and issued permits.

Key outcomes

The EU long-term residence permit gives you two core outcomes: permanent residence in Germany and the right to move to other EU countries under EU provisions.

Unlike temporary residence permits, this status does not tie you to a specific visa purpose such as employment or family reunification.

You still interact with German authorities for administrative matters. The Ausländerbehörde manages your residence status, while BAMF provides the official application framework.

For procedural steps, documentation requirements, and processing details, consult BAMF and your local Ausländerbehörde directly.

With a valid EU long-term residence permit or a Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), you gain secure residence in Germany and defined mobility rights within the European Union. These rights affect where you can live, work, and apply for a new residence status.

Freedom of movement in the EU

The EU long-term residence permit allows you to move to almost any other EU country and apply for a residence permit there under facilitated conditions. You do not start from the same position as a first-time applicant without EU long-term status.

When you relocate, you must:

1. Apply for a new national residence permit in the destination EU country.

2. Comply with that country’s immigration rules.

3. Submit the required Form Residence Declaration and supporting documents.

This mobility right differs from national permits such as the EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa, or Job Seeker Visa, which tie you more closely to the issuing state.

You still apply through the competent authority in the new country. In Germany, local Ausländerbehörde offices handle residence permits, while the Federal Foreign Office manages visa applications abroad.

Access and limitations

Your permanent status gives you stable residence in Germany. You no longer depend on the original purpose of stay, such as employment under a Skilled Worker Visa or studies.

You may:

• Live in Germany without time limits.
• Change employers without reapplying for a new Aufenthaltstitel.
• Apply for Family Reunion Visas for eligible family members under the applicable rules.

However, your rights are not unlimited.

You must:

• Maintain valid identification and registration.
• Comply with German law and residence regulations.
• Keep your residence information current with the local registration authority.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) oversees migration policy and asylum matters, but your residence permit remains under the authority of your local Ausländerbehörde.

If you move to another EU country, your German status does not automatically replace that country’s national permit requirements. You must complete a new Form Aufenthaltstitel Application there under its legal framework.

You must renew your permanent residence card to keep valid proof of your right to live in Germany. Renewal focuses on timing and meeting the administrative steps set by your local Ausländerbehörde.

When to renew

You should apply for renewal before your current permanent residence card expires. Your status under a Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or EU long-term residence does not automatically extend the physical card.

The card serves as official proof of your residence title (Aufenthaltstitel). Employers, public offices, and border authorities may request a valid card, even if your underlying status remains valid.

If you previously held an EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa, Family Reunion Visa, or Job Seeker Visa and later obtained permanent residence, only the permanent residence card requires renewal—not your prior visa category.

You submit the renewal request to your local Ausländerbehörde, not to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). BAMF handles asylum matters, while residence permits inside Germany fall under local immigration authorities.

If you’re unsure about your card’s validity date, check the expiration printed on the card itself or confirm directly with your Ausländerbehörde.

Administrative requirements

You must file a renewal application with your local Ausländerbehörde. Authorities may refer to this as an Form Aufenthaltstitel Application for card reissuance.

Expect the following administrative elements:

• Completed renewal form (as required by your Ausländerbehörde)
• Valid passport
• Current permanent residence card
• Updated Form Residence Declaration if requested

The standard administrative fee is:

processing times vary by city and workload. You must verify current timelines directly with your local Ausländerbehörde before applying.

The Federal Foreign Office handles visa applications abroad, not PR card renewals inside Germany. Always confirm local procedural details with your issuing authority to avoid delays.

You must pay a government fee when you submit your EU long-term residence permit application. Processing usually takes several months, and timelines depend on your residence category and the local authority handling your file.

Application and admin fees

You pay the fee at the time you file your Form Aufenthaltstitel Application with your local Ausländerbehörde. The standard application fee is €109.

Some applicants may pay up to approximately €150, depending on administrative circumstances and local practices. The exact amount appears on your fee notice.

Your local Ausländerbehörde collects the fee. If you applied from abroad, the Federal Foreign Office processes the consular side of your case.

Fee structures can change, and the exact amount appears on your notice.

Typical processing times

The standard processing time for EU long-term residence is 3 to 6 months.

The clock generally starts once you submit a complete application, including your Form Residence Declaration and supporting documents. Incomplete files delay review.

Your local Ausländerbehörde handles residence permits inside Germany. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) oversees migration policy and asylum matters but doesn't issue regular residence permits.

You should not make travel or employment changes until you receive a formal decision.

Variations by category/location

processing times vary depending on:

• Your current status (e.g., EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa, Family Reunion Visa, Job Seeker Visa)
• Whether you already hold a Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• The workload of your local Ausländerbehörde
• The completeness of your application

Urban offices with high application volumes often take longer than smaller districts. Category-based reviews may also require additional checks.

Each local office manages its own caseload and scheduling system.

You qualify for a Germany EU long-term residence permit only if you hold a valid German residence status and meet the rules tied to that status. Your current Aufenthaltstitel determines how your time in Germany counts and what conditions apply.

Eligibility categories

Your eligibility depends on the type of residence permit you currently hold and how it was issued by your local Ausländerbehörde.

Common categories include:

• EU Blue Card
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Family Reunion Visa
• Existing Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• Other residence permits issued as an Aufenthaltstitel

If you applied from abroad, the Federal Foreign Office handled your entry visa. Once in Germany, your residence permit and any change of status fall under the local Ausländerbehörde.

If you previously held protection-related status, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge – BAMF) may have been involved in your procedure.

You must hold a valid residence title at the time you submit your application.

Check category-specific instructions

Before filing your Form Aufenthaltstitel Application for EU long-term residence, review the rules tied to your current permit type. Each category can have different documentation and procedural steps.

Focus on:

• Whether your current permit qualifies toward long-term status
• Whether you must first convert your status
• Which authority processes your request
• Whether you must submit a new Form Residence Declaration

Time spent under a Job Seeker Visa or another temporary status doesn't automatically qualify. Confirm how your specific permit is treated.

Your local Ausländerbehörde provides binding instructions for applicants already living in Germany. If your case involves asylum or protection matters, verify any prior BAMF decisions before applying.

Follow the official category guidance to avoid delays or rejection.