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

• you have successfully implemented your business idea and
• you and your family members have a secure livelihood.

The group of family members to be taken into account is defined by the characteristics of family community and the obligation to provide support.

Other authorities may be involved in assessing whether your entrepreneurial activity has been successfully implemented.

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

• You have held a residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurial activity (not freelance) for three years.
• Your residence permit was issued in accordance with Section 21 (1) or (2a) of the Residence Act for self-employed entrepreneurial activity.
• You are able to cover your living expenses (including health insurance) for yourself (and your family) independently, i.e. without claiming public benefits, from the income from your entrepreneurial activity (income from your family members or profits from capital assets cannot be taken into account).
• You can prove that you have sufficient retirement provisions.
• There are no reasons of public safety and order that would prevent you from residing in Germany (you have no criminal record).

• You must apply for a settlement permit before your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the settlement permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it has been produced, you will be notified and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• If you are self-employed with a residence permit in accordance with Section 21 (5) of the Residence Act, you can only be granted a settlement permit after five years. Other requirements also apply in this case.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German.
• A settlement permit may expire if you stay outside Germany for more than six months without first coordinating this stay abroad with the immigration office.
• All information provided to the immigration authorities should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the process and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration authorities can result in the withdrawal of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities within one month of notification.
• File a lawsuit with the court specified in the appeal decision if the appeal is not upheld.

Duration (range): 6 to 8

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the immigration office at least six to eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.

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

Duration (range): approx. 6 to 8

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

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

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application. In rural districts, these are the district administrations, and in independent cities, the city administrations.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Residence permit in accordance with Section 21 (1) or (2a) of the Residence Act
• Proof of the successful implementation of the original business idea (documents that allow a comprehensible assessment of the business results to date)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., proof of income, equity capital, blocked account, letter of commitment, rental agreement)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• Proof of retirement provision

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence.

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 electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes