Is it easy to settle in Germany? Conditions and popular settlement areas

Germany is an ideal destination for those who want to settle down permanently thanks to its attractive welfare policies, good social security system and high quality of life. In particular, in recent years, the German Government has made many adjustments to loosen immigration conditions, creating greater opportunities for international students and workers. However, many young Vietnamese people are still concerned about the policy. settle in Germany. Let's join SHD Academy Learn about the latest immigration laws, conditions and popular immigration categories to help you get a better overview of the issue.

>> Reference:

• OPPORTUNITIES WHEN STUDYING AT VOCATIONAL COLLEGE IN GERMANY, YOU MAY NOT KNOW?
• Should I study vocational training in Germany? The truth about vocational training in Germany

Can I settle down after studying a vocational course in Germany? 

For the question “Study abroad in Germany “Can I get permanent residency?”, the answer is "HAVE"After graduating from vocational colleges, international students can stay in Germany to work for at least 2 years. If they fully comply with visa regulations, provide valid documents and meet the necessary conditions, the opportunity to settle in Germany permanently is completely possible.

However, to settle in Germany, international students need to meet the following important factors:

• Language: German is the main language in this country, so international students are required to understand and be fluent in this foreign language to easily communicate in work and daily life. 
• Finance: To be able to settle in Germany, international students must prove that they have enough financial resources to cover living expenses, including housing, electricity, water, food, travel, etc.

Currently, Germany is experiencing a labor shortage in many fields, opening up attractive job opportunities and the possibility of permanent settlement for Vietnamese international students. Some high-demand occupations include: nursing, chef, car, build, mechanical/electronic…. To learn more about professions in Germany, please visit the website profession belong to SHD Academy for the latest updates!

>> Reference: 

• Does studying in Germany need financial proof?
• Instructions for preparing your own application for a German vocational study visa

Learn about Germany's new settlement law policy

Below are the latest German settlement laws for foreigners that you need to note:

• Have a residence permit at the time of application and a minimum legal residence period of 5 years in Germany. In addition, the German government allows shortening the residence period to 3 years in case of special contribution to the integration process, including: high achievements in studies, career, active participation in community activities or achieving German language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Ensure a stable life for yourself and your family.
• Meet housing requirements as required by German immigration law (area 12m2/person).
• Contribute to a pension insurance fund for at least 60 months (mandatory or voluntary) and prove that you have participated in the corresponding insurance fund. Time off due to maternity or illness during your employment in Germany will be taken into account.
• No violation of the law, no criminal record during the time living in Germany and must accept the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Prepare all necessary documents for work in Germany such as degrees, work permits, etc.
• Meet the German language level sufficient for communication, according to the new German immigration law must be at least B1 certificate and pass the multiple choice test. 
• Good health, no infectious diseases or serious neurological diseases.

>> Reference: What are the conditions for vocational study in Germany?

Popular German settlement areas

Currently, there are 4 popular German settlement categories for foreigners, including:

1. Settling in Germany through skilled workers

This is the most popular German immigration category for highly skilled foreign workers. To be eligible for skilled immigration, you need to meet the following requirements: 

• Have German language proficiency level B1 or higher and professional degree recognized in Germany.
• Have a labor contract with a minimum salary of 45,400 Euro/year (about 1.3 billion VND).
• There is accommodation and health insurance in Germany.

>> Reference: Top 10 prestigious and quality German teaching centers in Ho Chi Minh City. HCM

2. Settling in Germany through investment

Investors and entrepreneurs who want to set up a business or invest in a project in Germany must apply for a German investment visa. To have a self-employment visa in Germany, Investors need to demonstrate the following:

• Need a specific business plan, strong finances to invest and maintain business operations.
• Ensure the required amount to invest with a certain threshold of 25,000 Euro (about 693 million VND). 
• Investments are required domestically and benefit the German economy.

If you maintain your status as an entrepreneur in Germany, you are allowed to extend your residence permit for an unlimited number of 3 years, which means you can freely enter and exit the country.

>> Reference: Is the income of Vietnamese people in Germany high?

3. Settling in Germany through family reunification

If you are a skilled worker and have completed the residence permit procedure, you will have the opportunity to bring your parents, spouse and children to live with you in Germany. To To apply for a family reunification visa, first of all, workers must clearly understand Germany's new immigration law and necessary procedures as follows:

• Prepare necessary documents, fees, etc. 
• Ensure sufficient economic conditions to support yourself and your family.
• Wife/husband must prove that he/she is married and must have at least A1 level of German. 
• Children must provide a birth certificate. If the child is under 16 years old, German is not required, but those 16 years old and older must prove their German proficiency as well as their ability to adapt and integrate into the new living environment in Germany.

