Germany PR for Indians – Steps to Immigration to Germany

There are many study abroad aspirants wondering about the procedure to apply for Germany PR for Indians. Several rules, regulations, and other aspects have to be kept in mind to apply for German PR. However, the primary criteria students need to meet is that they can apply for the PR only after working in Germany for two years post the completion of their studies. Germany is known to be one of the most favourable countries for international professionals and students owing to its flourishing economy, well-developed educational system, quality of life, and abundant employment opportunities. It is a coveted destination for people throughout the world. Studies have reported that the number of Indians shifting to Germany for higher education and employment has increased exponentially over the last few years, as per the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). 

Study in Germany: MBA in Germany | MIM in Germany | MS in Data Science in Germany | MS in Computer Science in Germany

 

What is a Permanent Residence Permit for Foreign Graduates of German Universities?

Students moving to Germany from India need to work at least two years on a residence permit after completing their studies as a foreign graduate at a German university before applying for Permanent Resident Permit. The German higher education institution can be a state, state-approved or equivalent institution of higher education. Also called the Settlement Permit or Niederlassungserlaubnis, PR in Germany authorizes individuals from non-EU and non-EEA countries to live, study and work in Germany and bring their family members. After living in Germany for a period of eight years, individuals can  acquire naturalization.

Documents Required to Apply for Permanent Residence as a Foreign Graduate in Germany

The requirements for Germany PR for Indian students vary concerning the candidate’s current residential status. They need to submit the following documents to apply for a German settlement permit as a foreign graduate.

1. Completed application form

The primary requirement for applicants is to submit a completed form “Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis”.

2. Biometric photograph

Applicants need to submit a recent 35mm x 45mm biometric photo taken from any Fotofix booth located in U-Bahn stations around Germany.

3. A valid national passport

The national passport should be supported by a valid residence permit that does not expire within three months after the application date.

4. of a degree or academic title

Applicants need to submit their degree or certificate issued by a recognized German higher education provider. Academic transcripts and a copy that would prove the level of academic titles such as bachelor, master, diploma, or PhD.

5. Evidence of employment for the past two years

Proof of employment can be provided by furnishing the certificate of employment issued by an employer in the last 14 days and salary statements for the last six months.

6. Evidence of paid pension insurance

The paid pension insurance plan must cover a two-year duration, and the certificate must reflect statutory pension or paid private insurance.

7. Covered health insurance

A candidate must have sufficient health insurance to be eligible for PR in Germany for Indians. The proof can be provided by showing the confirmation document of Statutory Health Insurance and submitting the proof of payment and insurance policy from Private Health Insurance. 

8. Proof of accommodation and registration

Evidence of housing can be provided through a certificate of registration of address and a lease agreement from the landlord.

9. Recognized German language certificate

Adequate knowledge of the German language is important for Germany PR for Indian students. Therefore, applicants need to have minimum proficiency in the B1 level of the CEFR.

10. Appropriate means of subsistence

Applicants need to prove their financial standing in aiding their living and accommodation costs. This proof can be provided through bank statements, employment contracts, and employment records.

11. Professional license

Required if a candidate has applied for a fast-tracked Permanent Residence Permit and has been working in a job listed by Germany’s regulated professions.

Migrate to Germany From India – Useful Insights

Owing to the boom in the job market in Germany, the largest economy in Europe and increasing immigration limitations in several other global countries, the figures have increased sizably. In the year 2018, for instance, Indians got the highest number at 7, 556 EU Blue Cards issued by Germany which stood at 27, 241 in total. This figure was 2, 568 out of 11, 290 EU Blue Cards in Germany for the year 2013. This indicates the rapid increase in Indians moving to Germany for employment and educational purpose. The EU Blue Card started in 2012, enables nationals from other countries with a labour contract (or binding employment offer) and academic degree, guaranteeing a specific minimum annual income for working and living in Germany. 

