RESIDENCE PERMITS IN GERMANY
TYPES
- Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Temporary residence permit) — 1-3 years, renewable
- Blaue Karte EU (EU Blue Card) — for qualified professionals
- Niederlassungserlaubnis (Permanent residence) — after 5 years (3 with Blue Card)
- Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU (EU long-term residence)
FAMILY REUNIFICATION
- Spouse must be 18+
- Basic German knowledge (A1 level) before entry (exceptions for refugees)
- Adequate living space: ~12m² per person
- Sufficient income: no reliance on social benefits
- Processing time: 3-12 months
FOR REFUGEES (Asylberechtigte & Flüchtlinge):
- Immediate right to family reunification
- No income/housing requirement in first 3 months after recognition
- Apply at German embassy in family's country
FOR SUBSIDIARY PROTECTION
- Family reunification possible but limited (quota: 1000/month)
- Waiting time can be 1-2+ years
PERMANENT RESIDENCE (Niederlassungserlaubnis):
- 5 years of legal residence with Aufenthaltserlaubnis
- Secure livelihood (no Hartz IV/Bürgergeld)
- Sufficient living space
- B1 German language certificate
- Basic knowledge of German legal/social system (Integrationskurs)
- 60 months pension contributions
AUTHORITIES
- Ausländerbehörde (local foreigners' office) — for all permits
- BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) — asylum decisions
COSTS
- First issuance: 100€
- Extension: 93€
- Permanent residence: 113€
- EU Blue Card: 100€