Apply for a residence permit for self-employed persons who have completed their studies or are working as scientists or researchers

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• 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

• 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.

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

Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior and Sport