Applying for a residence permit for self-employed professionals

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If you can only submit your application in person, please arrange an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If you submit your application electronically, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you once your online application has been received to arrange an appointment at the office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (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 your eAT card from the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• As a general rule, the eAT card must be collected in person.

Please contact the responsible immigration office.

• You must hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute and, where required for entry into Germany, a suitable visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You wish to work as a self-employed freelancer in Germany.
• You hold the necessary authorisation to carry out freelance work, or you have been assured by the relevant authority that such authorisation will be granted.
• If you have reached the age of 45: You can provide evidence of adequate provision for your retirement.
• You are able to support yourself and maintain your health insurance cover from your own resources without having to rely on state benefits.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Where applicable, authorisation to practise a liberal profession or confirmation that such authorisation will be granted
• Evidence of sufficient means of support (e.g. personal funds, blocked account, declaration of financial commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate
• If you have reached the age of 45: evidence of adequate retirement provision (e.g. proof of personal assets, accrued pension entitlements, business assets)

In individual cases, the foreigners authority may request further documents.

• Section 21(4) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
• Section 18(1) of the Income Tax Act

An appeal against a decision by the immigration authority can be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form or for the record.

If the foreigners authority does not grant the objection, an action can be brought before the court named in the objection notice.

• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment: Granting of permits to self-employed persons in Saxony-Anhalt

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