Hi,

I came in Germany for PhD in March 2010. My visa says -   § 78a Abs. 1 as well as  § 18 Abs. 4 S. 1. Also it is written Aufenthaltserlaubins and on above page (Zusatzblatt) it says -  § 5 BeschV. I am from India and I got this visa through Charite hospital. I work as a PhD student (registered at free university but working in Charite) and have half time contract. My gross salary is about 1500 euros but I get 1050 euros net (after taxes and pension and health insurance). My visa is going to finish in January 2013 and my contract with Charite too. Can I apply for NE (I heard something BE or NE, I am not sure) unlimited residence so that I can stay in Germany as long as I want and work with any employer? If not, what should I do? I will be very thankful to you.

EDIT (27 July,2012): I think I should reframe my question to get some feedback. I read on other forums that for NE(Niederlassungserlaubnis), one should have paid social contributions for 5 years. My question is - does it depend on how much taxes and pension insurance have been paid? because my contract is half time (i:e 20 hrs a week) or it does not matter and I am eligible to apply for NE after 5 years.

Second question is - as my visa is going to expire and I had 3 years contract (half time) from charite, can I extend my visa after 3 years (I think they call it as BE) and work for any other employer or firstly I should have contract from other employer then only I can extend my visa?

I would really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Hi Rajiv,

Sorry.  You need the following to qualify for NE under highly qualified as far as i know (I am not a lawyer).

1. You should be highly qualified as per ISCED classification.  You already have that via PhD.
2. Your annual gross salary should be more than 67200 Euro (2012).  In some cases like scientists, ABH is ok with less salary, but doubtful. 
3. Valid work contract copy
4. Letter from employer for applying under section 19.
5. No crime record
6. Financially secured.

Thanks.