Life situations
Purposes of residence
The right of permanent residence is based on the residence purposes specified in the Residence Act:
- educational
- research
- occupational (for self-employed persons and non self-employed workers)
- family reasons
As well as the above, there are also special rights of residence, e.g. the right to return and residence titles for former Germans.
Note: In exceptional circumstances, a residence permit can also be issued for a purpose of residence not specified in law.
To the procedures and services
- Applying for a residence permit for employment purposes
- Extending a residence permit issued for training purposes
- Residence permit for educational purposes - application
- Residence permit for employment purposes for tolerated persons who are qualified - application
- Residence permit for highly qualified job seekers - application
- Residence permit for self-employment - application
- Residence requirement - apply for lifting
- Settlement permit
- Subsequent entry of family members (Germans) - Residence permit application
- Subsequent entry of family members (other relatives) - applying for a residence permit
- Subsequent entry of family members (to foreign nationals) - applying for a residence permit
Release note
The German original version of this text was drafted in close cooperation with the relevant departments. The Innenministerium released it on 08.10.2020. Only the German text is legally binding. The Federal State does not assume any liability for the translated texts.
In cases of doubt or if you have any questions or problems, please contact the relevant authorities directly.