How can I move to Germany from India? That’s the question many Indians planning to work or study in Germany ask. A whopping 1.8 lakh Indians applied for German visas in 2017. This indicates the popularity of the country among professionals and students in India. Similarly, the number of Indian students in Germany grew by 20.85% over 2019, reaching 25,149 in 2020. Germany promotes the immigration of skilled workers, especially in occupations with shortages while also fast-tracking permanent residencies. Germany is the biggest issuer of the EU Blue Card in Europe.

Important Link: Study in Germany

How to Get PR in Germany For Indians : Step-wise Germany PR Process

Candidates have to apply for Permanent Residence in Germany before their current residence permit expires. The procedure to permanently immigrate to Germany from India and apply for a German Permanent Residence permit is listed as follows:

• Make an appointment with the local German Immigration Office and visit the office
• Pick up and complete the application form and give a thorough look. Check the official website for the list of required documents 
• Show up at the German Immigration Office in advance. During the appointment, candidates would also have to appear for an interview with a German official.
• Pay the application fee either through cash, EC Card, or bank payment

How Much Does a German Permanent Resident Cost?

The cost of PR in Germany depends on the work profile of the applicant, which is as follows:

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

How to Settle in Germany- Important requirements to move from India 

Wondering how to settle in Germany from India? It should not be difficult considering that candidates are equipped with all the vital requirements. Although there are several ways to migrate to the country, each having its own set of needs, there are some similarities that they should still keep in mind. For being eligible to shift to Germany, the following aspects should be kept in mind: 

1. Proven financial stability-

Every immigration purpose comes with a clearly laid-down financial threshold that applicants have to fulfil although they should prove that irrespective of intent, they can finance their stay in Germany. Even when they are working in the country, they should have adequate funds to cover all expenditures until they receive their salary. 

2. Health Insurance-

Immigration is only possible with suitable health insurance coverage of applicants. They should ideally consider getting German health insurance. Find out more about health insurance for employees, freelancers and expatriates in the country. 

3. Basic German proficiency-

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages comes with three language proficiency levels, namely A, C, and B. Every one of them comes with two parts, i.e. A1/A2, B1/B2, and C1/C2. For immigrating, candidates have to enter this examination and pass either till A1/B1. Permanent residencies necessitate C1/C2 levels of proficiency. 

4. German Visa-

Visas come in several types including student visas, business visas, job-seeker visas, training/internship visas, working/employment visas, guest scientist visas, and family reunion visas to join partners or relatives. 

5. Experience & Education

Candidates should have at least six months of experience and 15 years of education along with qualifications and the university should be H+ as per the Anabin database. Applicants from India should have 16 years of education (either four years of Bachelor’s degree or three years of Bachelor’s degree with Master’s Degree). English proficiency is needed although learning German is recommended. Funds should be sufficient for staying for six months in the country. They should be maintained for at least a month before filing and maintained until a decision is taken by the German Immigration Department. Proof of accommodation has to be shown for the period of six months.

Also Check: Masters in Germany

Things to Consider Before Relocating to Germany

Students planning to move to Germany from India need to know a number of things which range from immigration requirements to motoring laws. Here’s a checklist of the information candidates need to acquire:

• Do proper research
• Make arrangements for the visa
• Make a list of belongings that need to be packed
• Manage finances

Immigration in Germany Through Job Seeker Visa

The job seeker visa is a long-term residence permit enabling people to seek jobs within the duration of six months. They can attend interviews in Germany with this visa and then apply for the EU Blue Card to apply for permanent residency (PR) post completion of five years as an employee in the country. Getting a job seeker visa is the first step toward receiving a PR in Germany. After working in the country for five years, candidates can apply for a PR. 

Minimum Requirements For Job Seeker Visa

To be eligible for a job seeker visa in Germany, students should fulfill the following requirements:

• Should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a German University or an equivalent foreign degree
• Furnish proofs of having the sufficient funds to aid their stay in Germany
• Minimum five years of experience in a related field of study
• Have medical or travel insurance for the entire duration of the stay

Important Resources to Read About Germany:

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SOP for Germany	Why Study in Germany	Student Accommodation in Germany
How to study in Germany for free	Cost of Study in Germany	MBA in Germany without IELTS
Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students	Job Opportunities in Germany	MBA in Germany without GMAT

Life in Germany for Indians

German life is pretty different from how Indians live. There are variations in the way people work, eat, communicate, and treat each other. However, life in Germany for Indians can be a pleasant experience once they get accustomed to the local culture and lifestyle. The Germans, in general, work hard and appreciate hard-working people. There are many who apply for immigration to Germany from India without knowing much about the country, its history, and its people. It is ideal for brushing up on one’s German language skills and etiquette before planning to immigrate to Germany. One should also invest some time in research and understand the various other do’s and don’ts before heading into the country.

