Dear honourable members of the forum, I have a problem and kindly ask for your best answers.

I have been living in Germany for 8 years. I arrived in 2003, did my masters and PhD. After which I have worked as postdoc.

My postdoc contract ended in February 2011 and with it, my residence permit. However, I was given one year (the one year usually given after completion of studies to search for work).

This will expire in February 2012.

I currently receive unemployment benefits.

My question is this, since I do not know if I will secure a job before february 2012, is it possible to apply for permant residency even though I receive unemployment benefit (Abeitlossengeld 1)?

Thanks a million in advance for any information concerning my eligibility.

Makol

I do not know of similiar case in forum. I think problem will be to show you have enough money. But why not try anyway because you are more than five years here in Germany and Arbeislosgelt is not hartz iv.