Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issue for self-employed persons who have completed studies or who have been scientists and researchers

Under simplified conditions, you can obtain a residence permit for self-employment if you have successfully completed your studies in Germany or have a residence permit as a researcher or scientist.

If you have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognised university or comparable training institution in Germany or have a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, you can apply for a residence permit to carry out a self-employed activity.

The prerequisite for university graduates is the successful completion of studies that enable them to pursue a self-employed activity. Your intended self-employment must therefore be related to the knowledge you have acquired in higher education.

If you are in possession of a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, the desired self-employment must show a connection with your previous activity as a researcher or scientist.

The residence permit for the purpose of self-employment is a temporary residence permit. It is granted for a maximum of three years and may be renewed.

The immigration authority responsible for the place of residence of the applicant.

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

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• For university graduates: proof of completion from a state-recognised university or comparable training institution in Germany
• For scientists and researchers: previous employment contract
• Proof of securing one's livelihood (e.g. equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current registration certificate
• After reaching 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 require less or further proof.

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• You have a recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) and, if this was required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• You want to pursue a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can prove that you have an adequate old-age pension.
• 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.

Duration: maximum 3 years

Note: At the latest 8 weeks before the expiry of your valid visa or residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Duration: approx. 8 weeks

Note: The production of the electronic residence title by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Fee 100,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

• The issuance of a residence permit is at the discretion of the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• Self-employment is any self-employed, permitted, profit-making and long-term activity, unless it is an employment relationship.
• Scientists are persons who belong to the scientific community, i.e. essentially the scientific staff of universities and research institutions. Researchers also fall under the concept of scientist.
• Holders of the residence permit can obtain a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) after three years of successful self-employment under simplified conditions.