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

• 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 Foreigners' Registration 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 documents to the appointment, preferably in the original).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The foreigners authority 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 rejection notice.

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

• 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 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 is no interest in deporting you.
• Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Recognised 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-recognised university or comparable educational institution in Germany
• For scientists 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 authority may require less or further proof.

• § Section 21 (4) Residence Act (AufenthG)

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

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• The granting of a residence permit is at the discretion of the foreigners authority.
• Self-employment is any self-employed, authorised activity that is intended to generate a profit and is 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.

• 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 self-employment 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 show a connection with the knowledge acquired during 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