Daueraufenthalt

Daueraufenthalt describes a long-term or permanent residence status granted to non-citizens by a country for living and working there on a durable basis. The precise rights, requirements, and designation vary by jurisdiction. In German-speaking countries the term is common but formal regimes differ: for instance, in Germany the permanent residence status is called Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent settlement permit) and is the formal route to lifelong residence; some contexts use Daueraufenthalt as a generic label for long-term residence.

Eligibility typically requires several years of lawful residence (often five), steady means of subsistence, health insurance, and integration measures such as language and civic knowledge. Applicants may also need to show absence of serious criminal records and to meet domicile or housing requirements. After approval, the permit generally allows indefinite residence and access to the labor market; some conditions may apply, and prolonged absence from the country can jeopardize the status.

In addition to national permanent-residence rights, the European Union provides a separate long-term resident status (EU long-term residence) for non-EU nationals who have resided legally for a period (commonly five years). This status eases intra-EU mobility and confers similar rights in many states, subject to national rules and limits.

Daueraufenthalt is thus a key concept in immigration policy, balancing stable integration with security and social systems. Rights and duties tied to Daueraufenthalt are defined in national law and may evolve with reforms.