Apply for Germany PR Visa from India

Germany has been home to people from around the world - and Indians are no exception. In 2022, Indians comprised one of the largest groups of immigrants in Germany, with a total of 247,000 Indians choosing to immigrate to Germany from India.

Indian nationals who wish to extend their stay in Germany may be able to apply for Germany PR Visa from India. Depending on which route you apply through it takes about 2 to 6 months to obtain permanent residence status in Germany.

Check Your Eligibility for Germany PR

How to apply for Germany PR Visa from India?

Germany PR Visa, also known as a “settlement permit” allows you to live in Germany permanently. With a settlement permit, you have the right to study, work, and live anywhere in Germany indefinitely and apply for other social benefits. The general application process for the Germany PR Visa from India varies depending on your individual circumstances.

If you have an EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is for academics outside the EU who wish to work in the EU Member State. To obtain an EU Card, applicants are required to have a university degree and a work contract that meets the minimum gross salary requirement. The EU Blue Card is generally issued for the duration of your employment contract - and is valid for a maximum of four years.

If you are an EU Blue Card holder, you can apply for Germany PR Visa if all of the following requirements apply to you:

• You have been employed for 27 months and have paid into the statutory pension insurance scheme.
• You can demonstrate German language proficiency at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• If you can demonstrate your language proficiency at Level B1 CEFR, the employment requirement is reduced from 27 months to 21 months.
• You have basic knowledge of the legal, social system, and way of life in Germany. This is usually done by taking the “Living in Germany” test.
• You can prove that you have sufficient living space.
• You can prove that you can cover your living costs.

If you are a Skilled Worker

You are considered a Skilled Worker if you:

• Completed qualified vocational education and training in Germany or have a foreign equivalent qualification,
• Have a German university degree or a recognized foreign university degree,
• Have an EU Blue Card, or
• Are an international researcher.

If you are a Skilled Worker, you can apply for Germany PR Visa if all of the following requirements apply to you:

• You have held a residence permit for three years.
• You have paid the statutory pension insurance scheme for at least 26 months.
• You have a job that your residence permit allows you to do so.
• You have basic knowledge of the legal, social system, and way of life in Germany. This is usually done by taking the “Living in Germany” test.
• You can prove that you have sufficient living space.
• You can prove that you can cover your living costs.

If you have completed a higher education in Germany

If you have completed a higher education or vocational training in Germany, special provisions apply to you when applying for a settlement permit. If you are a recent graduate of a German university, you can apply for Germany PR Visa if all of the following requirements apply to you:

• You have held a residence permit as a skilled worker for at least two years.
• You can demonstrate German language proficiency at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• You have paid the statutory pension insurance scheme for at least 24 months.
• You have a job that your residence permit allows you to do so.
• You have basic knowledge of the legal, social system, and way of life in Germany. This is usually done by taking the “Living in Germany” test.
• You can prove that you have sufficient living space.

If you are Self-Employed

If you are a self-employed individual in Germany who has successfully established a business in Germany with a residence permit - you are eligible for a settlement permit. The residence permit is usually issued for up to three years but can be extended if your business is successful. After three years, you can apply for Germany PR Visa if all of the following requirements apply to you:

• You have a valid residence permit at the time of application submission.
• You are self-employed in Germany for three years.
• Your business gives reasons to expect that it will continue to develop sustainably.
• You and your family members can prove that you can cover your living costs.

If you have a Family Member in Germany

If you are a family member of a German citizen or someone who already holds permanent residency in Germany, you may be eligible to apply for a Germany PR Visa. You can apply for Germany PR Visa if all of the following requirements apply to you:

• You have lived in Germany with a valid residence permit for at least three years.
• If you are the spouse of a German citizen or PR holder, your marriage must have lasted at least three years at the time of application.
• You can demonstrate German language proficiency at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• You have basic knowledge of the legal, social system, and way of life in Germany. This is usually done by taking the “Living in Germany” test.
• You can prove that you have sufficient living space.
• You can prove that you can cover your living costs.

Other ways to apply

You may also be able to apply for Germany PR Visa:

• If you are an Asylum Seeker: If you have been granted asylum or refugee status can apply for PR after five years.

• If you are a Researcher: If you have a job as a researcher in Germany, you can apply for PR after four years.

• If you are a long-term resident in the EU: If you have lived in Germany for five years as a long-term EU resident, you can apply for Germany PR Visa.

Germany PR Visa from India: Documents Required

Although the documents required to apply for Germany PR Visa from India depend on your situation - you would however be required to submit the following supporting documents:

• Visa application forms.
• Biometric photographs.
• Valid passport.
• Certificate or academic title.
• German language proficiency test results.
• Proof of employment.
• Proof of pension payments.
• Proof of sufficient funds.

If your documents are not in English or German, you will be asked to submit translated documents from a certified translator.

Germany PR Visa from India: Costs

The general costs involved in applying for a Germany settlement permit (permanent residency) typically include the following:

• Application Fee: The standard fee for a settlement permit is around €135. For highly qualified workers, the fee is approximately €250. Reduced fees or exemptions may apply for certain categories, such as minors.

• Language Tests: If you need to prove your German language proficiency, the cost of a language test (e.g., Goethe-Zertifikat) can range from €100 to €300, depending on the level and test provider.

• Health Insurance: You must have valid health insurance in Germany, which can range from €80 to €400 per month, depending on whether you opt for public or private insurance.

• Medical Examination: Some applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination to prove they are in good health. This cost can range from €50 to €200.

• Biometric Photos: You will need biometric photos for your application, which generally cost around €10 to €20.

• Police Clearance Certificate: If you need to provide a police clearance certificate (Führungszeugnis) from your home country or Germany, the cost can range from €15 to €30.

• Residency Card Issuance Fee: Once your settlement permit is approved, there may be an additional fee for the issuance of your residency card, typically around €50 to €100.

It's important to note that these costs can vary depending on individual circumstances, location, and any additional services you may require.

Germany PR Visa from India: Processing Time

The processing time for a Germany PR Visa from India can vary depending on several factors, including the applicant's nationality, current visa status, and the specific type of permit being applied for.

Typically, the processing time ranges from two to six months. However, it may take longer if additional documentation is required or if the application is particularly complex. It's advisable to apply well in advance and ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.

Book a Free Consultation

Why apply for Germany PR Visa from India?

Germany is known for its diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents born outside the country. According to recent statistics, around 12.6% of Germany's population (roughly 10.4 million people) in 2021 were immigrants. A substantial percentage of these individuals live in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Indians are among the largest groups of immigrants in Germany and have greatly benefited from the country’s permanent residency programs. Some of the key advantages of applying for a Germany PR Visa from India include:

• Eligibility to apply for German citizenship.
• Freedom to enter and leave Germany indefinitely.
• Access to well-paying job opportunities.
• Ability to bring family members to Germany.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Social security benefits.
• Housing assistance.
• Education and citizenship opportunities for children.

Start your process today!

Need help?

Connect with Nationwide Visas, one of the best Germany Immigration Consultants in India. The team will evaluate your case, offering the best solutions to immigrate to Germany from India. Whether you need help with your application, documentation, finding jobs, or else, we’ve got you covered!