Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Selbstständige, die ein Studium abgeschlossen haben oder als Wissenschaftler oder Forscher tätig sind, beantragen

You can obtain a residence permit for self-employment under simplified conditions if you have successfully completed a course of study in Germany or have a residence permit as a researcher or scientist.

If you have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany or have a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, you can apply for a residence permit to work as a self-employed person.

The prerequisite for university graduates is the successful completion of a 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 be related to your previous activity as a researcher or scientist.

The residence permit for the purpose of self-employment is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for a maximum of three years and can be extended.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if this was required for entry
• Current 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 academics and researchers: previous employment contract
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Current registration certificate
• After the age of 45: proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)

In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require less or further proof.

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) 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 cover without claiming public benefits.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can prove that you have adequate pension provision.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

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

Fee 100,00 EUR

Remark:

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

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration 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 documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce 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 residence permit from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

approx. 8 weeks

Note for further information on the processing time:

The production of the electronic residence permit by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

maximum 3 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office at least 8 weeks before the expiry of your valid visa or residence permit.

• The granting of a residence permit is at the discretion of the immigration authority.
• Self-employed activity is any self-employed, permitted activity aimed at making a profit and 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 are also covered by the term "scientist".
• Holders of a residence permit can obtain a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) under simplified conditions after three years of successful self-employment.

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

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; issued to self-employed persons who have completed a course of study or who were academics and researchers
• Foreign nationals can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment under simplified conditions,
  • who have obtained their university degree in Germany at a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution or
  • who hold a residence permit as a researcher or scientist.
• The intended self-employed activity must show a connection with the knowledge acquired in the university education or the previous activity as a researcher or scientist.
• The residence permit is limited to a maximum of three years.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

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

Forms available: No
Written form required: Yes
Informal application possible: No
Personal appearance necessary: Yes