Residence permit for self-employed persons
All information on applying for permanent residence in Germany for self-employed persons.
Here you learn ...
when self-employed people can apply for a settlement permit
Requirements for a residence permit for self-employed persons
everything about retirement provision for the self-employed
required documents for settlement permit for self-employed persons
Author
Attorney
Release Date
12.04.2025
Reading Time
9 Min.
Table of Content
1. Permanent residence for self-employed persons
2. Requirements for a settlement permit for self-employed persons
2.1 Residence period for self-employed persons
2.2 Successful self-employment settlement permit
2.3 Further requirements
3. Pension provision settlement permit self-employed
3.1 How do self-employed people prove their retirement provision?
3.1 Exceptions to pension provision for self-employed persons
4. Documents Self-employed residence permit
5. Conclusion: Residence permit for self-employed persons
1. Permanent residence for self-employed persons
Anyone who successfully operates as a self-employed entrepreneur in Germany will sooner or later also want long-term planning security. The settlement permit for self-employed individuals offers exactly that: a permanent right of residence that allows you to live and work permanently in Germany. In this article, you will learn under what conditions self-employed entrepreneurs can obtain a settlement permit and what steps are necessary to do so.
Important note for freelancers ( Section 21 (5) of the Residence Act ): This article is not directed at self-employed freelancers such as artists or journalists. Different rules apply to freelancers. According to current administrative regulations , freelancers cannot apply for a settlement permit specifically for self-employed persons (the systematic position of Section 21 (4) of the Residence Act takes precedence over Section 21 (5) of the Residence Act). Instead, freelancers and freelancers must apply for a general settlement permit pursuant to Section 9 of the Residence Act after five years of legal residence and activity as a freelancer.
2. Requirements for a settlement permit for self-employed persons
There are three key criteria for granting a settlement permit to self-employed individuals: completion of the required three-year residency period , successful self-employment , and sustainable livelihood security (pension) . These requirements are explained below.
2.1 Residence period for self-employed persons
The granting of a settlement permit to self-employed individuals generally requires that they have been self-employed in Germany for three years . However, this does not require that a residence permit pursuant to Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) has been held continuously. According to the wording of Section 21 Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act, the decisive factor is the period of self-employment , not the period of possession of the residence permit. Periods with other residence permits can therefore also be credited (e.g., a residence permit for family reunification), provided self-employment already existed. This provides more flexibility for entrepreneurs who became active in Germany early on.
2.2 Successful self-employment settlement permit
The law also requires that the self-employed activity has been successfully carried out in order to be granted a settlement permit ( Section 21 (4) of the Residence Act ). The success of a self-employed person is measured in particular by sales growth, company profits and the development of employment figures (job creation). Successful realisation is considered to be successful above all if sufficient income is generated through self-employment. According to the administrative instructions of the Berlin Immigration Office (VAB), this is the case if the self-employment earns an average salary of at least the EU Blue Card (approximately €3,700 per month). However, this salary must actually be derived from the self-employment; financing from other sources (e.g. capital assets) is not sufficient for a settlement permit for the self-employed.
2.3 Further requirements
Furthermore, even self-employed individuals must meet the general requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit (e.g., fulfilling the passport requirement ). A permanent residence permit is generally only considered if you have no relevant criminal record and if you do not pose a threat to public safety.
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3. Pension provision settlement permit self-employed
3.1 How do self-employed people prove their retirement provision?
For the granting of a settlement permit to self-employed persons after three years , proof of sufficient means of subsistence is also required ( Section 5, Paragraph 1, No. 1 of the Residence Act ). Pension provision is also part of the means of subsistence for the settlement permit. According to the administrative regulations, pension provision is considered adequate if one of the following criteria is met at the time of application:
A private pension or life insurance offer that guarantees a monthly payout of at least approximately 1,600 euros over a period of 12 years from the age of 67 or
Assets of at least 225,000 euros that can be used for retirement provision or
Verifiable pension entitlements from home or abroad or
Business assets that serve as security.
This retirement provision must be credibly documented – for example through contracts, bank statements or official documents.
3.2 Exceptions to pension provision for self-employed persons
However, there are exceptions to the requirement for self-employed persons to provide proof of retirement provision. This applies in particular to individuals who come from a country with a social security agreement with Germany. In addition, in cases of particular public interest (e.g., innovative start-ups), proof of retirement provision may be waived in individual cases – this is decided by the responsible authority. However, this exception is applied relatively restrictively.
Age also plays a role in providing evidence of retirement savings. If you are particularly young , the requirements for providing evidence of retirement savings are lower, as you still have many years to build up assets for retirement. Applicants over the age of 67 are no longer required to provide evidence of retirement savings, as they are already of retirement age.
4. Documents Self-employed residence permit
If you meet all the requirements for a settlement permit for self-employed persons, you can apply for one at the immigration office. In addition to the general application documents (e.g., application form and passport ), self-employed persons must submit, in particular, documents proving the successful realization of their self-employment. These documents are usually at least the following:
Audit report from the tax advisor
Business registration
Income tax assessments for the last 3 years
Proof of retirement provision (e.g. pension insurance certificate)
current commercial register extract (if available)
Partnership agreement (if applicable)
Managing director contract (if applicable)
The authority often requests additional documents for review. However, these are very specific to each individual case, so they cannot be listed here.
Summary of this Page
A settlement permit offers self-employed entrepreneurs in Germany the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit—and thus long-term security for their professional and private future. Three essential prerequisites are met: at least three years of self-employment in Germany, a proven successful business history, and secure retirement provisions. In addition, general residency requirements must be met. Those who can demonstrate these requirements and submit all required documents in full have a good chance of being granted a settlement permit. However, thorough preparation is important, as the requirements can vary depending on the individual case.
