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

Under simplified conditions, you can obtain a residence permit for self-employment if you have successfully completed your studies in Germany or have a residence permit as a researcher or scientist.

If you have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognised university or comparable training institution in Germany or have a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, you can apply for a residence permit to carry out a self-employed activity.

The prerequisite for university graduates is the successful completion of studies that enable them to pursue a self-employed activity. Your intended self-employment must therefore be related to the knowledge you have acquired in higher education.

If you are in possession of a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, the desired self-employment 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 permit. It is granted for a maximum of three years and may be renewed.

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• For university graduates: proof of completion from a state-recognised university or comparable training institution in Germany
• For scientists and researchers: previous employment contract
• Proof of securing one's livelihood (e.g. equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current registration certificate
• After reaching the age of 45: proof of adequate retirement provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension rights, business assets)

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

• You have a recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) and, if this was required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• You want to pursue a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can prove that you have an adequate old-age pension.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.

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

Fee 100 EUR

Remark:

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

The duration of the application processing depends on the local conditions as well as on the factual accuracy of the information in the application and the completeness of the application documents.

At the latest 8 weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa or residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Portal of the Federal Government 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 access to the labour market for people from abroad (e.g. Migration Check for Employees, Leaflet on Employment of Foreign Workers in Germany):

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

• The issuance of a residence permit is at the discretion of the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• Self-employment is any self-employed, permitted, profit-making and long-term activity, unless it is 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 concept of scientist.
• Holders of the residence permit can obtain a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) after three years of successful self-employment under simplified conditions.

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court named in the notice of opposition if the objection is not complied with

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issue for self-employed persons who have completed studies or who have been scientists and researchers
• Residence permits for the purpose of self-employment can be obtained by foreign persons under simplified conditions,
  • who have obtained their university degree in Germany at a state or state-recognised university or comparable educational institution, or
  • who hold a residence permit as a researcher or scientist.
• The intended self-employed activity must be linked to the knowledge acquired in higher education or to the previous activity as a researcher or scientist.
• Residence permit is limited to a maximum of three years.
• Responsible: the immigration authority responsible for the place of residence of the applicant

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes