Administrative services A-Z

• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance required: yes

You can apply for a temporary residence permit to take up self-employment.

A residence permit is a residence title. The residence permit can only be issued for a specific purpose, such as taking up self-employment.

You can only be granted a residence permit if

• there is an economic interest or a regional need for the activity and
• the activity is expected to have a positive impact on the economy in Germany and
• the financing of the implementation is secured by equity capital or by a loan commitment.

If you have already reached the age of 45, appropriate old-age provision is also required.

Furthermore, the general granting requirements for a residence permit must be fulfilled.

These are in particular

• a secure livelihood,
• a clarified identity,
• possession of a valid national passport.

• Valid national passport
• Proof of health insurance;
• Rental contract
• Curriculum vitae and proof of qualifications for previous activities and training (degree certificates, diplomas or certificates)
• Financing plan / business plan
• 1 current biometric photo
• Please enquire at the immigration office responsible for you whether you need to submit further documents.

You can only apply for a residence permit in person at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.

• You submit the required documents in the original and pay the application fee.
• The Aliens' Registration Office will check whether the conditions for issuing the permit are met.
• Other authorities may also be involved.
• If all requirements are met, the Aliens' Registration Office will take your biometric data (photo, fingerprints) and order the electronic residence permit (eAT) from Bundesdruckerei GmbH.
• As soon as the eAT is ready, it will be handed over to you by the Aliens' Registration Office.

Application before the expiry of the current residence title. It is recommended to apply 4 to 6 weeks before the current residence title expires.

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 3 years.

In the state of Brandenburg, the immigration offices of the districts and independent cities are responsible.

Section 21(1), (3), (4), first sentence, of the Act on the Residence, Gainful Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG)

• Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) Section 21 Self-employment

Further information can be found on the Internet at the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/

Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg

Harburg District Office

Residents' Registration Office

Harburg Town Hall Square 1

21073 Hamburg

E-mail: bezirksamt@harburg.hamburg.de

Fax: 040 427907600

Phone: +49 40 428713849

Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Construction and Home Affairs