Applying for a residence permit to carry out self-employment

Are you a foreign national and would like to become self-employed in Germany? In this case, you will need a residence permit for self-employment.

The residence permit for self-employment is limited to a maximum of 3 years. After the 3 years have expired, you can obtain a settlement permit if

• your business is successful and
• your livelihood is still secure.

Note: Have you received a residence permit for another purpose and would like to become self-employed? This is possible if you have the otherwise required permits or if the authorities have promised you these.

• for the issuance of a national visa before entering the Federal territory: the German mission abroad (embassy, consulate)
  Tip: A list of the representations of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad is available from the Federal Foreign Office on its website.
• after entry: the immigration office in whose district you usually reside.
  Immigration authorities in Hesse are district administrators and mayors of district-free cities and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.

• Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure livelihood
• Proof that there are no grounds for expulsion against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Proof of fulfilment of the economic conditions, in particular
  • Proof of the investment project
  • Proof of financing
• depending on the activity: proof of professional permits (e.g. entry in the register of craftsmen)
• over 45-year-olds in addition: proof of an adequate pension

The requirements for a residence permit are

• You fulfill the passport and visa requirements.
  For the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement identity document.
• Your means of subsistence are secured without you drawing on public funds.
  Your means of subsistence are deemed to be secure if you
  • Income in the amount of the basic social welfare standard rate (e.g. 374.00 euros for a single person) plus
  • costs for accommodation and heating and
  • any health insurance contributions.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Persons over the age of 45 must have an adequate pension.
• the following economic requirements:
  • There is an economic interest or a regional need for your activity.
  • Your activity is expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
  • The financing of the implementation is secured by equity capital or a loan commitment.

If this does not apply to your project, the authority will obtain opinions from expert bodies. These will clarify whether the planned activity is business-capable.

Note: In the following cases, you do not have to fulfill the economic requirements for self-employed persons:

• You want to become self-employed in a liberal profession.
  However, you need
  • the necessary licenses to exercise the liberal profession or
  • at least a confirmation that they have been granted.
• You have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany.
  However, the intended self-employed activity must be related to the knowledge acquired during your studies.
• You have a residence permit as a researcher for the purpose of employment or for the purpose of research.
  However, the intended self-employed activity must be related to your academic or research activity.

Before entering Germany, you must apply for a national visa in your home country.

After entering the country, you must apply for the residence permit in writing at the Foreigners' Registration Office before your visa expires. Depending on the place of residence, the Foreigners' Registration Office is the city administration or the district office.

Since 01.09.2011 you will receive the residence permit in the form of a credit card with additional electronic functions. Further information can be found under "Applying for an electronic residence permit (eAT)".

4 - 6 weeks

Issue: 100 €

Extension up to 3 months: 96 €

Extension of more than 3 months: 93 €

It takes about five weeks to issue the residence permit. Therefore, please apply for it in good time. Otherwise, a fictitious certificate can be issued temporarily. The fee is 13 €.

Nationals of the Member States of the European Union (EU) have access to the German labour market on the basis of their right to freedom of movement. They may pursue a self-employed activity in Germany within the framework of their right of establishment. The same applies to other citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and nationals of Switzerland.