Residence permit for self-employment - application

Prerequisites for the residence permit are:

• You satisfy the passport and visa obligation.
  With respect to the passport obligation, it is sufficient if you possess an alternative identity document.
• Your subsistence is assured without having to claim public funds.
  Your subsistence is held to be assured if you generate
  • Income equal to the standard social assistance rate plus
  • The costs of accommodation and heating plus
  • Any health insurance contributions.
• There are no grounds for your expulsion.
• Your stay does not endanger or prejudice the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• If you are over the age of 45, you must have an adequate pension provision.
• the following economic prerequisites:
  • There is a commercial interest in or a regional requirement for your activity.
  • Your activity can be expected to have a positive economic effect.
  • The financing of the business is secured either through personal capital or a loan undertaking.

If this does not apply to your project, the authority will obtain opinions from competent offices. These will clarify whether the planned activity is viable.

Note: In the following cases, you do not have to satisfy the economic prerequisites for self-employment:

• You wish to become self-employed as a freelancer.
  You require
  • the necessary permits to pursue the freelance activity or
  • at least, confirmation that the permits will be granted.
• You have completed your studies at a state or state-recognised higher education institute or comparable educational establishment in Germany.
  The self-employed activity must be related to the knowledge and skills you obtained in the course of your studies.
• As a researcher or a scientist, you have a residence permit for the purpose of employment or for the purpose of research.
  The planned self-employed activity, however, must be related to your scientific activity or your research activity.