Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Extension for freelancers

You can extend your residence permit to carry out a freelance activity if you want to continue your freelance activity in Germany and meet certain requirements.

You can extend your temporary residence permit for freelancers if you want to continue your freelance work in Germany.

For the extension of the residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when the residence permit was issued for the first time.

Freelance activities include self-employed scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, educational or other self-employed professional activities pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act (for example, self-employed doctors, notaries, tax consultants).

If necessary, you must currently submit a professional permit again.

The immigration authority responsible for the place of residence of the applicant is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the presentation of the same documents as for the first issue:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• In the case of regulated professions: authorisation to practise the liberal profession or commitment to grant
• Proof of securing one's livelihood (e.g. equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• From the age of 45: proof of adequate retirement provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension rights, business assets)
• Current registration certificate
• In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

For the extension of the residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when the residence permit was issued for the first time. These are regular:

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• You want to pursue a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
• You have, as far as this is necessary for the exercise of employment, a valid professional license or you have been assured that the permit will be granted by the competent authority.
• You can prove that you have an adequate old-age pension if you have reached the age of 45.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court named in the notice of opposition if the objection is not complied with

• Find out whether your immigration authority allows you to submit your application online or has a special application form.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of an online application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your application to make an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably original, to the appointment).
• If your request is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence title (eATKarte). The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office no later than 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

The residence permit is usually extended for the duration of the freelance activity.

Opposition period: 1 month

Processing time: approx. 6 to 8 weeks

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit

Cost:

• 96,00 for a further stay of up to three months
• 93,00 for a further stay of more than three months