Administrative services A-Z

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

If you have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in the Federal Republic of Germany, or if you hold a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, you may apply for a residence permit to pursue self-employment.

The prerequisite for university graduates is the successful completion of the course of study that qualifies them for self-employment. Your intended self-employed activity must therefore be related to the knowledge you acquired during your university education.

If you are in possession of a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, the intended self-employed activity 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 title. It is issued for a maximum of three years and can be extended.

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement) and if this was required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• You want to work as a self-employed freelancer in Germany.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without claiming public benefits.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can provide evidence of adequate old-age security.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.

Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry into the country
• Recent biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• For university graduates: Proof of graduation from a state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany
• For scientists and researchers: previous employment contract
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current certificate of registration
• After reaching the age of 45: proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, company assets)

In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.

Fee 100 EUR

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.

• (Section 45 No. 1 Residence Ordinance - Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card)

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence permit (eATKarte). The Aliens' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

maximum 3

Remark (for more information about the deadline): At the latest 8 before the expiration of your still valid visa or residence permit, the application should be received by the Aliens' Registration Office

The competent authority is the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• § Section 21 (2a) Residence Act (AufenthG) - Self-employment

• The granting of the residence permit is at the discretion of the foreigners authority.
• Self-employed activity is any self-employed, permitted, profit-making activity of a certain duration, provided it is not 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 definition of scientist.
• Holders of a residence permit can obtain an unlimited right of residence (settlement permit) under eased conditions after only three years of successful self-employment.

Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad:

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/

Information from the Federal Employment Agency on labor market access for people from abroad (including Migration Check for Workers, Fact Sheet on Employment of Foreign Workers in Germany):

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/fuer-menschen-aus-dem-ausland

Ministry of the Interior and for Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg