Niederlassung vs EU LTR: which German visa is right for you?
Two permanent options: the German Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), and the EU Long-Term Residence permit, which adds mobility rights across other EU states.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) (Niederlassung) | EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Daueraufenthalt-EU) (EU LTR) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Long-term residents who have met work, language and integration requirements. | Long-term residents wanting EU-wide mobility rights from their German residence. |
| Government cost | ~€113 (~€147 for self-employed) | ~€113 |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks | ~4-8 weeks |
| Length of stay | Permanent (indefinite) | Permanent (indefinite) |
| Where to apply | Inside Germany (at the foreigners' office) | Inside Germany (at the foreigners' office) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted work rights | Unrestricted work rights |
| Pathway to PR | This is German permanent residence; leads to citizenship eligibility. | Permanent status valid for moving and residing across other EU states. |
Which is right for you?
Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) (Niederlassung)
Long-term residents who have met work, language and integration requirements.
Full Niederlassung guide →EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Daueraufenthalt-EU) (EU LTR)
Long-term residents wanting EU-wide mobility rights from their German residence.
Full EU LTR guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Niederlassung or EU LTR?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) (Niederlassung) is the lowest at ~€113 (~€147 for self-employed). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Niederlassung or EU LTR?
Indicatively Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) (Niederlassung) is the quickest at ~4-8 weeks. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Niederlassung: This is German permanent residence; leads to citizenship eligibility. EU LTR: Permanent status valid for moving and residing across other EU states.
What's the main difference between Niederlassung and EU LTR?
Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) (Niederlassung) is for long-term residents who have met work, language and integration requirements. EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Daueraufenthalt-EU) (EU LTR) is for long-term residents wanting EU-wide mobility rights from their German residence.