Bring your business idea to life in Germany. Find out about start-up advice, funding and the ideal conditions for foreign entrepreneurs. Make the most of the opportunities in Europe’s leading business hub!
Find out which professional requirements may be relevant to setting up your business.
Find out how commercial and freelance activities differ.
Find information on advice centres, support programmes and funding options.
These steps will give you some initial guidance on how to start self-employment in Germany.
Lay the foundations for your self-employment: officially register your business with the relevant authorities or the tax office, and develop your idea into a viable business plan for investors and banks.
Keep your finances under control in a legally compliant manner: find out in good time about the relevant types of tax and annual tax returns, and seek tax advice to avoid having to make additional payments.
Protect your business and your livelihood from risks: ensure you are fully covered from the outset with the right health, accident and retirement provision schemes, as well as business insurance.
Ensure legal clarity for your business: from tenancy agreements to product liability, well-drafted contracts and legal standards provide a high level of protection in your day-to-day business operations.
Set up your team in a legally compliant manner: apply for your company registration number, correctly deduct payroll tax and social security contributions, and comply with applicable employment law on salary, holiday entitlement and protection against unfair dismissal.
From visa application to residence title in five steps: this is how the visa and entry process for starting a business in Germany works – including deadlines, documents and costs.
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Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about setting up a business, visas and support.
If you are from the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can start a business in Germany and do not need a visa. All other persons require a visa or residence permit to live and start a business in Germany. You can check your options with the Quick-Check.
Further information can be found in the “Setting up a business” section.
There are various types of businesses in Germany. These differ in their legal form and the type of activity. Depending on the type of self-employed activity you carry out, you can work as a freelancer or register a business. It is important that you find out what types of setting up a business are available to you before you start your business.
You can find information on this topic in the section “Types of new businesses”.
There are numerous funding programmes and free advice centres for people who want to become self-employed or work as a freelancer in Germany. There is also special advice for founders with a migrant background.
Find out more in the “Setting up a business” section under “Advisory services”.
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