Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Erwerbstätigkeit Verlängerung für selbstständige ehemalige Wissenschaftler und Forscher

If you have already received a residence permit for self-employment in accordance with Section 21 (2a) of the Residence Act on the basis of a successful degree from a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany or a previous residence permit as a researcher or scientist and its validity is about to expire, you can apply to extend your residence permit.

Make sure you submit your application in good time before your residence permit expires.

The residence permit will be issued again for up to three years.

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

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Description of the self-employed activity (business plan)
• Proof of financing of the self-employed activity (e.g. proof of equity capital, financing commitment from a bank).
• Extract from the commercial register or business registration
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. proof of income, equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance cover (e.g. confirmation of health insurance cover or insurance policy).
• After the age of 45: Proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require less or further proof.

You may also have to submit proof of your degree from a state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany or your old employment contract as a scientist and researcher to the immigration authority again in order to prove the connection between your previous employment and your business idea.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit. This means that

• The period of validity of your current residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You wish to continue your self-employed or freelance activity in Germany.
• Your self-employed activity is still related to the knowledge you acquired during your university education or during your previous work as a researcher or scientist.
• You can continue to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover without claiming public benefits.
• If you have reached the age of 45, you can prove that you have adequate pension provision (does not apply to persons with Turkish citizenship).
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

• 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 immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your original documents with you to the appointment if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken in order to produce the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification.
• Legal action before the court named in the objection notice if the objection is not upheld

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Extension for self-employed former scientists and researchers
• An extension of the residence permit for the purpose of self-employment is possible if the current residence permit was issued on the basis of Section 21 (2a) AufenthG and is still valid.
• In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit.
• The self-employed activity must continue to show a connection with the knowledge acquired during higher education or the previous activity as a researcher or scientist.
• The applicant's livelihood (including health insurance) must be secured.
• The applicant's stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany and there is no interest in deportation.
• If the applicant has reached the age of 45, they must provide proof of adequate retirement provision (does not apply to Turkish nationals).
• Residence permit is issued again for up to three years.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

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