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Apply for a settlement permit for underage foreign children

As a child born and/or raised in Germany, you can, under certain conditions, obtain an independent (i.e. independent of your parents), permanent right of residence (settlement permit) as early as the age of 16.

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Detailed description

If you are a minor foreign child and need a residence permit

  • for family reasons (for example, to join a family member or because of birth in Germany) or
  • for humanitarian reasons (for example due to eligibility for asylum or refugee status under the Geneva Refugee Convention)

If you have acquired and still hold a permanent residence permit, you can, under certain conditions, obtain a permanent residence permit in the form of a settlement permit.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You must be at least 16 years old.
  • You must have been in possession of a valid residence permit for at least five years without interruption, which was issued to you for family reasons (for example, to join a family member or because you were born in Germany) or for humanitarian reasons (for example, because you are entitled to asylum or have been recognized as a refugee under the Geneva Refugee Convention).
  • You should be able to demonstrate to the immigration authorities that you have resided in the federal territory for the five years (for example, by providing proof of attendance at an educational institution or employment).
  • There is no interest in your expulsion from the federal territory.
  • You must not have been sentenced to a youth sentence of at least six months or a prison sentence of at least three months or a fine of at least 90 daily rates for an intentional crime in the last three years. The suspension of the imposition of a youth sentence against you may also prevent you from being granted a settlement permit.

If you are over 18 years of age, in addition:

  • You were granted a residence permit while you were still a minor (you can still be granted a settlement permit even if you reach the five-year period after you reach the age of majority).
  • You have knowledge of the German language at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (this is assumed if you have attended a German-speaking school for more than four years and have achieved at least a “sufficient” grade in the subject of German).
  • Your livelihood is secured (for example through your own income or that of your parents) or you are in a training relationship that leads to a recognized school or vocational qualification or a university degree (school attendance, company training or university studies).

Please note: If you suffer from an illness or disability that prevents you from acquiring language skills or from earning your own living, you do not have to meet these requirements.

Documents required

  • Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
  • Current biometric passport photo (45 x 35 mm)
  • Proof of at least five years' residence in Germany (e.g. school, training or university certificates, proof of passing intermediate examinations or credit points, employment contract)
  • For minors whose parents with custody cannot submit the application jointly for their minor child: Written authorization from the absent parent

Adult applicants also need:

  • Proof of sufficient language skills at level B 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (e.g. language certificate, German school or training certificates),
  • Proof of securing a livelihood including health insurance (e.g. proof of income, certificate of health insurance) or proof of school or vocational training (school certificate, training contract or certificate from the training place, certificate of enrollment)

Please note: If there is an illness or disability that prevents the acquisition of language skills or the independent livelihood, this must be proven in an appropriate form (for example: specialist medical opinion, proof of residential care).
The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence.

Please note

The processing fee must always be paid. If the application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded, not even partially. A new application can be submitted at any time.

Deadlines

The application should be received by the immigration authorities at least 6 to 8 weeks before the current residence permit expires.




The settlement permit is issued for an unlimited period. Only the electronic residence permit (eAT card) is issued for a limited period and must be renewed after the expiry of its validity.

Procedure

The settlement permit must be applied for before your current residence permit expires.
If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with custody).
Find out whether the responsible immigration authority allows you to submit your application online or whether it has a special application form.
If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving the application to make an appointment.
If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one legal representative (usually a parent) when you appear in person. If you have joint custody, the parents must appear together at the authority and submit the application on your behalf. If one parent cannot appear in person, the other parent with custody must issue a written authorization to submit the application.
During the appointment, your identity and your documents will be checked (please bring all documents, if possible in the original, with you to the appointment).
If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a settlement permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card for short).
The immigration authorities commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once the card has been completed, you will receive information - possibly via your representative - and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice - possibly via your representative.

Processing time

The processing time usually takes 6 to 8 weeks and also depends on the completeness of the documents and also on the customer.


If documents are missing, the processing time will be extended.


It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

Fees

55.00 € for minor applicants


113.00 € for adult applicants

Legal remedies

An appeal against the negative decision can be lodged with the authority within one month of notification.

Legal basis





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Keywords: Family reunification Residence permit, family reasons children residence permit immigration permanent residence permit Residence permit for humanitarian reasons Permanent employment Young adults unlimited right of residence § 35 Residence Act (AufenthG) § 26 Residence Act (AufenthG)

Last updated: 28.04.2025