Apply for a settlement permit for self-employed people

Prerequisites

• You have had a residence permit for self-employment and entrepreneurial activity for 3 years.
• Your activity is not a freelance profession.
• With the income from your business activity, you can secure a livelihood and health insurance for yourself and, if applicable, your family without having to rely on public benefits.
• You can provide evidence of sufficient retirement provision.
• You have no criminal record.

Documents required

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Biometric passport photo in electronic form
  • You must take a passport photo on-site. A photo booth is available for your convenience.
• Documents that allow an assessment of your previous business results
• Proof of securing your livelihood (e.g. proof of income, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment, rental agreement)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g. confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• Proof of retirement provision

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the responsible authority may require less or more documentation from you.

Please note

Deadlines

• Submit your application no later than 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.


• The settlement permit is issued for an unlimited period. Only the electronic residence permit is issued for a limited period and must be renewed after its expiration date.

Procedure

• You use the online service to apply for a permanent residence permit and upload the required documents.
• The responsible office will then send you an appointment for an interview.
• Please bring all necessary documents, preferably in original, to the appointment.
• The responsible authority will check your identity and documents.
• The competent authority shall involve other authorities where necessary.
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints, signature and a biometric photo will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• The responsible authority commissions an external agency, the Federal Printing Office, to produce your eAT.
• As soon as the eAT is ready, you will receive a notification and can pick it up in person from the responsible office. The responsible office will schedule an appointment for you.
• If the application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice with the reasons for the rejection

Processing time

Processing will begin immediately at the appointment if all documents are complete. The delivery time for the electronic residence permit from the Federal Printing Office is typically two to four weeks.

Fees

124.00 EUR

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 21 paragraph 4 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__21.html