Navigating Permanent Residency in Germany: A Personal Journey

In a quaint town in northern Germany, far from the bustling metropolises, I find myself reflecting on my journey since moving to Germany in September 2011. After securing my permanent residency in 2021 (Niederlassungserlaubnis), I now have a stable job and a rental home. However, the current economic climate in Germany has prompted me to reevaluate my life choices and consider shifting my focus beyond the German borders.

Seeking Options for Global Mobility

Despite my desire to explore new opportunities, I was reluctant to lose my hard-earned permanent residency status. To find a way to maintain my residency while pursuing future endeavors, I decided to reach out to the local Foreign Office (Ausländerbehörde) to inquire about applying for an indefinite leave of absence while retaining my residency card. To my surprise, I received a prompt response, requesting three key documents to proceed with my application:

1. Employer Verification Letter (Arbeitsgeberbescheinigung): This document, to be filled out by my employer, certifies my work contract and current employment status.
2. Rental Verification (Mietbescheinigung): My landlord is required to fill out this form to confirm my current living situation.
3. Last Three Payslips (Die letzte drei Lohnbescheinigung): I needed to provide proof of my income for the last three months.

Document Preparation Made Easy

The Foreign Office conveniently sent me PDF forms for the first two documents via email. I simply needed to forward these forms to my employer and landlord for them to fill out, sign, and return. For friends who own their homes, it’s wise to check what specific documents might be required, such as Tilgung or notarization.

Submission and Approval Process

Once I gathered all required documents and submitted them via email, I quickly received an appointment notice from the Foreign Office. I was informed to bring my passport and a fee of €18. The entire process took less than a minute! During my appointment, the staff inquired how long I planned to be abroad, to which I replied: “vorsorglich” (as a precaution). They reassuringly confirmed that my income verification was sufficient, already meeting the application criteria, and issued me an indefinite leave of absence!

It’s important to note that my annual salary is significantly below the average level in the German area—approximately €100,000/year. Despite this, the journey from application to approval spanned under a month, making this experience quite seamless.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Outlook

This journey has granted me insight into navigating the complexities of permanent residency while considering future life changes. I hope this information helps fellow residents looking to manage their status. Stay informed and good luck on your path! 🌍✈️ #GreenCard #ImmigrantLife