Visa for self-employed business

In Germany, there are two ways of setting up your own business: you can either work as a freelancer (Freiberufler) or set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe). Find out more about the best approach for you in the article on types of new businesses. 

If you would like to set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur, you will have to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment. To obtain this permit, you must fulfil a number of general criteria and the following additional requirements, which you should ideally cover in your business plan in a convincing way:

• There is commercial interest or regional demand for your products or services.
• Your business activity is likely to have a positive impact on the German economy.
• You have secured financing for your business by way of capital or a loan commitment.

Advisory services, such as business associations located in your target region, will help you assess whether you fulfil the requirements listed above. 

Did you graduate from a German university, or do you have a residence permit for the purpose of research? 

If you would like to set up a business related to your academic degree or your research activities, you will also have to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment. You do not have to fulfil the requirements above.

Term of your residence permit

If your business idea is successful and you are able to make a living for yourself and your family, you can have your residence permit extended, which is initially limited to a maximum of three years. After only three years, you can obtain a settlement permit, which will allow you to settle down in Germany for an unlimited period.

Fees

When you apply for a visa, a residence permit, a settlement permit or an extension of these documents, you generally have to pay a fee. The amount depends on your location, the duration and the purpose of your stay. A residence permit will cost you a maximum of €100 while a settlement permit will cost €147 at most. As a rule, the fee for visas is €80. Please consult the competent foreigners authority or mission abroad about the fees you can expect. 

Documents

When you apply for a residence permit, you generally have to present the following documents: 

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Business plan
• Proof of health insurance
• Researchers and academics: current employment contract
• Graduates from German universities: copy of your degree certificate
• People over the age of 45: proof of adequate pension provisions

It would be sensible to also submit documents on the following topics:

• Your references
• Your entrepreneurial experience