No audit report required for freelancers upon extension

You do not need an expensive audit report from a tax advisor for the extension. Other documents are sufficient, for example tax assessments or bank statements. This is simpler than for commercial operators under Section 21(1).

Declaration of commitment sufficient for other freelancers at first issue

For the first issue, you can prove subsistence through a declaration of commitment. A third person thereby covers your costs. This applies, for example, to architects or lawyers.

Travel health insurance temporarily sufficient for artists

As an artist, travel health insurance is sufficient as long as you do not yet live permanently in Germany. Once you want to settle permanently, you need regular health insurance. This also applies when family members join you.

Apply for Residence Permit for Freelance Work

You would like to work as a freelancer in Germany? Then you can apply for a residence permit.

At a glance

How do you get a residence permit for freelance work?

You would like to work as a freelancer in Germany. Then you may be granted a residence permit for freelance work. This is at the authority''s discretion. The requirement is that your activity is expected to have positive economic or cultural effects.

Freelance activities include, for example: artists, writers, language teachers, self-employed doctors, engineers, auditors, interpreters or architects.

Note: Different requirements apply for a commercial self-employed activity. Find out more under the service Residence permit for self-employment.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You carry out a freelance activity under Section 18 para. 1 no. 1 of the Income Tax Act, for example a scientific, artistic, literary, teaching or educational activity

Additional requirements

You need a valid residence title (for example a national D visa or a residence permit) or you are entitled to apply after visa-free entry due to your nationality.
From age 45, you need adequate retirement provision: at least 1,612.53 euros monthly pension or 232,204.00 euros in assets. Exceptions apply for nationals of the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
You need adequate health insurance and your main residence must be in Berlin. There must be no grounds for expulsion.

How to apply

Submit the online application for a residence permit for self-employed or freelance persons and have all documents ready

Pay the partial processing fee of 13.00 euros before submitting by credit card or PayPal

Upload your CV, revenue forecast, fee agreements and all other documents

Wait for the review by the LEA. The authority will request further documents if needed

Attend the appointment and bring all documents listed in the invitation letter

Done! You may receive the residence permit. The authority will decide on your application.

Ertragsvorschau

56,00EUR

Issuance of the residence permit as a sticker

Issuance of the residence permit as an electronic residence title100,00 EUR
Issuance of the residence permit for Turkish nationals up to age 2422,80 EUR
Issuance of the residence permit for Turkish nationals from age 2437,00 EUR
Creation of a digital passport photo at the self-service terminal on site (additional)6,00 EUR

Good to know

Your residence permit has a resolutory condition. It expires automatically if you no longer have health insurance cover. Make sure your insurance always remains valid.

Neben den Nebenbestimmungen in VAB.A.21.4.1. ist die AE zusätzlich mit der Nebenbestimmung „Erlischt beim Wegfall des Krankenversicherungsschutzes" zu versehen.

VAB A.21, S. 249-261

As a freelancer, you cannot receive a settlement permit after three years. The route via Section 21(4) sentence 2 does not apply to you. You can apply for the settlement permit after five years via Section 9(2).

Bei Freiberuflern -insbesondere Künstlern und Sprachlehrern- kommt der § 21 Abs.4 S.2 ausweislich des § 21 Abs.5 S. 4 nicht in Betracht. Nach fünf Jahren greift der gesetzliche Anspruchstatbestand des § 9 Abs.2.

VAB A.21, S. 249-261

With your residence permit under Section 21(5), you must not automatically work as an employee. You need separate permission from the immigration authority. The ancillary provision is stated in your residence title.

Wird eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 21 Abs. 1, 2a oder 5 erteilt, ist die Nebenbestimmung „Beschäftigung nur nach Erlaubnis der Ausländerbehörde gestattet. Erlischt mit Beendigung der selbstständigen Tätigkeit als ____________________." zu verfügen.

VAB A.21, S. 249-261

Contact & Responsibility

Find responsible department

The responsible department depends on your surname and/or nationality.

First letter of surname

Report waiting time

Help the community by sharing your recent experience with appointment wait times.

Comments

Ratings and reviews from the community.

Something wrong? Help us improve this page.