Applying for a settlement permit for family members of German nationals

• You must apply for a settlement permit before your current residence permit expires.
• If you are under 18, you are not permitted to submit the application yourself; you will need a representative (the application is usually submitted by the parents who have parental responsibility).
• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If you can only submit your application in person, please book an appointment at the Immigration Office. If you submit your application online, the Immigration Office will contact you once your application has been received to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by at least one legal representative (usually a parent) when attending in person. In the case of joint custody, both parents must appear at the relevant authority together and submit the application on your behalf.
  If one parent is unable to attend in person, they must issue the other parent with a written power of attorney authorising them to submit the application on their behalf.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, preferably in the original).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the purpose of issuing a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office commissions the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. Once it has been produced, you will be notified and can collect your settlement permit from the relevant office. As a general rule, you must collect the eAT card in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant’s place of residence.

• You are a foreign family member of a German national (spouse or partner, child or parent).

• They have held a residence permit to live with their family in Germany for three years.
• The family relationship with the German national continues.
• You can support yourself without having to claim state benefits.
• You have adequate health insurance cover.
• You have a sufficient command of German (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Please
  note: If you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from acquiring the required language skills, you are not required to meet this requirement.
• They have no previous convictions.
• There are no grounds for your deportation and you have not yet received a deportation order.

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Evidence of sufficient means of support (for example, proof of income, pension notification, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental allowance or child benefit, maintenance payments).
  Please note: Proof of means of support may also be provided by third parties (e.g. spouses, registered partners, parents).
• Proof of health insurance cover (for example, a confirmation of cover from your health insurance provider or an insurance policy)
• Proof of German language proficiency at least at B1 level (for example, a language certificate, German school, vocational training or higher education qualifications, or a certificate confirming successful completion of an integration course)
  Please note: If you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from acquiring the required language skills, you must provide appropriate evidence of this (e.g. a specialist medical report, proof of residential care)
• In the case of a parent of a German child who is a third-country national: the child’s birth certificate, proof of custody
• For married couples or registered civil partners: marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the foreigners authority may require less or further evidence.

• Section 44(3) of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV)
• Section 50(1) of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV)

• Section 28(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
• Section 9(2), first sentence, points 2 and 4 to 6, 8 and 9, and sentences 2 to 4 and 6 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 5 Residence Act (AufenthG)

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Authority
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

• Children who have not yet reached the age of 18 may not submit the application themselves, but must be represented by a person with legal capacity (for example, a parent with parental responsibility).
• The proceedings are usually conducted in German.
• Please ensure that you provide accurate and complete information to the best of your knowledge and belief. This is the only way the Immigration Authority can process your application without significant delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be to your disadvantage. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the cancellation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.