Visas for starting a business in Germany: A guide in plain English

Contents

• Two types of business activities 
• What are the visa requirements?
• Visas for Freiberufler
• Visas for Gewerbetreibender
• You’ve got a visa, now what? 

Two business types in Germany – and two types of visas

There are two different ways you can become a self-employed person in Germany:

• Freiberufler: A liberal professional that works in the field of healing, scientific, technical or consulting (e.g. doctors, lawyers, engineers, computer scientists, etc.), or
• Gewerbetreibender: An entrepreneur in a commercial field that doesn’t belong to the liberal professions.

Depending on your business, you’ll have to apply for a visa as one or the other.

What are the visa requirements?

The application process for a self-employed visa is basically the same regardless of your type of business. However, there are some differences in the requirements that you have to meet. Below is a short primer.

Freiberufler: Liberal professionals

If you want to start a business as a liberal professional, known in Germany as a Freiberufler*in, you can apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer freiberuflichen Tätigkeit (residence permit to pursue a liberal profession).

The first step is to get you an entry visa for Germany. Once you’re here, you can apply for a residence permit.

To do this, you have to show proof that:

• You can finance your business.
• You can cover your own living expenses (i.e., means to support yourself).
• You are licensed to practice in the profession in Germany and, therefore, have the right professional qualifications.
• If you’re 45+, an adequate retirement plan.

Gewerbetreibender: Commercial/trade business persons

Individuals who want to live and start a business in Germany and who don’t fall under the freie Berufe category can apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der selbstständigen Tätigkeit (residence permit for self-employment).

To get a self-employment residence permit to set up a commercial, craft or industrial business, your business has to meet the conditions in Section 21 (1) of the Residence Act:

• There is an economic interest or a regional need for your product or service.
• Your business can be expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
• You can finance your business via equity capital or a loan.
• If you’re 45+, you must have an adequate retirement plan.

What happens after you get a visa?

The self-employment visa gets you into Germany. Next up, apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit (residence permit for the purpose of self-employment).

The Master list of all Company Formation articles can be found here.