As the holder of a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (entrepreneurial activity), you may be granted a settlement permit after just three years if

• you have successfully implemented your business idea and
• your livelihood and that of your family members is secured.

The group of family members to be considered is defined by the criteria of family unity and the obligation to provide for them.

Other authorities may be consulted to assess whether your entrepreneurial activity has been successfully implemented.

The settlement permit constitutes an independent right of residence that is separate from the original purpose of residence. It entitles you to engage in gainful employment and is unlimited in terms of time and location.

• You have held a residence permit for self-employment as an entrepreneur (not as a freelancer) for three years.
• Your residence permit was issued pursuant to Section 21(1) or (2a) of the Residence Act for self-employed, entrepreneurial activities.
• You are able to cover your living expenses (including health insurance) for yourself (and your family) with the income from your entrepreneurial activity—that is, independently and without relying on public benefits (Income from your family members or profits from capital assets cannot be taken into account).
• You can provide evidence of adequate retirement savings.
• There are no grounds related to public safety and order that would prevent your residence in Germany (you have no criminal record).

• You must apply for a settlement permit before your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your local immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a specific application form.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply 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, preferably the originals).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to issue the settlement permit in the form of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to issue the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card 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.

• If you are working as a freelancer with a residence permit under Section 21(5) of the Residence Act, you can only be granted a settlement permit after 5 years. Different requirements also apply in this case.
• The procedure is generally conducted in German.
• A settlement permit may expire if you stay outside Germany for more than six months, unless this stay abroad was previously coordinated with the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• All information provided to the Foreigners’ Registration Office should be accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your application can be processed without significant delays.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information can slow down the process and be detrimental to those involved. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not supplemented or corrected in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or deportation from German territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• File an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office within one month of its notification.
• File a lawsuit with the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal if the appeal is denied

Duration (for a range): 6 to 8

Note (for more information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the Foreigners’ Registration Office no later than six to eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.

The settlement permit is granted for an indefinite period. Only the electronic residence permit (eAT card) is issued for a limited period and must be renewed once it expires.

Duration (for the range): approx. 6 to 8

Note regarding further information on processing time:

Processing times may vary depending on the workload of the Foreigners’ Registration Office.

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 rural districts, this is the district administration, and in cities not part of a district, it is the city administration.

• A recognized and valid form of identification (such as a passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Residence permit pursuant to Section 21(1) or (2a) of the Residence Act
• Evidence of the successful implementation of the original business idea (documents that allow for a verifiable assessment of business results to date)
• Evidence of sufficient means of support (e.g., proof of income, personal assets, blocked account, letter of commitment, lease agreement)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of coverage from the health insurance provider or an insurance policy)
• Proof of retirement savings

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional supporting documents.

Cost (fee): 124.00

Note:

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

The timing and method of fee collection and payment vary depending on the agency.

Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes