diff --git a/lib/middleware/me.js b/lib/middleware/me.js
index acac9ca..2040d2e 100644
--- a/lib/middleware/me.js
+++ b/lib/middleware/me.js
@@ -171,6 +171,9 @@ var me = module.exports = createMongooseMiddleware(User, {
     );
     function updateNewMail (req, res, next) {      
       req.body.email = req.me.email_new;
+      if (req.me.permission_level <= 1) {
+        req.body.permission_level = 2;
+      }
       req.body.email_new = undefined;
       req.body.email_change_token = undefined;
       req.body.email_change_token_created = undefined;