Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Freiberufler beantragen

You can obtain a residence permit to work as a freelancer if you meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a residence permit for freelancers if you wish to work as a freelancer in Germany. Freelance activities include self-employed scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, educational or other self-employed professional activities in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act (e.g. self-employed doctors, notaries, tax consultants).

If required, you must present a professional license. A professional license is a state professional permit that allows people to work in a specific profession in Germany (e.g. medical professions, lawyers). If you do not yet have a professional license, it is sufficient if you can prove that it has been granted.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if this was required for entry to Germany
• current biometric photo
• Permission to exercise a liberal profession or confirmation that this has been granted, if applicable
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• current registration certificate
• if you have reached the age of 45: Proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)

The Immigration Office may request further documents in individual cases.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if this is required for entry to Germany - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You wish to pursue a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
• You have the necessary permit to work as a freelancer or you have been assured that the permit will be granted by the competent authority.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can provide evidence of adequate pension provision.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

Please note:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
• The time and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Immigration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After around six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.

about six to eight weeks

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period.
• Objection period: one month

An appeal against a decision by the immigration authority can be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form or for the record.

If the foreigners authority does not uphold the appeal, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of appeal.

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; issuance for freelancers
• Foreigners who wish to work as a freelancer in Germany can obtain a residence permit if they meet certain requirements.
• If a special professional permit is required to exercise the liberal profession, such as for doctors, pharmacists, dentists and veterinarians, lawyers, tax advisors (e.g. license, license to practice), this must be available or at least its issue must be confirmed.
• Depending on the foreigners authority and the matter in question, applications can be made online or in person.
• A fee is charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.

Telephone: +49 30 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Online procedure possible in some cases
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required