How the Eligibility Calculation Works

Germany’s Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent settlement permit) is governed by Section 9 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz). The standard path requires 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence, but several conditions must also be met simultaneously. This calculator checks each condition independently and identifies your earliest possible eligible date.

The Five Standard Criteria for a Niederlassungserlaubnis

1. Lawful residence (typically 5 years)

Standard work and family permit holders need 5 years of continuous lawful residence. EU Blue Card holders can qualify in 33 months (with B1 German) or 21 months (with B2 German or higher). Former students typically cannot count all their study years; the rules are complex and worth verifying with the Auslanderamt directly.

2. German language at B1 level or above

A certified B1 German language certificate from a recognised provider (Goethe Institut, TestDaF, TELC, or equivalent) is mandatory. This is the most common bottleneck for Nigerian applicants who work in international companies where English is the operating language. Starting German language study early is the single most impactful thing a newly arrived Nigerian in Germany can do to protect their settlement timeline.

3. Statutory pension contributions (60 months)

Employees in Germany contribute to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance) automatically via payroll. 60 months of contributions (not necessarily continuous) are required. This is usually automatically satisfied by the time you have been employed for 5 years. Self-employed persons and some freelancers may be exempt or may need to make voluntary contributions; verify your category.

4. Financial self-sufficiency (no social assistance)

You must not be receiving, and must not have recently received, German social assistance (Sozialleistungen or Buergergeld). The threshold for “sufficient income” is contextual but typically requires net income above EUR 1,500 per month for a single person, with higher thresholds for families. Housing costs must be covered from your own income.

5. No criminal convictions

You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence above a de minimis threshold. Minor fines below EUR 90 are typically disregarded. Any imprisonment sentence, even suspended, or convictions above the minor threshold, can block settlement. Ongoing criminal proceedings are also relevant.

The EU Blue Card Fast Track: 21 or 33 Months

This is the most important calculation most Nigerian professionals in Germany are not running. If you hold an EU Blue Card and have B2 German, you can apply for a Niederlassungserlaubnis after just 21 months of residence. With B1 German on an EU Blue Card, the path shortens to 33 months instead of the standard 60. The language investment required to move from B1 to B2 typically takes 6 to 12 months of part-time study. For someone who arrived in Germany in Year 1, obtaining B2 by Month 12 means eligibility for settlement by Month 21, which is 3 years earlier than the standard path.

Table of Truth: Paths to Settlement by Permit Type

Realistic Scenarios

Software engineer, work permit, arrived January 2021, B1 German, EUR 4,500 gross

Standard 5-year path. Earliest application date: January 2026. If this person holds an EU Blue Card instead of a standard work permit and has B1 German, the application could have been filed in October 2023 (33 months). If they had invested in B2 German, the date would have been October 2022 (21 months). The permit type and language level matter enormously.

Nurse on work permit, arrived March 2019, no German certificate yet, EUR 3,200 gross

Has reached the 5-year residency threshold (March 2024). But without a B1 German certificate, the application cannot be filed. This person is blocked by language alone. A Goethe Institut B1 exam typically takes 6 to 12 months of dedicated preparation for someone who has been working in English. Earliest realistic application date: 6 to 12 months from today after passing the exam.

Couple: one on EU Blue Card (B2 German), one on family reunification, arrived September 2022

The EU Blue Card holder with B2 German can apply for settlement in June 2024 (21 months from arrival). The spouse on family reunification cannot apply until September 2027 (5 years). They will have separate settlement timelines. The Blue Card holder obtaining permanent residence first also affects what options exist for the spouse, depending on their specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my time on a student visa count toward permanent residence?

Partially, and the rules changed with the 2024 immigration reforms. Previously, student years counted at half rate. Under more recent regulations, some study years may count fully in certain circumstances. This is one of the areas where individual verification with your Auslanderamt is most important. Do not assume your student years count fully.

Can I apply for settlement with B2 German even if the standard requirement is B1?

Yes. A higher language level always satisfies a lower requirement. B2 German satisfies the B1 requirement for standard permits, and additionally unlocks the 21-month EU Blue Card fast track if applicable.

What happens to my settlement application if I change jobs?

A Niederlassungserlaubnis is not tied to any specific employer; it is a personal permanent status. Changing jobs after receiving it does not affect the permit. Changing jobs while on a work permit (before settlement) may require an amendment to your permit conditions depending on your permit type and the nature of the new role. EU Blue Card holders have more flexibility to change employer after 2 years of employment.

Is there a fee for applying for the Niederlassungserlaubnis?

Yes. The application fee is typically EUR 113. For persons aged 24 and younger the fee is lower (EUR 80). Confirm the current fee with your specific Auslanderamt as fees are set nationally but applied locally.

Can I lose my Niederlassungserlaubnis after receiving it?

Yes. A Niederlassungserlaubnis can be revoked in certain circumstances: if you leave Germany for more than 6 consecutive months without prior authorisation, or if you are absent for more than 18 months total over any period. Serious criminal convictions can also result in revocation. Once you have the permit, maintain continuous residence or notify the Auslanderamt before extended absences.

Does my spouse get settlement automatically when I do?

No. Each person must independently meet the settlement criteria. Your spouse’s application is assessed separately. In some cases, a spouse who has held a family reunification permit for at least 5 years may apply for settlement independently based on their own residence record and criteria compliance.