4. Settling in Germany through studying abroad

After completing a course at a school in Germany, international students will have the opportunity to apply for a German settlement visa. This program only applies to international students with a university degree or higher or a professional certificate from Germany. To be able to settle in Germany, international students need to meet the following conditions: 

• Residence permit extension, the extension period is from 18 months to 3 years and is issued by the Immigration Department if the course is completed with good academic results. 
• Must have a settlement card, which can be an EU blue card or a permanent settlement card. 

>> Reference: How much is the cost of living in Germany for international students?

What documents are required for a German settlement visa application? 

In fact, applying for German settlement is not as difficult as many people think. You just need to meet the conditions for German settlement according to each category, and prepare accurate and complete documents. 

For visa applicants

For Visa applicants, the following documents need to be prepared:

• Visa application to Germany, providing complete and accurate personal information
• Original valid and signed passport
• International standard background photo 
• Notarized copy of citizen identification card, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if any) 
• German language certificate at least level A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages 
• Documents proving employment and finances 
• If you apply for a settlement visa to marry a German, you need to provide a certificate of celibacy or a divorce decision certified by the local authorities and a certificate of intention to marry a resident in Germany certified by the German Civil Registry Office.

>> Reference: Instructions for preparing your own application for a German vocational study visa

For the guarantor

For the sponsor, when applying for a German settlement visa, it is necessary to prepare some documents such as:

• The invitation letter clearly states the information of the inviter, the invitee and the purpose of sponsorship.
• Notarized copy of passport or citizen identification card 
• Residence card or certificate of residence certified by local authorities 
• Proof of employment and finances 
• Documents proving relationship with the sponsored person, including household registration, photos, birth certificate, etc. 
• The guarantee letter is provided by the Foreigners' Office where the sponsor resides in Germany.

>> Reference: 5 Ways to Send Money from Germany to Vietnam Safely and Quickly

Popular forms of German settlement

German settlement policy offers different types of settlement permits and each has its own requirements.

Residence card

Unlike tourist visas that are only valid for 3-6 months and approved by the German Embassy, long-term visas (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) will be issued by the Foreigners' Office. When entering Germany, with a long-term German settlement visa and permanent residence registration, the Foreigners' Office where you registered will review your visa extension application. Depending on the reason for learning the language, studying abroad, reuniting with relatives or working together, the residence card will be valid for 6 months to 3 years. 

Currently, Berlin allows a maximum visa term for international students of 3 years, equivalent to the minimum time to complete a training program at vocational schools in Germany.

>> Reference: TOP 9 prestigious, free vocational training schools in Germany 2025

German Blue Card 

German Blue Card (Blue Card – EU)) is a type of temporary residence permit issued by the German Government to people with a university degree or higher for a period of 4 years. However, the conditions for granting an EU Blue Card will change every year. If the term of the employment contract is 4 years, the EU Blue Card will be granted for the term of the employment contract plus 3 months. 

In particular, this type of residence card is not limited to a certain group of occupations, however, it must be a job that is suitable for the qualifications and level of the applicant. To be able to renew your green card, you need to fully meet the requirements of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor. 

Permanent residence card

Foreign citizens who want to be granted a permanent residence card in Germany must meet the following conditions:

• Has a 5-year residence permit
• Income level that can ensure life for yourself and your family members
• Pay 60 months of pension insurance
• No criminal record or suspended sentence in Germany
• German language proficiency certificate B1 or higher
• Ensure adequate housing area according to law, minimum 12m2/person.

According to the settlement policy in Germany, if international students meet the above conditions, after 5 years they can apply for a permanent residence card in Germany. For those who already have an EU blue card, after working in the right field for more than 33 months, they will be entitled to a permanent residence card in Germany. If that person has a German language level B1 or higher, the time will be shortened to 21 months.

>> Reference: 

• HOW MUCH IS INCOME TAX IN GERMANY?
• Studying in Germany after graduating from university and what you need to know
• Latest information on German vocational training contracts from AZ

Here is some useful information about policies and conditions. settle in Germany that SHD Academy wants to share with you. If you have any questions about settling in Germany or want to learn more about the German vocational study abroad program, please contact SHD Academy via hotline 0336 760 276 to receive quick response and detailed advice!