Service Finder
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 want to continue practicing your freelance activity in Germany.
For the extension of the residence permit, you must fulfill the same requirements as for the initial issuance of the residence permit.
Freelance activities include scientific, artistic, literary, 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 currently submit a professional license again.
Process flow
The residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.
The procedure is as follows:
- Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, 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.
- Fees are charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority.
- If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.
Who should I contact?
Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Competent authority
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Requirements
For the extension of the residence permit, you must fulfill the same requirements as for the initial issuance of the residence permit. These are regularly:
- You possess a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
- You want to exercise a self-employed, freelance activity in Germany.
- You have, as far as this is necessary for the exercise of the occupation, a valid occupation practice permission or the granting of the permission was assured to you by the responsible place.
- You can provide evidence of adequate old-age provision if you have reached the age of 45.
- You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without recourse to public benefits.
- There is no interest in deportation against you.
- Your stay does not endanger 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 issuance:
- Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
- Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
- For regulated professions: Permission to practice the liberal profession or promise of granting it.
- Proof of livelihood (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- From the age of 45: proof of adequate pension provision (e.g. proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)
- Current certificate of registration
- In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.
What are the fees?
Issuance 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 issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
At the latest 8 before the expiry of your current residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.
The residence permit is usually extended for the duration of the freelance activity.
Action period:1 month
Processing duration
Processing time: approx. 8 weeks
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.
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
Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority, possibly they are also offered 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)
