Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der selbständigen Tätigkeit beantragen

§ Section 21 (1), (3), (4) sentence 1 Residence Act (AufenthG)

You can obtain a residence permit if you intend to take up self-employment.

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 starting a self-employed activity.

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• 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 recent biometric photo
• Please inquire at the immigration office responsible for you whether you need to submit further documents.

The residence permit can only be issued to you 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, an appropriate retirement provision is also required.

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

These are in particular:

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

Under certain circumstances, a fee reduction or fee waiver may be considered.

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

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 the residence permit.

If the application is only possible in person

• Make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment).
• For the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card) your fingerprints will be taken.

In the case of an electronic application:

• the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office, if necessary.
• During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the eAT card.

If your application is approved, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.

After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Aliens' Registration Office.

The eAT card must always be collected in person.

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa or your current residence permit or - if you are staying in Germany legally without a visa - within 90 days after entry.

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

Action period: 1 month

An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issuance for the purpose of self-employment
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period
• Either an economic interest or a regional need must exist for the issuance.
• The activity must be expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
• Financing must be secured by equity capital or a loan commitment.
• Foreigners older than 45 years should only be granted a residence permit if they have adequate retirement provisions.
• Depending on the foreigners authority and the request, the application can be made via the Internet or in person.
• A fee is charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority.
• Responsible: The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• Online procedure possible: Occasionally
• Written form required: Yes
• Personal appearance required: Yes