Continuous possession of a residence permit under Section 21 not required

You do not need to have held a residence permit under Section 21 continuously for three years. Periods with a different residence permit also count. However, you must have been self-employed during this time.

Income fluctuations for self-employed persons are taken into account

Larger income fluctuations are normal for self-employed persons. The authority knows this and takes it into account. Your income does not have to be the same every month.

With great success, fewer integration requirements possible

Are you particularly economically successful? Then the authority may make exceptions for language skills or knowledge of the social order. The more successful you are, the more likely this is possible.

Settlement Permit for Self-Employed Persons

After 3 years of successful self-employment, you can apply for an unlimited settlement permit.

At a glance

How do you get a settlement permit as a self-employed person?

You have a residence permit for self-employed or entrepreneurial activity? Then you can get an unlimited settlement permit after 3 years. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis. There is no legal entitlement to the granting.

The requirement is that you have successfully established your business. You must also be able to secure the livelihood for yourself and your family members from your income.

You submit your application informally and in writing. Attach copies of all required documents to your application.

Note: If you work as a freelancer, you can receive the settlement permit at the earliest after 5 years. Different requirements apply in that case.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You have held a residence permit under Section 21 para. 1 or para. 2a of the Residence Act for self-employed, entrepreneurial activity (not freelance work) for 3 years.

Additional requirements

Your income from entrepreneurial activity must secure the livelihood for you and your family members. Income from family members or capital assets cannot be taken into account.
You have sufficient health insurance (statutory or comparable private) and adequate retirement provision: From 01.07.2025, a prospective monthly pension of 1,612.53 EUR (for at least 12 years) or assets of 232,204.00 EUR upon reaching the age of 67.
You have no criminal convictions. Even fines can prevent the granting. Your main residence is in Berlin.
Note: If you work as a freelancer with a residence permit under Section 21 para. 5 of the Residence Act, you can apply for the settlement permit only after 5 years.

How to apply

Submit an informal written application and attach copies of all required documents

Have the audit report completed by a tax advisor, auditor or authorized tax agent

Wait for the review by the State Office for Immigration. You will receive either an invitation to an appointment or a fee notice.

Go to the appointment and bring all documents in the original

Done! You can receive the settlement permit if you meet the requirements. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis.

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

124,00EUR

Total fee (62.00 EUR at application submission and 62.00 EUR upon granting)

Good to know

The authority evaluates your success based on revenue growth, profit, and jobs created. If your income reaches the minimum salary threshold of the EU Blue Card, the authority generally decides positively.

Der Erfolg eines Selbstständigen ist insbesondere am Umsatzwachstum, dem Unternehmensgewinn und der Entwicklung der Beschäftigungszahlen zu messen. Erreicht das Einkommen des Selbstständigen die Mindestgehaltsgrenze für Regelberufe der Blauen Karte EU, ist das Ermessen grundsätzlich positiv auszuüben.

VAB A.21, S. 249-261

You may change your self-employed activity or industry. This does not harm your application for the settlement permit. However, you must have successfully practiced the new activity for at least one year.

Ein Wechsel der ausgeübten selbständigen Tätigkeit oder gar der Branche während der Geltungsdauer der Aufenthaltserlaubnis ist für die Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis unschädlich, sofern eine mindestens einjährige erfolgreiche Ausübung der gegenwärtigen Tätigkeit zu verzeichnen ist, da dies in der Regel eine nachhaltige positive Prognose rechtfertigt

VAB A.21, S. 249-261

Even with great economic success, you must prove sufficient living space. The authority cannot waive this. Your livelihood should not be secured at the expense of living space.

Im Rahmen des von § 21 Abs. 4 S. 2 eröffneten Ermessens ist allerdings nicht von dem Nachweis ausreichenden Wohnraumes nach § 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 9 abzusehen, da die ausreichende Lebensunterhaltssicherung für die in familiärer Lebensgemeinschaft lebende Familie nicht auf Kosten des Wohnraumes gehen soll.

VAB A.21, S. 249-261

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