Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment for freelancers

• § 8 Absatz 1 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis
• § 21 Absatz 5 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - Selbständige Tätigkeit; freiberufliche Tätigkeit
• § 18 Absatz 1 Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG)

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• For regulated professions: Permission to practice the liberal profession or promise of granting it.
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• From the age of 45: proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)
• Current certificate of registration
• In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.

For the extension of the residence permit, you must fulfill the same requirements as for the initial issuance of the residence permit. These are regularly:

• You possess a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• You want to exercise a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
• You have, as far as this is necessary for the exercise of the occupation, a valid occupation practice permission or the granting of the permission was assured to you by the responsible place.
• You can provide evidence of adequate old-age provision if you have reached the age of 45.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without recourse to public benefits.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Cost:

• 96,00 for a further stay of up to three months
• 93,00 for a further stay of more than three months

Remark:

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

• § 45 Nummer 2 Aufenthaltsverordnung - Gebühren für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis, die Blaue Karte EU, die ICT-Karte und die Mobiler-ICT-Karte

• Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office allows you to apply online or whether you have a special application form.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of an online application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to make an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably in the original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the purpose of creating a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit from the competent authority. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The time it takes to process the application 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.

The application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office no later than 8 before the expiry of your current residence permit.

The residence permit is usually extended for the duration of the freelance activity.

Deadline for filing an action: 1 month

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court named in the notice of appeal if the appeal is not granted

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes