Permanent residency by Marriage, Germany

• I am currently a PhD student in UK. I am from China, holding a UK student visa until 2008. I just married a German citizen, who is also a PhD student in UK. We are planning to visit our German family regularly in the future, also move to Germany for residence after we finish our studies in UK (presumably in two years). In my case, shall I apply for a long-stay spouse visa and/or temporary resident permit for Germany while we are still studying in the UK? When am I eligible to apply for a permanent residency in Germany? Thanks very much.

  31 Jul 2005, 11:22 Anonymous

Replies

• I doesn't matter

  You can apply for either of them. However, if you move to Germany later on, you should definitely go for a long-term permit

  Anonymous 02 Aug 2005, 10:31 - Report

• general info

  I will post a link (have to find it) but this will give you a general idea.
  
  I believe you can't get the process started until you are actually in Germany- you must to have a place of residency first, then register with the local authorities in your town of residence, before you can apply for any permits, but it's never to early to start gathering your facts, information and any papers you need (possible health insurance, etc).
  
  You are allowed to apply for permanent residency after 5 years. There are several criteria you must meet in order for it to be granted- min. 5 years temp. res., several years paying into the german social system, basic grasp of the language and basic knowledge of the government process and german culture. I'm sure after living here for 5 years and being married to a German, you will have no problem.
  
  The process is long and confusing (for me at least) and there is a lot of good as well as misleading information out there. Its good that you are starting early- you will be well prepared for any bumps along the cultural road.

  Anonymous 12 Aug 2005, 10:19 - Report