German PR for Indians – Step by Step Guide

When it comes to moving abroad for work or study purposes, European countries top the list for a majority of people. The main reasons are the standard of life, security and handsome compensation that these countries offer. Germany is one of the most hospitable and safe countries for foreign nationals. It is also a preferred destination because of its thriving economy, state-of-the-art education system, quality of life and innumerable career prospects it offers. All these factors make Germany a much more desirable immigration destination.

Going by the report provided by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the number of Indians migrating to Germany for higher studies and jobs has increased dramatically in recent years. If you are looking to apply for a permanent residency in Germany, please read further to find out all the details.

Benefits of a Permanent Residence in Germany

Let us first begin with exploring the benefits of obtaining a German settlement permit. A German Permanent Residency offers several advantages which are enumerated below:

1. The Permanent Residency Permit is not tied to a specific job. You can be gainfully employed in Germany without any limitations or restrictions; you can freely choose your profession including self-employment. In fact, you even have the freedom to change your job without needing to notify the Federal Office or the Federal Employment Agency
2. Obtaining a Permanent Residency in Germany entitles you to obtain a loan and even enhances your chances of receiving a loan
3. You can travel anywhere, anytime –You can not only travel within Germany but even outside Germany. You could even travel to your country of origin without losing the Germany Residency Permit
4. Unlimited access to social security and health insurance – As a Permanent Resident, you will have complete access to social benefits including childcare, health and social assistance. The best part is that these benefits do not become redundant even if you end up losing your job
5. Opportunity to avail financial aid to pursue higher education at German universities
6. After living in Germany as a permanent resident for eight years, you could even apply for German citizenship
7. Lastly, please remember that you will not have to apply for an extension of your Residence Permit every few years

What is the Permanent Residence Permit in Germany?

To start with, the PR is known as the Niederlassungserlaubnis or Settlement Permit in Germany. It allows people from outside the EU/EEA to live, study, and work there as well as bring their families. People migrating to Germany from India are required to work on a temporary residence permit for a few years before they can apply for permanent residency status. Individuals can get naturalized after living for a minimum of eight years in Germany.

The fact that an application for Permanent Residence Permit is a complicated process cannot be denied. The entire process can prove to be pretty cumbersome and time-consuming if one is not aware of the exact requirements and the latest updates in the Germany PR requirements process. Several rules and regulations need to be followed.

German PR for Indians: Step-by-Step Procedure for Germany PR

Mentioned below are the steps to apply for a German Permanent Residence permit to immigrate to Germany permanently from India:

1. Set up a meeting and visit the local German immigration office. Make sure you reach early at the German Immigration Office. You would also need to show up for an interview with a German official during the appointment.
2. Procure the application form; carefully review it and fill in every section.
3. For a list of necessary documents, please refer to the next section of this blog
4. The application fee needs to be paid in cash, with an EC Card, or via a bank transfer.

What are the Documents International Graduates need to submit to Apply for PR in Germany?

To begin with, Germany PR requirements for Indian students could differ concerning the candidate’s current residential status. Now let’s explore the paperwork needed to be submitted to apply for PR in Germany.

1. Fully-filled Application form (called “Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis”)
2. Biometric photograph (dimensions: 35mm x 45mm); it should be taken at any Fotofix booth housed in a U-Bahn station throughout Germany
3. A valid passport; it must be accompanied by a valid residency permit and should not expire within three months of the application date
4. A degree or certificate from an accredited German higher education institution; copies of the academic transcripts attesting to the degree level (bachelor’s/master’s/PhD/Diploma)
5. Proof of employment for the last two years; it could include an employer’s most recent certificate of employment, along with salary statements from the previous six months
6. Registration and accommodation proof – a certificate of registration of address and a landlord’s lease agreement can be submitted as housing proof
7. German language proficiency certificate – For PR, it is essential for Indian students to possess sufficient knowledge of German, at least the B1 level of the CEFR
8. Pension insurance payments proof – It could include either paid private insurance or statutory pension proof that must cover a two-year time period.
9. Health insurance coverage – Acceptable forms of proof entail statutory health insurance confirmation document, payment document & insurance policy from private health insurance
10. Proof of sufficient resources to cover living and accommodation expenses – Documentary proof could include bank statements, employment agreements and job documents
11. A license to practice – This is applicable if an applicant has applied for a fast-tracked Permanent Residence Permit and has held a position that is included in the list of regulated professions in Germany.

What is the Cost of a German Permanent Resident?

The cost is dependent on the applicant’s work profile:

• Skilled worker: €113
• Freelancer of Self-employed: €124
• Highly qualified professional: €147

Prerequisites for Moving to Germany from India

Are you thinking of moving from India to Germany? While it should not be difficult, it will be good for you to consider the following criteria:

1. Proven financial stability – You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds, can genuinely afford to stay in Germany and can manage all main and miscellaneous expenses.
2. Adequate health insurance – You could consider purchasing German health insurance.
3. German Visa – There are different sorts of visas, including those for students, businesses, job seekers, trainees or interns, workers or employees, visiting scientists, and family reunions to join partners or relatives.
4. Showcase basic German language proficiency – The three language proficiency levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are A, C, and B. Each of them has two components, A1/A2, B1/B2, and C1/C2. Candidates wishing to immigrate must take this test and receive either an A1/B1 score. For permanent residences, C1/C2 proficiency is required
5. English language fluency
6. Education & Experience – Indian applicants must have completed 16 years of study, including either a four-year bachelor’s degree or a three-year bachelor’s degree combined with a master’s degree.

Factors You Must Take Into Account Before Moving to Germany from India

Indian students aspiring to migrate to Germany need to be aware of a variety of factors, including immigration rules and driving regulations. The following are the tips that students must follow:

1. Conduct adequate research
2. Make arrangements for the visa
3. Create a list of the items you need to bring to Germany
4. Manage your finances

Life of Indians in Germany

While the Indian culture is very distinct from German culture in terms of eating habits, work, interaction, etc, it could turn out to be a pleasant experience if Indians can adapt to the local culture and way of living. Germans believe in hard work and appreciate those who uphold the same values. In case you are planning to move to Germany, it would be a good idea for you to brush up on your knowledge, grammatical and social knowledge of German. It would help you if you spend some time exploring the various do’s and don’ts.

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