Visa Germany for self-employed and entrepreneurs: How to apply

Overview: Immigration process for entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs from non-EU countries, the process usually involves three stages:

1.  Visa
   You need a visa that permits you to enter Germany specifically for the purpose of self-employment in the future 💬Visum für selbstständige und freiberufliche Erwerbstätigkeit
2. Residence permit
   Once you are in Germany, you submit your application for a residence permit 💬Aufenthaltserlaubnis that authorises you to run your company.
3. Settlement permit
   If you plan to stay long term, you can later apply for a settlement permit 💬Niederlassungserlaubnis.

Who needs a visa?

Whether you need a visa to start a business in Germany depends mainly on your nationality.

Entrepreneurs from non-EU countries

If you come from a country outside the EU or EFTA (Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland) you generally need a visa for self-employment to enter Germany.

📌 Sometimes these countries are grouped under the term ‘third countries’ 💬Drittstaaten, meaning simply that they are neither Germany nor part of the EU/EFTA. This is a purely technical term for ‘rest of the world’ and has no connection to the concept of the ‘third world’.

Entrepreneurs from ‘privileged’ countries

Only a few nationalities are exempt from the visa requirement when entering Germany.

Unless you are from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK or the USA, you must apply for the self-employment visa before you travel, through the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

📌 If you plan to start working soon after entering Germany, it is often better to apply for the correct permit before you leave your home country, as processing can take time.

How to apply for a German visa for self-employment

If you plan to move to Germany to start your own business as a non-EU national, you will need a visa for self-employment.

Step 1: Check whether you qualify

To obtain a visa (and later a residence permit) under § 21 of the Residence Act you must meet key conditions:

• You have a viable business idea that meets an economic interest or regional need in Germany.
• Your project will likely have a positive effect on the German economy (creation of jobs, innovation, regional value)
• You can finance your business through your own capital or a committed loan.
• If you are over 45 years old, you must also show proof of adequate old-age pension provision.

📌 Liberal professions vs. commercial enterprises

For liberal professionals 💬Freiberufler under § 21 (5) of the Residence Act, fewer criteria apply: financing must be secured and any required license to perform the profession must exist. You do not necessarily have to prove a large investment or job creation.

If your planned activity does not qualify as a liberal profession, you will fall under the self-employment permit category for commercial enterprises 💬Gewerbetreibender under § 21 (1). In that case, you must meet the full standard criteria including business plan, economic interest, regional need and financing.

Step 2: Gather your required documents

You’ll need to collect all of the required documents and attach them to your application. Be thorough and get support when needed. Please keep in mind that this list can change.

📌Before you start: Always make sure that your checklist is up to date by double-checking the application form and information provided by the embassy.

General requirements

• Passport
• Biometric photos (35 x 45 mm) ⚠️Please mind the specific requirements!
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of capital or financing
  • Blocked account
  • Bank statements, other savings
  • Declaration of Commitment 💬Verpflichtungserklärung by a German resident / company
• Retirement plan (if over 45)

Additional documents for self-employed people

• Revenue projections / financing plan
• Detailed business plan

Additional documents for Freiberufler

• Professional license such as vocational training, diploma or other qualifications to practice 💬Berufsausübungserlaubnis
• Two letters of intent 💬Absichtserklärung of future clients who plan to pay for your service
• Monthly revenue projections 💬Ertragsvorschau

Step 3: Submit your visa application

Schedule an appointment at your German embassy or consulate to submit your application. Make sure you apply for the correct visa type, i.e., one that allows self-employment rather than employment as a salaried worker.

📌 Visa processing times can be long—often several months.

Step 4: Enter Germany and apply for residence permit

Once the visa is granted and you arrive in Germany, you must apply within the visa validity period for a residence permit for self-employment 💬Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit under § 21 AufenthG at the local immigration authority 💬Ausländerbehörde. Read more here.

The good things is that you will already have most of the documents required from your visa application.