Request for advice - Validation of settlement permit during absence from Germany

Question

I have a Niederlassungserlaubnis. I am planning to move to my home country for self employment and pursue an external part-time PhD from a German university (will visit Germany once a year for progress review and discussion). In case my self employment attempt fails, I would like to come back to Germany to finish my PhD as a full-time researcher at the university and then find a job.

Do you think the Ausländerbehörde will agree to keep my Niederlassungserlaubnis valid in my case? Will it help my case if I have a Dauraufenthalt EU since it allows 24 months of absence for prior Blue card holders?

Answer 1

you mentioned the correct details. You can leave Germany and EU for up to 12 months and your "Niederlassungserlabunis" will be valid. If you had a Blue Card EU beforehand than you can leave Germany & EU for up to 24 month without loosing your permanent residency. Some info is provided by Berlins immigration office: Permanent residence titles: EU long-term residence permit
But keep in mind to come back before the 12/24 month expires. You dont get a chance to prolong the stay outside and will loose your permit.

New information on September 3rd: Following the law (§ 51 AufenthG) the residence permit expires if the foreigner leaves the country for a reason which is not temporary in nature. Might suit to your plans, as open a business isn`t temporary in that sense. So I would strongly recommend to disuss your plans with the responsible immigration office beforehand.