Settlement permit for highly qualified persons
<p><span>Do you come from a third country (not from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland) and are you a particularly highly qualified specialist with an academic qualification? Then you can apply for a settlement permit under certain conditions.</span></p>
<p><span>The settlement permit is an unlimited residence title that allows you to live and work in Germany without any time or place restrictions</span></p>
Conditions Directive Employers Employment Gainful Gainful employment Highly Highly Qualified Directive Iceland Labour Labour migration Natural Natural scientists Nature Norway Qualification Qualifications Qualified Residence permit Restriction Settlement Settlement permit Skilled Skilled workers Specialist Specialists Third University degree Unlimited Workers Working academic certain country direct particularly permits restrictions scientists

# Settlement permit for highly qualified persons

## Summary

In special cases, highly qualified foreign nationals can obtain a permanent residence permit without prior residence in Germany.
## Description

Do you come from a third country (not from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland) and are you a particularly highly qualified specialist with an academic qualification? Then you can apply for a settlement permit under certain conditions.

The settlement permit is an unlimited residence title that allows you to live and work in Germany without any time or place restrictions

## Responsible Department

KVR
## Required Documents

* fully completed [application form](https://stadt.muenchen.de/dms/Home/Stadtverwaltung/Kreisverwaltungsreferat/fachspezifisch/HA-II/Auslaenderbehoerde/Dokumente/antragaufenthaltstitel.pdf)
* valid passport or passport substitute
* a current [biometric passport photo](http://www.bmi.bund.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/142738/publicationFile/13143/ePass_Fotomustertafel_de.pdf)(photo machines are available at the Foreigners Office)
* University certificate or doctoral certificate (in the case of foreign degrees, a certified German translation and, if applicable, the formal recognition and, in the case of a university professorship, the doctoral certificate must also be submitted)
* Proof of high qualification (e.g. expertise from a scientific institution or organisation, special publications, proof of scientific awards, international reputation, statement from the "recruiting" body)
* Proof of monthly housing costs and living space:
  + Rental agreement or purchase contract stating the number of square metres and bank statements showing the amount of rent  
    
    or
  + [Housing certificate](https://stadt.muenchen.de/dms/Home/Stadtverwaltung/Kreisverwaltungsreferat/fachspezifisch/HA-II/Auslaenderbehoerde/Dokumente/Wohnraumbest-auml-tigung.pdf)

Further documents may be required in individual cases.

## Prerequisites

In particular, "highly qualified" in this sense means

* Scientists with special specialised knowledge or
* Teachers in a prominent position or
* academic staff in a prominent position.

These examples are not exhaustive. In individual cases, other groups of people may also be considered as highly qualified employees. If in doubt, please contact the Foreigners Office.

A further requirement is that they are registered in Munich and that they can integrate into the local living conditions and secure their livelihood without state assistance.

## Please Note

To apply and make an appointment, please use our [online application form](https://service.muenchen.de/intelliform/forms/01/02/02/niederlassungserlaubnis/index) or send us your documents and application by post. After we have checked everything, you will be given an appointment with us.

## Fee Range

* 147 Euro
* Turkish nationals authorised to associate: 37 euros
* Costs for sending the electronic residence permit (eAT): 5.70 euros

## Processing Time

20 weeks

## Legal Basis

§ Section 18c (3) Residence Act

## Questions and Answers

 
### What happens to my settlement permit if I have a new passport?

 

Your settlement **permit** is still valid even if your previous passport has expired and you have already received a new passport. You will need to show your old and new passports and your previous settlement permit. You can find information on passport transfer [here](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-ii-buergerangelegenheiten/1080729/).

   
### Can my settlement permit expire?

 

Your residence permit usually expires if:

* You leave the country for a reason that is not only temporary, for example: 
  + Attending school abroad
  + Working abroad
  + Caring for a family member abroad
  + Marriage abroad
  + Settling abroad
* You leave Germany and do not re-enter within six months or a longer period specified by the Foreigners Office (exception: you fulfil a compulsory military service in your home country and re-enter Germany within three months of completing it).

More information can be [found here](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-ii-buergerangelegenheiten/1081226/).

   
### Do you have an EU Blue Card?

 

If you have an EU Blue Card, you can apply for a settlement permit in accordance with [Section 18c (2) AufenthG](https://www.muenchen.de/dienstleistungsfinder/muenchen/1080805/) under special conditions.

   
## Further Links

* [General Data Protection Regulation](https://stadt.muenchen.de/infos/dsgvo-datenschutzgrundverordnung.html)
* [Transfer of the new residence permit to the new passport](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-ii-buergerangelegenheiten/1080729/)
* [Information on the expiry of the settlement permit for stays abroad](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-ii-buergerangelegenheiten/1081226/)
* [Settlement permit with EU Blue Card](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-ii-buergerangelegenheiten-auslaenderangelegenheiten-service-center-fuer-internationale-fachkraefte/1080810/)
* [General settlement permit](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-ii-buergerangelegenheiten/1064106/)
* [Registering residence in Munich](https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/wohnsitz-anmelden-oder-ummelden/1063475/n0/)
* [Application for a settlement permit](https://stadt.muenchen.de/dms/Home/Stadtverwaltung/Kreisverwaltungsreferat/fachspezifisch/HA-II/Auslaenderbehoerde/Dokumente/antragaufenthaltstitel.pdf)
* [Foreigner employment form](https://stadt.muenchen.de/dms/Home/Stadtverwaltung/Kreisverwaltungsreferat/fachspezifisch/HA-II/Auslaenderbehoerde/Dokumente/formblattauslaenderbeschaeftigung.pdf)
* [Certificate of residence](https://stadt.muenchen.de/dms/Home/Stadtverwaltung/Kreisverwaltungsreferat/fachspezifisch/HA-II/Auslaenderbehoerde/Dokumente/Wohnraumbest-auml-tigung.pdf)
* [Confirmation of the employment relationship](https://stadt.muenchen.de/dms/Home/Stadtverwaltung/Kreisverwaltungsreferat/fachspezifisch/HA-II/Auslaenderbehoerde/Dokumente/Arbeitgeberbest-auml-tigung.pdf)
* [Highly qualified directive](https://www.muenchen.de/rathaus/dam/jcr:74d223f4-ad27-4576-8d81-c46a778641dc/Hochqualifiziertenrichtlinie%20vom%2025.5.2009.pdf)
* [Submit an application](https://service.muenchen.de/intelliform/forms/01/02/02/niederlassungserlaubnis/index)
* [Contact form](https://service.muenchen.de/intelliform/forms/01/02/02/abhkontakt/index)

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