Hello,

I have a couple of questions, I would be glad if you could answer them. Before asking my questions I have to provide my background information:

Citizenship: Turkish, born in 1985, B1 certificate German.

2009-2011: M.Sc. in Biology, in BaWu. On scholarship, student visa § 16.
 
2011-2016: PhD Student - wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, in BaWu. Student visa § 16, employment contract TV-L E13 50% (part-time).

2016 onwards: Postdoc in Germany, TV-L E13 100% salary, temporary contract, although I would also consider less salary or working in a company.

I really would like to get a Niederlassungserlaubnis eventually, however I'm not sure at all what my chances are. After getting my PhD, I'll have a postdoc position however not all the details regarding the job is clarified. What I know for sure is that it won't be a permanent job, and most likely I can keep it/find another for 3-4 years, after that unemployment is quite possible. During Postdoc I will be paid 32000-42000 Jahresbrutto.

I'm unsure about getting a Blue Card, I talked to ABH and they said depending on the salary I can get a § 18 work permit instead. I know you can apply for NE with Blue Card after 21 months even with a temporary contract, but I have no idea about NE when you are on § 18 work permit. Does anybody have an idea?

I also don't know how complex ZAV regulations are and if they can be a problem for Blue Card or § 18.

Can you share with me your knowledge/experiences? Do you think I can eventually settle in Germany with NE even if I have § 18 work permit?

Sorry for the long post and thank you for your time.

Hi,

What I know is: after working for 24 month with § 18 work permit (+B1 language certificate) you will be eligible for permanent residence permit. 

regards,
Sara

@arnhem

If NE is really important for you, than I would suggest to de-register as Student from your University and change your visa to §18 (Work Permit).

So with 48 months of Renteversicherung (2011-2016) and another 12 months (half of your time as Student, 2009-2011) you might be eligible for NE. This offcourse is not straight forward and you need to do a lot of convincing and in the end it will depend on your case-worker and how they interpret law for you.

Good luck and keep us posted. Raj++

P.S: this is not a legal advice.

Thanks a lot for your answers. I was afraid that I need 5 years with §18 permit to apply for NE, and I think as you say that is the case. I'm not sure I will manage to be employed 5 years in Germany, it may be hard as a Postdoc. The other option would be getting a Blue Card but for this they require a high salary. I asked ABH if I could change my students permit to §18 but she said no you have to finish your PhD and find a job. Although I had the feeling that she didn't understand completely. I think it is unfair that a person stays 10+ years in a country and they still don't give a permanent residency. Anyways, thanks again for your answers and have a good weekend.