After obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Germany, you receive nearly all the rights that German citizens enjoy—with the key exception of voting rights. PR holders receive comprehensive access to medical, educational, and family benefits, creating a secure and stable lifestyle in Germany.
Medical Services (Healthcare)
- Health Insurance Requirement: Health insurance is compulsory for all residents, whether public (statutory, such as AOK, TK) or private.
- After PR, you do not get free treatment directly, but if you are enrolled in public insurance, major expenses like doctor visits, hospital care, surgeries, maternity care, and emergencies are covered.
- You only pay small co-payments for certain medicines, special tests, or options like a private hospital room.
- Children and students within family insurance are mostly covered for free.
Education Services
- Public Schools: Most public schools in Germany are tuition-free for everyone, with only a semester or contribution charge (typically €200–350 per semester).
- University Education: PR holders’ children have the same educational rights as citizens—tuition-free study at public universities, only paying semester charges.
- Private institutions: Fees apply if enrolled in private schools or universities.
- No restrictions for PR families when accessing education services.
Summary: Benefits After PR in Germany
- Medical: Through statutory insurance, most health services (treatment, surgery, emergencies) are covered or heavily subsidized—only minimal additional payments may be needed.
- Education: Free schooling and tuition-free public university education for PR holders and their families (semester charges only).
- PR status in Germany provides almost all the advantages of citizenship, except voting—delivering lasting comfort, access, and opportunity for residents.