Extension of a residence permit issued for self-employed or freelance work.

• Possession of a residence permit 

  The residence permit must still be valid and have been issued in accordance with Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

• Permanent residence
• Personal appearance is required 

  If possible, you should make an appointment for your visit.

It is best to apply 4 to 6 weeks before your current residence permit expires. As a rule, the residence permit is affixed to your passport as a sticker when you apply. Electronic residence permits can currently only be issued in exceptional cases.

• valid passport  
• 1 recent biometric photo 

  35 mm x 45 mm, frontal photograph with a neutral facial expression and closed mouth, looking straight into the camera, light background

• Examination report form (residence permit pursuant to Section 21 (1) of the Residence Act) 

  The audit report must be prepared by a tax advisor, auditor, or lawyer with relevant professional experience (e.g., as a specialist lawyer for tax law). It should always bear a round stamp. The
  audit report is used to provide evidence of a secure livelihood and the economic success of the business activity for entrepreneurs and self-employed persons.

• Proof of secure livelihood (residence permit pursuant to Section 21 (5) AufenthG) 

  Freelancers (e.g., artists or language teachers) do not need to submit an audit report. Other documents must be submitted as proof of a secure livelihood: tax assessment notices, net profit calculations from a tax advisor, bank statements proving a regular inflow of funds, statements from gallery owners and auction houses, and similar documents.
  Documents must be submitted in original and copy.

• Rental agreement or proof of home ownership 

  Original and copy

• Health insurance 

  Proof of a secure livelihood also includes adequate health insurance coverage. Those with statutory health insurance are adequately insured. Those with private health insurance must pay attention to the type and scope of their health insurance. For more information, please read the information sheet.

• Adequate pension provision 

  Only if you are already over 45 years of age:
  You must submit an offer (original and copy) for private pension insurance that provides a monthly pension of EUR 1,109.88 (for at least 12 years) upon reaching the age of 67.

  • guarantees a monthly pension of EUR 1,109.88 (for at least 12 years)
  • or assets of EUR 159,823. Alternatively, proof can also be provided by means of currently available assets.

30.00 to 80.00 euros depending on the technical complexity.