Doorstep

Living in Germany

Permanent residence and citizenship

When you can stay for good – and what it means for your Indian passport.

After some years in Germany, you can get a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) and later German citizenship.

Permanent residence

- EU Blue Card holders: after 27 months, or after 21 months with German at B1 level
- Skilled workers: usually after 3 years
- Others: usually after 5 years
You also need pension contributions for the required time, secure income and enough living space.

German citizenship

• Usually after 5 years of legal residence in Germany. The faster route after 3 years was abolished in 2025.
• You need German at B1 level, the naturalisation test, and you must be able to support yourself.

Your Indian passport

Germany allows dual citizenship – India does not. If you become German, you lose your Indian citizenship and must surrender your Indian passport. You can then apply for an OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India), which lets you live, work and travel in India without a visa.

Think about this decision carefully and get advice on property and bank accounts in India before you apply.

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