Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment

Before entering Germany, you must apply for a national visa in your home country.

After entering Germany, you must apply for the residence title in writing at the aliens' registration office of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district before your visa expires. (Depending on where you live, the aliens' registration office is the municipal administration or the district office). OVERVIEW

Since 01.09.2011 you have received the residence permit in the form of a cheque card with additional electronic functions. You can find more information on this under "Apply for an electronic residence permit (eAT)".

National visa (entry in Germany)

Apply for an electronic residence permit (eAT)

Requirements for the residence permit are:

• You fulfil the passport and visa requirements.
  For the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement identity card.(Omit)
• Your livelihood is secured if you
  • Income in the amount of the simple social assistance standard rate plus
  • Costs for accommodation and heating and
  • of any health insurance contributions.
• There are no grounds for expulsion against you.
• Their stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Persons over 45 years of age must have adequate retirement provisions. Due to agreements under international law, proof of old-age provision may be waived for nationals of certain states. For a settlement permit, however, proof of adequate old-age provision must always be provided - irrespective of age and nationality.
• the following economic conditions:
  • There is an economic interest or a regional need for your activity.
  • Their activities are expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
  • The financing of the implementation is secured through equity or a loan commitment.

The competent body obtains assessments from expert institutions to clarify whether the planned activity meets the necessary requirements, e.g. from trade authorities, professional bodies under public law such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chamber of Crafts and the authorities responsible for professional licensing.

Note: In the following cases, you do not have to fulfil the economic requirements for self-employed persons:

• You want to become self-employed in a liberal profession.
  For this you need
  • the necessary permits for the exercise of the liberal profession, or
  • at least the promise of their issuance.
• You have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognised higher education institution or a comparable educational institution in Germany.
  However, the intended self-employed activity must have a connection with the knowledge acquired during your studies.
• As a researcher or scientist, you have a residence permit for the purpose of employment or research.
  However, the intended self-employed activity must have a connection with your scientific or research activity.

• Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure livelihood (incl. sufficient health insurance cover)
• Proof that there are no grounds for expulsion against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany Superfluous, the Foreigners Authority checks automatically
• Proof of fulfilment of the economic requirements, in particular
  • Evidence of the investment project
  • Proof of financing
• For university graduates: Graduation from a state-recognised higher education institution or comparable institution within the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany and statement by the higher education institution on the knowledge acquired during higher education and the connection with the business idea.
• For researchers and scientists: statement by the previous employer (e.g. research institution) on the connection between the activity as a researcher/scientist and the business idea.
• Depending on the activity: proof of professional permits (e.g. entry in the register of craftsmen, restaurant permit), extract from the commercial register, business registration
• Over 45-year-olds additionally: proof of adequate pension provision

Register of Craftsmen; registration

Application for a residence permit

Issue: 100 €

Extension up to 3 months: € 96

Extension of more than 3 months: € 93

The residence permit takes about five weeks to be issued. Therefore, please apply for it in good time. Otherwise, a temporary fictitious certificate can be issued. The fees are 13 €.

4 - 6 weeks

§ Section 45 Residence Ordinance (Fees for the Residence Permit and the EU Blue Card)

§ Section 5 Residence Act (AufenthG) (General requirements for issuance)

§ Section 7 Residence Act (AufenthG) (residence permit)

§ Section 8 Residence Act (AufenthG) (extension of residence permit)

§ Section 21 Residence Act (AufenthG)(Self-employment)

Nationals of the Member States of the European Union (EU) have access to the German labour market due to their right to freedom of movement. They can pursue self-employment in Germany within the scope of their right of establishment. The same applies to other nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and nationals of Switzerland.

• Online appointment allocation Foreigners Department