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Settlement Permit

A settlement permit is an unlimited residence permit which allows the holder to pursue gainful employment. In certain cases, a foreigner coming to Germany may be issued with a settlement permit if the applicant is highly qualified. As a rule, however, foreigners are only entitled to a settlement permit if they have spent five years in the country. The Immigration Office is the authority responsible.

According to German immigration law the following people are defined as “highly qualified”:

  1. Academics who are especially highly qualified or possess knowledge in a field of particular importance
  2. Academic teaching staff in leading positions (e.g. chairholders and institute directors)
  3. Researchers in leading positions (e.g. leaders of scientific projects or independent research groups)

If you fall into any of these categories you can apply for a settlement permit. There are no special forms, but you should submit the same documents you need for a residence permit. In addition, you will require a statement from the university confirming that you are a highly qualified academic, a copy of your tenancy agreement and proof of how much rent you currently pay. You will also have to demonstrate that you are able to communicate in German by attending an informal interview at the Immigration Office.

If a settlement permit is issued, marital partners are given a residence permit which allows them unrestricted employment opportunities. It is issued without recourse to the Federal Employment Agency which means that it is not necessary to check whether other people should be given priority on the employment market.

Further Information:

Ausländerbehörde der Stadt Marburg

Frauenbergstrasse 35, 1. Stock

35039 Marburg

ordnung@marburg-stadt.de g@ g

Opening hours:

Mo., Wed., Fr.: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thu.: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

You can also reach the staff at the Ausländerbehörde by phone:

Surnames beginning A – E

Tel.: 0 64 21 / 2 01-4 68

Surnames beginning F – G 

Tel.: 0 64 21 / 2 01-3 20

Surnames beginning H – M 

Tel.: 0 64 21 / 2 01-4 66

Surnames beginning N – T 

Tel.: 0 64 21 / 2 01-5 16

Surnames beginning U – W 

Tel.: 0 64 21 / 2 01-7 57

Surnames beginning X – Z 

Tel.: 0 64 21 / 2 01-4 38

Further information