germany immigration residency
What is required to maintain PR status in Germany?
<p>I currently hold the German Permanent Resident status. I am taking up a job in a non-European country, but may get back to Germany at a later point (in a few years). Is it possible for me to maintain my PR until that time? What are the basic requirements?</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Is it possible for me to maintain my PR until that time?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>No. Not really.</p>
<ul>
<li>In general, a <a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html#p0125" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Section 9 Permanent Residence Permit</a> expires <em>6 months</em> after you have left the country, <a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html#p1050" rel="nofollow noreferrer">§ 51 Ⅰ ₇ AufHG</a>.</li>
<li>However, it <em>never</em> expires after having lived for 15 years in the FRG, <a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html#p1050" rel="nofollow noreferrer">§ 51 Ⅱ 1 AufHG</a>, <em>unless</em> the FRG does not want you here (anymore), e. g. (convicted) criminals/terrorists, or if you do not have the (economic) means to live here by yourself.</li>
<li>(For a <a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html#p0143" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Section 9a EU-PR</a> longer periods apply, see <a href="https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html#p1050" rel="nofollow noreferrer">§ 51 Ⅸ AufHG</a>.)</li>
</ul>
<p>Nevertheless, previous times in Germany will contribute to your <em>reapplication</em>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>What are the basic requirements?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I’d say, if you <em>definitely</em> intend to eventually return and already got some <em>substantial</em> “social sphere” in Germany, simply travel every 6 months to Germany. Legally, all you need is the entry stamp in your passport. Many people around the globe do this (for <em>various</em> countries), so it’s not an unusual practice.</p>

<p>An <em>unbefristete Aufenthaltserlaubnis</em> generally lapses after 6 months absence. The <em>Blue Card EU</em> generally lapses after 12 months absence. But there are exceptions. This may be extended if <em>the absence is in the interest of Germany,</em> which may include the interests of German industry. You should definitely check your specific case with a specialized lawyer in Germany before you leave.</p>
