VisasforIndians - Germany Citizenship Information

German Permanent Residency
German Permanent Residence Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is an indefinite permit and can be obtained after staying in Germany for at least 5 years since Initial entry. Persons in Germany on Self Employment Permit can apply for Permanent Residency after 3 years since Initial entry, If their planned business endeavour has been successfully realised in this time. The applicant need to be employed for five years and has paid the relevant social insurance contributions into the German system. They should also show sufficient knowledge of the German language, ongoing financial support (e.g. employment, business) and basic knowledge of the German legal and social systems. Once on Permanent Residence , the holders are free to choose an employer and do not require a work permit.
German Citizenship
German Citizenship can be obtained after staying in Germany for 8 years since Initial entry . Persons who have completed an integration course may have the residence requirement reduced to 7 years. The applicants should also shown an adequate command of the German language, an ability to be self-supporting without recourse to welfare and be prepared to renounce their current nationality.
Schemes Eligibility
National Visa (Residence Permit)	Eligible for German Permanent Residency after a stay of 5 consecutive years. Eligible for German Citizenship after a stay of 8 years since Initial entry.
Highly Skilled (Settlement Permit)	Eligible for German Permanent Residency by default. Eligible for German Citizenship after a stay of 8 years since Initial entry.
Self Employment Permit	Eligible for German Permanent Residency after a stay of 3 consecutive years. Eligible for German Citizenship after a stay of 8 years since Initial entry.