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

Service Description

You can extend your temporary residence permit for freelancers if you wish to continue working as a freelancer in Germany.

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when you were first granted a residence permit.

Freelance activities include self-employed scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, educational or other self-employed professional activities in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act (e.g. self-employed doctors, notaries, tax consultants).

If necessary, you must submit a current professional license again.

Process flow

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

The procedure is as follows:

  • Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
  • If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office.
  • 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 for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
  • In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration Office 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 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 the eAT card from the immigration office.
  • The eAT card must always be collected in person.
  • Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
  • If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

Who should I contact?

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

Competent authority

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

Requirements

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as for the initial issue of the residence permit. These are usually

  • You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute).
  • You wish to work as a self-employed freelancer in Germany.
  • You have a valid license to practice the profession, insofar as this is necessary for the exercise of the employment, or you have been assured that the license will be granted by the competent authority.
  • You can prove that you have adequate pension provision if you have reached the age of 45.
  • You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover without claiming public benefits.
  • There are no grounds for deportation against you.
  • Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Which documents are required?

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

  • Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
  • Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
  • For regulated professions: Permission to exercise the liberal profession or confirmation that it has been granted
  • Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
  • Proof of health insurance cover
  • From the age of 45: proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)
  • Current registration certificate
  • In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require less or further proof.

What are the fees?

Issue of residence permit:

  • 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 issuing of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

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

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

The application should be submitted to the Foreigners' Registration Office at least 8 months before your current residence permit expires.

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

Deadline for appeal:1 month

Processing duration

Processing time: approx. 8 weeks

The production of the electronic residence permit by the Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks

Legal basis

Applications / forms

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

Appeal

Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
Online procedure possible: Occasionally
Written form required: Yes
Personal appearance required: Yes

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection (TMMJV)

Professionally released on

27.01.2023

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)

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