Read More: How to study in Germany for free for Indian Students? | MS in Computer Science in Germany | Get to study in Germany without IELTS | Germany – A Dream Destination Abroad

Types of Residence Permits 

Depending on the length of stay and the individual’s requirements, a German resident permit is provided. Besides the Permanent Resident permit, a temporary residence permit allows individuals to stay in Germany for a different purpose.

Temporary Residence Permit

The Temporary Residence Permit or Limited Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) authorizes an individual to stay in Germany for only one year. However, there is a possibility of extension. Candidates have to state the reason behind immigration to Germany from India, and the card received states the same. Later on, they can stay in the country for an activity that their resident permit does not allow. For instance, a student with a temporary residence permit cannot work with it. 

The reasons behind requiring a temporary residence permit in Germany are listed below:

1. Immigration for employment

This is one of the most preferred means of immigration. The steps involved are finding work in the country, applying for the working/employment visa and shifting to the country for obtaining the working residence permit. Moreover, securing a Job Seeker Visa and finding a job within Germany is another way of getting a temporary residence permit in Germany. Upon getting a job in Germany, the employment contract would have a mention of the time period for which the permit can be held. For instance, if the contract is valid for two years, the permit will also be valid for two years. 

2. Immigration for education

Germany offers free education. Universities in Germany have low tuition fees and hence it is a good place to migrate for education needs. Temporary resident permits are granted to students going to Germany for an undergraduate, graduate, or vocational degree. The permit is valid for the duration of the program, during which students can work full time for 120 days or half-time for 240 days. Though they are allowed to engage in work-study positions, they cannot enter long-term contracts. Post the completion of their degree, this permit can be extended by 18 months for searching for a job. Upon getting a job, they can apply for Employment Residence Permit.

3. Immigration for marriage

People often shift to Germany for several reasons but unfortunately have to leave behind their families in their countries of birth. A spouse of a German citizen may apply for immigration to Germany. To attain eligibility for the family reunion immigration visa, spouses should prove that they are already married. There should be proof of proficiency in German and the ability to integrate and adapt alongside. Spouses should have A1 German proficiency levels for qualification. Visas for both spouses come with the same terms and conditions. On getting a temporary resident permit and immigrating to Germany, a spouse can apply for the following permit:

EU Blue Card

The European Union Blue Card is given to those foreign nationals who are not EU country citizens with high qualifications and desire to work in Germany and apply the skills in question. High qualifications automatically indicate that the individual has a graduate/undergraduate degree in any given field of study/work. For qualifying for the EU Blue Card, they should have already found a job in the country and the minimum annual salary you draw should be € 56,400. The EU Blue Card gives holders rights for staying in Germany for 4 years with the scope of changing a residence permit into a permanent settlement permit as well. To qualify for the latter, the person should have ample proficiency in German while adhering to particular financial requirements and having worked in the country for 33 months at least.

Students wanting to study in Germany can choose from a variety of universities and courses from upGrad Abroad. They get to study for the first year at a partner university in India and then move abroad to study on-campus at an institution of their choice.

More Resources to Read About Germany:

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Salary after MS in Germany	Study MS in Germany without IELTS	Germany Job Seeker Visa
Free Education in Germany	Job Opportunities in Germany after MS	MBA Cost in Germany
Part time Jobs in Germany for Indian Students	Data Science Course in Germany	Cost of living in Germany

Important Exams to Study Abroad

IELTS Exam | TOEFL Exam | GRE Exam | GMAT Exam | PTE Exam | SAT Exam | ACT Exam

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