How soon can an EU Blue Card holder or skilled worker get a settlement permit in Germany?

Checked on 2026-10-25

Germany's Residence Act gives EU Blue Card holders a settlement permit after 27 months of Blue Card work with pension contributions and A1 German, or after 21 months with B1 German. Other skilled workers need three years with a skilled-worker permit, 36 months of contributions and B1 German; two years after a German degree or training.

Key facts

What	The law says	Source
EU Blue Card, standard	At least 27 months of employment under the Blue Card rules (§ 18g), with pension contributions (or comparable provision) for that period, and simple German (A1)	AufenthG § 18c(2) sentence 1; § 2(9)
EU Blue Card, with B1 German	21 months instead of 27 if you have sufficient German (B1)	AufenthG § 18c(2) sentence 3; § 2(11)
Skilled worker, standard	Three years with a residence title under §§ 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g, and at least 36 months of pension contributions (or comparable provision)	AufenthG § 18c(1) sentence 1 nos. 1, 3
Skilled worker with a German qualification	Two years and 24 months of contributions, if you completed vocational training or a degree in Germany	AufenthG § 18c(1) sentence 2
German for skilled workers	Sufficient German (B1)	AufenthG § 18c(1) sentence 1 no. 4; § 2(11)
Employment Agency	No approval of the Federal Employment Agency needed	AufenthG § 18c(1), (3)

Who counts as a skilled worker here

Section 18c(1) covers people holding a residence title under § 18a (skilled workers with vocational training), § 18b (skilled workers with an academic degree), § 18d (research) or § 18g (EU Blue Card). You must also hold a job you are allowed to do under those rules.

Conditions taken over from the general settlement permit

Both routes also require these conditions from § 9 of the Residence Act: secured livelihood, no public-safety objections, permission to work as an employee, the other permits your work needs, basic knowledge of German law, society and living conditions, and adequate housing.

Highly qualified people

The law says a highly qualified skilled worker with an academic education should get a settlement permit in special cases if integration and living without state support can be expected. It names scientists with special expertise and teaching or research staff in prominent positions, with several years of experience. A state government can require its top state authority to approve these permits (§ 18c(3)).

Sources

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

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