Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der selbständigen Tätigkeit beantragen

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 taking up self-employment.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Proof of health insurance;
• Tenancy agreement
• Curriculum vitae and proof of qualifications regarding previous activities and training (diplomas, certificates or attestations)
• Financing plan / business plan
• 1 current biometric photo
• Please ask your local immigration office whether you need to submit any other documents.

You can only be granted a residence permit 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 a loan commitment.

If you have already reached the age of 45, an appropriate pension plan is also required.

Furthermore, the general requirements for obtaining a residence permit must be met.

These are in particular

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

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

Please note:
- Additional fees may be charged for issuing the 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.

Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic application for a residence permit.

If the application can only be made in person:

• arrange an appointment with the foreigners authority
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment)
• Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eAT card).

In the case of an electronic application:

• the foreigners authority will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the foreigners authority 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 eAT card.

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

After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the Foreigners' Registration Office.

The eAT card must always be collected in person.

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

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

Application period: 1 month

The decision of the immigration authority can be appealed to the court named in the decision.

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issued 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 permit to be issued.
• The activity must be expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
• Financing must be secured through equity capital or a loan commitment.
• Foreigners over the age of 45 should only be granted a residence permit if they have adequate pension provision.
• 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.

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

Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

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

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