If you have already been granted a residence permit to pursue self-employment in accordance with Section 21 (2a) of the Residence Act on the basis of a successful degree from a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany or a previous residence permit as a researcher or scientist, and its validity is about to expire, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.

Please make sure to submit your application in good time before your residence permit expires.

The residence permit will be reissued for up to three years.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial granting of the residence permit. This means:

• The validity period of your current residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You want to continue your self-employed or freelance work in Germany.
• Your self-employed activity continues to be related to the knowledge you acquired during your university education or during your previous activity as a researcher or scientist.

• You can continue to cover your living expenses and health insurance without claiming public benefits.
• If you have reached the age of 45, you can provide evidence of adequate retirement provision (does not apply to persons of Turkish nationality).
• There is no interest in expelling you.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If applications can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring the originals of your documents with you to the appointment if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the relevant office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• Self-employment is any independent, permitted activity aimed at making a profit and intended to be of a certain duration, provided that it is not an employment relationship.
• The extension of the residence permit is at the discretion of the competent immigration authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a decision that is free of discretionary errors.
• After holding a residence permit for self-employment for three years, an application for a permanent residence permit (settlement permit) can be made under simplified conditions (see service "Settlement permit for self-employment").
• Different requirements apply to freelancers for the extension of their residence permit and for obtaining a settlement permit.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the immigration authorities should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the Foreigners' Registration Office can result in the withdrawal of already granted residence rights, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities within one month of notification.
• File a lawsuit with the court specified in the appeal decision if the appeal is not upheld.

Application deadline: 6 to 8 weeks.

The extension of the residence permit must be applied for before the current residence permit expires. The application should be received by the immigration office at least six to eight weeks before the residence permit expires.

Maximum duration of stay: 3 years.

The residence permit can be issued for up to three years.

6 weeks to 8 weeks.

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, the renewal of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Description of your self-employed activity (business plan)
• Proof of financing for the self-employed activity (e.g., proof of equity capital, financing commitment from a bank).
• Excerpt from the commercial register or business registration
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g., proof of income, equity capital, blocked account, letter of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of insurance coverage from your health insurance provider or insurance policy).
• After reaching the age of 45: Proof of adequate retirement provision (e.g., proof of own assets, acquired pension entitlements, business assets)

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

If necessary, you may also have to resubmit proof of graduation from a state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany or your old employment contract as a scientist or researcher to the immigration authorities in order to re-establish the connection between your previous activity and your business idea.

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months
• 93.00 euros for a further stay of more than three months

Note:

The residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity, must be reissued for the extension. Additional fees may apply.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes