[AdamN]

Germany doesn't really have permanent residency - it's more like 'indefinite' residency that is revoked when you leave the country for too long.

So basically what you're saying is that after a few years you need B1 to stay. It's not unreasonable but of course will have an impact on the economy and society just like any other large decision.

I live in Berlin and am A2, with my North Star being B2 German and am a US Citizen with no intention to switch to German citizenship. I'd like to not get kicked out though.

The real caveat though is that many of the people in Berlin who don't speak B1+ German are EU citizens and do not need a visa to live here.

[rocketbop]

> Germany doesn't really have permanent residency - it's more like 'indefinite' residency that is revoked when you leave the country for too long.

That's the same as the US green card, and Australian permanent residency, and I assume most others.

[AdamN]

I'm starting to call all of those 'indefinite residency' as well. I'd be interested to know of visas that do offer stronger residency that is more permanent than these but not quite citizenship.