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.

Reviewed on March 3, 2026

Apply for settlement permit for self-employed persons

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

At a glance

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

Are you working as a self-employed entrepreneur and hold a residence permit for this? Then you can obtain a settlement permit after 3 years. The settlement permit is unlimited. Whether you receive it is decided by the authority on a case-by-case basis. You have no entitlement to it.

Your residence permit must have been issued under § 21 paragraph 1 or paragraph 2a of the Residence Act. You must also have your main residence in Berlin. Your business must be running successfully. The income from it must secure your livelihood and that of your family members. Income from your family members or profits from capital assets do not count for this.

You and your family members also need adequate health insurance. Statutory health insurance is always sufficient. With private health insurance, the type and scope are decisive. More on this is set out in the information sheet on health insurance.

Since 01.07.2025, a requirement for pension provision also applies. When you turn 67, you must either receive a monthly pension of at least €1,612.53 for at least 12 years. Or you must hold assets of at least €232,204.00 at that point.

Important: even fines can prevent you from obtaining the settlement permit. Note: if you are working as a freelancer with a residence permit under § 21 paragraph 5 of the Residence Act, you can obtain the settlement permit at the earliest after 5 years. Different requirements then apply.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You can apply for the settlement permit if, for at least 3 years, you have held a residence permit under § 21 paragraph 1 or 2a of the Residence Act for self-employed entrepreneurial activity — not for freelance activity. If you are working as a freelancer (residence permit under § 21 paragraph 5), different rules and longer deadlines apply.
You must have your main residence in Berlin.

Additional requirements

Your income from your entrepreneurial activity must secure the livelihood for you and your family members. Income from your family members or profits from capital assets do not count for this.
You and your family members must have adequate health insurance. Statutory health insurance is sufficient. With private health insurance, the type and scope are decisive — more on this is set out in the information sheet on health insurance.
From the age of 67, you must be financially secured: either through a monthly pension of at least €1,612.53 (for at least 12 years) or through assets of at least €232,204.00. This rule has applied since 01.07.2025.
You must not have committed any criminal offences. Even a fine can mean that you do not obtain the settlement permit.

How to apply

First check whether you meet the requirements: at least 3 years' residence permit under § 21 paragraph 1 or 2a of the Residence Act, main residence in Berlin, secured livelihood from your entrepreneurial activity, and adequate pension provision

Ask a tax adviser, auditor, or authorised tax representative to complete the audit report form together with all the documents listed therein

Gather all further documents: informal written application, valid passport with residence permit, biometric passport photo, rental contract or purchase contract, proof of pension provision, registration confirmation, and proof of health insurance

Make an appointment with the immigration authority and bring all documents in full

Done! The authority reviews your application — if you meet all the requirements, you can receive the unlimited settlement permit

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

124,00EUR

Settlement permit for self-employed persons (standard fee, payable in two instalments: €62.00 on receipt of the application and €62.00 on issuance)

Settlement permit for self-employed persons – Turkish nationals up to age 24 (payable in two instalments: €13.80 on receipt of the application and €13.80 on issuance)27,60 EUR
Settlement permit for self-employed persons – Turkish nationals from age 24 (payable in two instalments: €23.00 on receipt of the application and €23.00 on issuance)46,00 EUR
Creation of a digital passport photo at the self-service terminal on site6,00 EUR

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

Similar services

Apply for a settlement permit (general)Apply for a residence permit for self-employment Apply for settlement permit for skilled workers Apply for residence permit for self-employment Extend the residence permit for self-employment or freelance activity

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