Residence Permits in Germany: Types of Aufenthaltstitel and How to Apply

The law lists the types of Aufenthaltstitel: visa, Aufenthaltserlaubnis, Blaue Karte EU, ICT-Karte, Mobiler-ICT-Karte, Niederlassungserlaubnis and Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt – EU (§ 4(1) AufenthG).

• National visa (D-Visum): issued by a German embassy or consulate before entry.
• Aufenthaltserlaubnis: a residence permit for a limited period and a specific purpose. The purpose is stated in the document and determines whether you may work.
• Niederlassungserlaubnis: a permanent residence permit. General conditions: five years with an Aufenthaltserlaubnis, a secure income, at least 60 months of pension insurance contributions and the other requirements of § 9(2) AufenthG. For some groups the law provides shorter periods.

As a general rule, the Niederlassungserlaubnis requires 60 months of pension insurance contributions (for some groups the periods are shorter), and the same 5 years of contributions also qualify you for a German state pension. So every year you work moves you toward both goals at once. Learn more about how the pension system in Germany works.

Blaue Karte EU (§ 18g AufenthG) is a residence permit for specialists with a university degree and a job offer. The minimum salary is published officially every year: in 2026 it is €50,700 gross per year, and €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and young professionals.

Chancenkarte (§ 20a AufenthG) is a residence permit for job seeking or for a qualification recognition procedure. It is granted to skilled workers or under a points system, provided your living costs are covered. With a Chancenkarte you may work an average of up to 20 hours a week and do trial work for up to two weeks.

If you are planning a Blue Card or Chancenkarte, check the recognition of your degree in advance: it speeds up the preparation.

Recognition of qualifications in Germany

Spouses and children can receive an Aufenthaltserlaubnis for family reunification (Familiennachzug, § 27 ff. AufenthG). The conditions depend on the residence permit of the person the family is joining. If the family applies together with a Blaue Karte EU holder, both applications are decided at the same time (§ 81(6) AufenthG). To assess your situation, we arrange a consultation with a lawyer.

The Ausländerbehörde where you live is responsible for issuing and renewing residence permits. In many cities, booking and applying take place online. The booking procedure and the list of documents vary by city, so check them on the website of your city's Ausländerbehörde. That is why you should complete Anmeldung first: the responsible office is determined by your registered address.

Anmeldung in Germany

The exact list is set by your Ausländerbehörde. Usually it includes:

• passport and a biometric photo;
• a completed application form;
• proof of address (Meldebescheinigung);
• proof of the purpose of stay: employment contract, university enrolment, marriage certificate;
• proof of health insurance and means of subsistence.

If you apply for a renewal or a new residence permit before your current one expires, your existing permit is deemed valid until the Ausländerbehörde decides (§ 81(4) AufenthG). This is confirmed by a document called a Fiktionsbescheinigung (§ 81(5) AufenthG). It also states whether you are allowed to work.

You apply for renewal at the same Ausländerbehörde. A good plan is to book an appointment well before the expiry date and prepare up-to-date documents on your job, income and insurance.