Residence permit for the purpose of self-employment - Issuance -

A residence permit for a self-employed occupation may be issued for
  • Founder of a company,
  • Sole proprietor and
  • Managing directors and legal representatives of partnerships and corporations, if they have entrepreneurial responsibility.
Note: For freelancers different requirements apply (see service "Residence permit for a freelance employment - Issuance" in the section "More information").

Prerequisites

  • Main residence in Berlin
  • Economic interest of the state of Berlin
    A foreigner may be granted a residence permit for the pursuit of a self-employed occupation if
    • an economic interest or a regional need exists,
    • the occupation is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and
    • the implementation is financed by equity or a loan commitment.
    Exception: different standards apply to university graduates, researchers and scientists.
  • For university graduates, researchers and scientists
    Another examination standard applies to foreigners who
    • have successfully completed a course of study in Germany at a state, state-recognised or comparable training institution, or
    • work as a researcher or scientist in Germany and hold a residence permit.
    The intended self-employed occupation must have a connection with the knowledge acquired during the studies or the occupation as a researcher or scientist.
  • Adequate pension plan (only if you have already completed the 45th year of life)
    The following applies from 1 July 2024:
    Perspectively, at the age of 67, you must have
    • either a monthly pension of 1,565.03 euros (for at least 12 years)
    • or an asset amount of 225,364.00 euros.
    Proof of a pension plan is not required for these nationalities: Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United States of America
    (Note: An adequate pension is always necessary for the issuance of a permanent settlement permit - regardless of age or nationality.)
  • Adequate health insurance
    You have health insurance in Germany, either in the statutory health insurance system or a comparable private health insurance.
    Foreign health insurance is generally not sufficient. For more information, please read the leaflet (see section "More information").
  • Personal appearance by appointment is required
    • To make an appointment, please contact the relevant department using the contact form (see section "More information").
    • If possible, please send your appointment request 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Documents required

  • Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels (Application for Issuance of a Residence Permit) - in German, English, French, Italian
    (see section "Forms")
    Only required for first-time application
  • Valid passport
  • 1 current biometric photo
    • From May 1, 2025, biometric passport photos may only be taken digitally directly in the authorities or in photo studios and transmitted by secure electronic means.
    • Please check the website of the Berlin Immigration Office (see “More information”) in good time before your appointment for the current status.
  • Businessplan
    You can find tips for creating your business plan, for example, on the start-up portal of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy - BMWi (see section "More information").
  • Financing plan
    (see ‘Forms’)
  • Resume / Curriculum vitae
    Details of professional career, qualification certificates, diploma, references/sponsors
  • For university graduates: A statement by the university
    A statement by the university regarding the knowledge acquired in higher education and the connection to the business idea
  • For university graduates: Degree from a state-recognised university or comparable training institution in Germany (Original)
  • For researchers and scientists: A statement of the previous employer
    A statement of the previous employer (e.g. research institution) on the connection between the occupation as researcher/scientist and the business idea
  • Excerpt from the Trade Register - Handelsregisterauszug (Original)
    However, at least the application for registration in the commercial register via a notary public; in the original
  • Trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung)
    Only if no entry in the trade register is required; in the original
  • Health insurance
    • If you have statutory health insurance: electronic health card and a current confirmation from the health insurance company stating the contribution to be paid
    • In the case of private health insurance: certificate from the insurer regarding the scope and costs of the insurance in accordance with § 257 Para. 2a SGB V. V. Please point out to your insurer that you need the certificate for a residence permit for self-employment
  • Lease or proof of home ownership
  • Housing costs (Original)
    Proof of the monthly rental costs (e.g. current account statement) or costs of the inhabited property; in each case in original form
  • Adequate pension plan (only if you have already completed the 45th year of life)
    You can provide evidence of adequate retirement benefits (see section "Prerequisites") by:
    • an offer from a private pension or life insurer,
    • own assets,
    • acquired pension rights or
    • operating assets
  • Proof of your residence in Berlin
    • Certificate of registration at the main residence or
    • lease and written confirmation of occupancy from the landlord

Fees

  • 100.00 euros
Turkish citizens:
  • From the age of 24 years: 37.00 euros
  • Until the age of 24 years: 22.80 euros
For the creation of a digital passport photo at the self-service terminal on site: 6.00 euros

Average time to process request

After the appointment, it takes at least 4 weeks until the residence permit is issued as an electronic residence permit and can be collected.

Your point of contact

Service hotline 115

Bürgertelefon 115 - Ihr telefonischer Zugang zur Verwaltung: (030) 115; Montag - Freitag, 07:00 - 18:00 Uhr
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