You can extend your temporary residence permit for freelancers if you wish to continue working as a freelancer in Germany. 

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when you were first granted a residence permit.

Freelance activities include self-employed scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, educational, or other independent professional activities in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act (e.g., self-employed doctors, notaries, tax advisors).

If necessary, you must submit a current professional license again.

To renew your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when you were first granted a residence permit. These typically include:

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (such as a passport or passport substitute).
• You intend to engage in self-employment or freelance work in Germany.
• You have a valid license to practice your profession—or have been assured by the competent authority that such a license will be granted—to the extent that this is necessary for the performance of your work.
• You can provide proof of adequate retirement coverage if you are 45 years of age or older.
• You can support yourself and maintain health insurance coverage without relying on public assistance.
• There are no grounds for your deportation.
• Your presence does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a specific application form.
• If you can only submit your application in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you submit your application online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment—originals if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up your residence permit at the appropriate office. The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is denied

The application should be received by the immigration office at least 8 months before your current residence permit expires.

The residence permit is usually extended for the duration of the freelance activity.

Appeal period: 1 month

Processing time: approx. 8 weeks

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

: The immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In general, renewing your residence permit requires you to submit the same documents as when you first applied:

• A recognized and valid identity document (for example, a passport or passport substitute)
• A current biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• For regulated professions: a license to practice the profession or a notice of approval for its issuance
• Proof of sufficient means of support (e.g., personal assets, blocked account, letter of financial commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• From age 45 onward: Proof of adequate retirement provisions (e.g., proof of personal assets, accrued pension entitlements, business assets)
• Current certificate of residence registration
• In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require fewer or additional documents.

Cost:

• 96.00 for an additional stay of up to three months
• 93.00 for an additional stay of more than three months

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic form of identification.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes