Service Finder
Apply for a residence permit for freelancers
Service Description
You can obtain a residence permit for the pursuit of a freelance activity if you wish to pursue such an activity in Germany. Freelance activities include scientific, artistic, writing, teaching, educational or other self-employed professional activities as defined in Section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act (e.g. self-employed doctors, notaries, tax consultants).
If required, you must submit a professional license. The professional permit is a state professional license with which persons are allowed to work in a certain profession in Germany (e.g. medical professions, legal profession). If you do not yet have a professional permit, it is sufficient if you prove that it has been promised to be granted.
Process flow
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 the residence permit.
- If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). For the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card) your fingerprints will be taken.
- In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting 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 Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the Aliens' Registration Office.
- The eAT card must always be collected in person.
Who should I contact?
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Competent authority
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Requirements
- You are in possession of a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
- There is no interest in deportation against you.
- Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- You want to exercise a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
- You have the required permit to practice as a freelancer or you have been assured by the competent authority that the permit will be granted.
- If you have reached the age of 45, you must also be able to prove that you have adequate retirement provisions.
- You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
Which documents are required?
- Valid passport or passport replacement
- Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
- Current biometric photo
- Permission to exercise a liberal profession, if applicable, or confirmation that it will be granted
- Evidence of the security of livelihood (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
- Proof of health insurance
- Current certificate of registration
- If you have reached the age of 45: Proof of adequate retirement provisions (e.g., proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)
In individual cases, the Aliens' Registration Office may request further documents.
What are the fees?
Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00
Under certain circumstances, a fee reduction or fee waiver may be considered.
Notes:
- Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
- The time and form of charging as well as payment vary depending on the authority.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
- The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
- The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time.
- Action period: 1 month
Processing duration
Processing Time: 6 - 8 Weeks
Legal basis
Applications / forms
An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.
Appeal
- Online procedure possible in isolated cases
- Written form required
- Personal appearance required
What else should I know?
You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and occupation from the hotline "Working and Living in Germany" from the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Phone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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
12.12.2022
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)
Competent Authority
Landratsamt Saale-Holzland-Kreis - Amt für Ausländerangelegenheiten
Address
07607 Eisenberg
Postal address
07607 Eisenberg
Opening times
Monday 08:30 - 12:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 12:00, 13:30 - 15:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 12:00 (by appointment only)
Thursday 08:30 - 12:00, 13:30 - 17:30
Friday 08:30 - 12:00
Please note
Appointments can also be made outside the above office hours if required.