Glossary: Immigration Terms

Aufenthaltstitel (Residence permit)

Aufenthaltstitel

An Aufenthaltstitel is the official authorization to live and work in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. It is issued as a credit-card-sized card and must be renewed before expiry.

EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)

Blaue Karte EU

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with an employment contract above the defined salary threshold. In 2026, the threshold is €45,300 gross annually (shortage occupations: €41,042).

Fiktionsbescheinigung

A Fiktionsbescheinigung is a temporary document under § 81 Abs. 4 AufenthG that maintains residence rights while a renewal application is being processed. It allows continued work and restricted travel.

Niederlassungserlaubnis (Settlement permit)

Niederlassungserlaubnis

A Niederlassungserlaubnis is an unlimited residence permit in Germany. EU Blue Card holders can apply after 21 months (with B1 German) or 27 months (with A1 German), provided other statutory requirements are met.

Niederlassungsbewilligung (Austria/Switzerland)

Niederlassungsbewilligung

A Niederlassungsbewilligung is the permanent residence right in Austria (NAG) and Switzerland (AIG). In Switzerland it is known as the C permit and requires 5 or 10 years of continuous residence depending on nationality.

Ausländerbehörde (Immigration authority)

Ausländerbehörde

The Ausländerbehörde is the local immigration authority in Germany. In Berlin it is called Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA), in Munich the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), and in Hamburg the Amt für Migration (AfM).

Migrationsamt (Migration office)

Migrationsamt

The Migrationsamt is the cantonal immigration authority in Switzerland responsible for residence permits. In Zurich it is the Migrationsamt des Kantons Zürich, which handles B and C permits via zh.ch.

Einbürgerung (Naturalization)

Einbürgerung

Einbürgerung is the process of acquiring German, Austrian, or Swiss citizenship. In Germany it requires at least 5 years of residence, B1 German, and a naturalization test (reduced from 8 to 5 years in 2024).

Duldung (Tolerated stay)

Duldung

A Duldung is a temporary suspension of deportation in Germany. It is not a residence permit — it means departure is required but cannot be enforced. It is issued for a limited period and can be renewed.

Arbeitsgenehmigung (Work permit)

Arbeitsgenehmigung

An Arbeitsgenehmigung is the official authorization to work in Germany. Most residence permits include it automatically, though it may be restricted to specific employers or occupations.