Can I as a foreign self-employed person in Germany obtain a permanent residency permit?
June 18, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
my name is Lilli Pilz and I am a foreign self-employed individual who has been living and working in Germany for several years. However, my residence permit is soon expiring and I am concerned about whether I can obtain a settlement permit as a self-employed person.
I have founded my own business here in Germany and have been successfully working in my industry. My business is doing well and I have clients who appreciate my services. I would like to continue living and working in Germany as I feel very comfortable here and see my future here.
My concern is that as a self-employed person, I may not meet the requirements for a settlement permit. I have heard that there are certain criteria that need to be met in order to obtain a settlement permit, and I am wondering if I meet these criteria.
Could you please inform me if there are special regulations or requirements for self-employed individuals to obtain a settlement permit in Germany? Are there specific income limits or other criteria that I need to consider? And what steps do I need to take to apply for a settlement permit?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Best regards,
Lilli Pilz
Dear Ms. Pilz,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the settlement permit as a self-employed foreigner in Germany. It is understandable that you are concerned, as your residence permit is soon expiring. I would be happy to provide you with all the information you need to apply for the settlement permit as a self-employed individual.
In principle, it is possible to obtain a settlement permit in Germany as a self-employed individual. However, there are certain criteria that must be met in order to obtain the permit. An important requirement is that you must be able to support yourself in Germany for at least three years. This means that you must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any family members without relying on state assistance.
It is also important that you have a secure livelihood. This means that your business must be successful and stable in order to survive in the market in the long term. This includes evaluating the economic situation of your business as well as the viability of your business idea.
In addition, there are income thresholds that are relevant for the application for a settlement permit. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support yourself. The exact amounts may vary depending on the federal state, so it is advisable to inquire with the relevant immigration office or a specialist lawyer in immigration law.
To apply for a settlement permit as a self-employed individual, you must submit an application to the relevant immigration office. You must provide all the necessary documents to prove your self-employment and financial situation. This includes business records, tax assessments, bank statements, and other relevant documents.
I recommend that you take care of applying for the settlement permit early in order to avoid any delays. If you have any further questions or need assistance with the application, I am happy to help.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Immigration Lawyer
