Permanent Residence in Germany: Germany PR for Indian Students Process, Rules & Requirements

Germany is a popular destination for individuals seeking to relocate internationally because of its diverse culture, cutting-edge technology, professional opportunities, and academic advancement. The country consistently ranks as the world’s fifth most sought-after destination for higher education and is a formidable competitor. Consequently, students who complete their Masters or PhD at prestigious universities in Germany are more inclined to pursue Permanent Residence or PR.

If you are contemplating the viability of obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Germany, we offer a comprehensive guide that elucidates the most advantageous alternative for you, along with important information pertaining to the regulations governing PR in Germany. Additionally, our guide provides valuable insights into the process of acquiring PR in Germany specifically tailored for international students. Let us commence!

What is Permanent Residence in Germany?

PR in Germany, also known as a German Permanent Residence Permit, essentially allows non-EU and non-EEA persons to stay in Germany indefinitely. The Settlement Permit, also known as the Niederlassungserlaubnis, is only granted to persons who have lived and worked in the country for a significant period of time—in most cases, four years.

Most people choose a Permanent Residence permit as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements because of the numerous benefits it delivers. For example, as a PR visa holder, you will not have to renew your residence permission every few years and will be eligible for German social security payments, among other things.

You are eligible to apply for a PR Permit if you are:

A skilled worker with a degree from a foreign university
A skilled worker with a university degree from Germany
Asylum seeker or refugee
Self-employed
family of a German national

Types of German Permanent Residency?

Following are the types of German permanent residency.

Permit for Student Residency

This sort of visa is intended for international students enrolled in German schools and universities. A student must present proof of admission as well as financial means to qualify for this. This lets you to stay in Germany and work as a student for a set number of hours.Permit for Job Seeking

Individuals who want to work in Germany must obtain this type of authorization. It allows them to stay in Germany for an additional 18 months while looking for work. You will be required to give proof of your job search and financial situation. This can also be used after you have completed your study in Germany.

Permit for Employment and Residency

This sort of visa is eligible for persons who have a job in Germany and is granted based on the term of your job/contract. You must give documentation of work visa and job contract for this.

Permit to Relocate for Family Reunification

This permit is intended for foreigners who have family in Germany. However, family members must give documentation of their link with the application and assurance that they can financially support them.

Permit for Permanent Residency

This sort of residency permit is for people who live in Germany but meet the criteria listed below.

Have resided in Germany for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a German citizen).
Proof of job, financial resources, and German language competency are required.
Are you an international student who graduated from a German university and has a two-year work permit?

The EU Blue Card

This residence permit is valid for a maximum of four years. It is intended for international applicants who have a work visa, proof of financial resources, and particular language requirements.

Note: If an individual’s application is approved, they will receive neutralisation, which is a certificate of citizenship that serves as proof of German citizenship. This qualification can take up to two years to obtain.

The Advantages of a Germany PR for Indians

The following are the advantages of German PR for Indians:

It allows anyone to work in Germany without limits. With a German permanent resident, any lucrative employment opportunity is permitted.
It aids in obtaining a better credit rating for future loans, etc.
It functions as a travel pass, allowing free movement within erozones.
Assists in obtaining a permanent residency permit in the EU.
Assists in obtaining guaranteed social security.
You can use this to apply for financial aid to study at German universities.
Assists you in becoming a German citizen.

Let’s now look at the requirements for starting the PR process in Germany.

After-Study Requirements for PR in Germany

The requirements for PR in Germany following study differ not just according to your present residence status, but also according to the demand itself. As a result, regardless of the specifications, the following are the typical Germany PR requirements:

Completed application form: The first and most crucial Germany PR need is to submit a completed “Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis” or settlement permit application form.

Biometric Photo: You must send a recent 35mm x 45mm biometric photograph. This photograph is available at any Fotofix booth located in U-Bahn stations around Germany.

Proof of Financial Stability: Financial stability is the most important criteria in the German PR Process of Application. As a graduate living in Germany, you must earn enough to support yourself without relying on government assistance. As a result, bank statements must be given as proof when applying for PR. Students may also be required to provide job documents and a contract.

Valid Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the application date.

Housing Proof: You must have enough space to live in a safe and nice neighbourhood. You must provide the following proof:

Your landlord’s lease agreement
a Certificate of Registration of Address.

Proof of Social Security Contributions:
You must have made a monetary contribution to the Statutory Pension Insurance Fund throughout your time working and dwelling in Germany.

Health Insurance: When applying for PR after studying in Germany, you must have adequate health insurance. Proof is available from:

Submitting your Statutory Health Insurance confirmation paperwork
your Private Health Insurance insurance policy and evidence of payment.

Proof of Education in Germany: If you are applying for a PR in Germany after completing a master’s degree or a degree at a German university, you must produce proof via:

Transcripts of Academic Achievement
A certified copy of your degree or academic title from a German higher education institution.
The degree must indicate the level of academic title acquired (bachelor, master, PhD, or diploma).

Employment verification:
Proof of employment is required if you are applying for PR after studying in Germany. This can be supplied by

Salary statements for the last six months are being released.
Evidence of employment in the form of a Certificate of Employment issued by your employer within the last 14 days
Proof of employment for the previous two years.

Proof of paid pension insurance: You must also have a paid pension insurance plan that covers a minimum of two years. This certificate must show that you have paid for private or statutory pension insurance.

Germany as evidence Proficiency: Eligibility for PR in Germany is heavily reliant on understanding of the German language. As a result, applicants must have a B1 level of proficiency.

Pass the ‘Life in Germany’ Test: The Life in Germany test is required for your application and will assess your understanding of German laws, customs, and culture.

Have no criminal record:
You must disclose any previous convictions.

Next, let’s look at how to start the PR process in Germany.

How to Apply for PR in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Germany PR Process

So, now that you have completed all of the requirements for PR in Germany and have met all of the eligibility criteria, let us look at how to apply for PR in Germany.

The German PR process for Indians is relatively simple and may be completed by following the stages below:

Make an appointment with the German Immigration Office for the aim of applying for permanent residence in Germany.
Pick up the application form and carefully read it. Check that you have all of the necessary paperwork. The documents required with the application are the same as those listed in the requirements section above. Aside from those, there may be extra documents that you must submit, so check the official website.
Arrive at the Immigration Office early on your appointment date and be prepared for an in-person interview with a German official, as well as a review of the documents and application form filed.
The last step is to pay the application cost. The price varies depending on your current residency status:
The price is 113 EUR for skilled professionals (with and without a German university degree).
The cost for self-employed individuals is 124 EUR.

In Germany, the application process for a PR takes between two to four weeks, after which you will be told of your acceptance or rejection. If your permit is accepted, you will be able to stay in Germany indefinitely.