The prerequisites for the settlement permit are:

• Your identity has been clarified and you fulfil the passport obligation.
  For the passport obligation, it is sufficient if you have a substitute identity card.
• Your livelihood is secured without you having recourse to public funds.
  Your livelihood is considered secure if you have
  • Income in the amount of the simple social welfare standard rate plus
  • Costs for accommodation and heating and
  • any health insurance contributions.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• You have no previous convictions.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You may be gainfully employed and have all the necessary permits.
• You have sufficient knowledge of German and basic knowledge of the German legal and social system.
• You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme or to another pension scheme with comparable benefits for 48 months.
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
• You have held one of the following residence titles for four years:
  • Residence permit for the purpose of employment as a skilled worker or as a researcher
  • EU Blue Card

Note: The time limit of 48 months of contributions to the statutory pension insurance or to another pension scheme and the time limit of four years of possession of a residence title mentioned above is reduced to 24 months or two years, respectively, if you have completed your vocational training or your studies in Germany.