The settlement permit is a permanent residence title and entitles the holder to pursue an occupation (employment and self-employed activity). Generally speaking, if you are initially granted a temporary residence permit, you may also be issued with a permanent settlement permit after a certain period of time. The settlement permit is a residence title which signifies a legal safeguarding of residence.

Note: Holders of a (temporary) residence permit for study or educational purposes (vocational training) are not entitled to a settlement permit.

The permanent residence permit and right of unlimited residence issued under the previous Foreigners Act remain valid as a settlement permit in accordance with the purpose of residence and the facts and circumstances on which they were issued.