Self-employed persons

If you have a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment, you can apply for a settlement permit after three years. This page describes the requirements which must be met.

Please note: If you have a residence permit to work as a freelancer, a settlement permit can only be granted after five years. Further information on the requirements can be found on the page about the settlement permit in general.

Requirements

1. Holder of a residence permit for three years
   In order to be granted a settlement permit, you must have been living in Germany for three years with a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment.
    
2. Successful implementation of the business idea
   You must have implemented your business idea successfully.  This is usually evident from your income and expenses over the last few years. In addition, future planning for your business may be important. The competent professional body (e.g. the Chamber of Industry and Commerce) will undertake regular checks to ascertain whether you have implemented your business idea successfully.
    
3. Covering living expenses
   You can cover your own and your family’s living expenses without applying for public benefits. This means that you do not receive public benefits such as those from the Job Centre.
    
4. Health insurance
   You and your family members must have sufficient health insurance cover. This is the case if you have statutory health insurance or equivalent private health insurance.
    
5. Retirement provisions
   If you were at least 45 years old when you were granted a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment, you must also prove that you have sufficient retirement provisions that are at least equivalent to the average German pension.
    
6. No criminal offences
   You must not commit any criminal offences in Germany. In this case, even fines may prevent the granting of a settlement permit.

If you meet the requirements, you will usually be granted a settlement permit.

Please bring the following with you…

If you wish to apply for a settlement permit for the purpose of self-employment, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Net assets certificate
• Tenancy agreement (and current rent certificate, if available)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of retirement provisions, as applicable
• Fee: € 124.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required for the granting and extension of the residence permit. Please send us an appointment request.