Applying for a residence permit for freelancers

You can obtain a residence permit to carry out a freelance activity if you meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a residence permit for freelancers if you want to carry out a freelance activity in Germany. The freelance activities include self-employed scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, educational or other self-employed professional activities according to § 18 paragraph 1 of the Income Tax Act (e.g. self-employed doctors, notaries, tax consultants)

If required, you must present a professional permit. The professional permit is a state professional license with which persons in Germany may work in a specific profession (e.g. health professions, lawyers). If you do not yet have a professional permit, it is sufficient if you prove that the grant has been accepted.

The responsibility lies with the Foreigners' Registration Office.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• If applicable, permission to exercise the liberal profession or promise to grant it
• Proof of securing one's livelihood (e.g. equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate
• If you have reached the age of 45: proof of adequate retirement provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension rights, business assets)

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may request further documents.

• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if this is necessary for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You want to pursue a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
• You have the necessary permission to carry out the freelance activity or you have been assured of the granting of the permit by the competent authority.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can prove that you have an adequate old-age pension.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without recourse to public services.

An appeal against a decision of the immigration authority may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The objection may be filed in writing, in electronic form and for record.

If the objection is not complied with by the immigration authority, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of objection.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eATKarte).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eATKarte to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eATKarte at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eATKarte is always to be picked up personally.

• The residence permit should be applied for no later than eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period.
• Opposition period: one month

about six to eight weeks.

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.

Hints:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence title, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.
• The timing and form of charging and payment vary depending on the authority.