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

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the residence permit from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

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

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.

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.

Costs:

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

• § Section 45 No. 2 Residence Ordinance - Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

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.

Objection period 1 month

Processing time: approx. 8 weeks

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

• § Section 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG) - Extension of the residence permit
• § Section 21 (5) Residence Act (AufenthG) - Self-employment; freelance work
• § Section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act (EStG)

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Legal action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: Yes

02.06.2022