GermanyStarting a business
Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.
Founders who want to start a business in Germany, as distinct from freelancers.
If you are looking to start a business and meet the following requirements, you can obtain a
There must be an economic interest or regional demand for the product/service and a foreseeable positive effect on the economy; the assessment looks at the viability of the business idea, entrepreneurial experience, capital investment, effects on employment and training, and contribution to innovation and research.
There needs to be an economic interest in or a regional demand for your product or service.
It is foreseeable that your company will have a positive effect on the economy.
Assessment of the conditions in sentence 1 focuses in particular on the viability of the business idea on which the application is based, the foreigner’s entrepreneurial experience, the level of capital investment, the effects on the employment and training situation and the contribution to innovation and research.
The business concept must be financed with own capital or a loan commitment; applicants over 45 must prove adequate old-age pension provision.
You are able to finance the implementation of your business concept with your own capital or through a loan commitment.
If you are older than 45 years of age, this visa can only be issued if you can provide proof of adequate old age pension provisions.
The checked official sources did not provide enough route-specific evidence to confirm the business activity the holder may carry out, its restrictions and the family position.
Local bodies (business location bodies, trade and industry authorities, professional bodies, licensing authorities) are involved in examining the application; the permit is first issued for up to three years and can be extended if the business succeeds and covers living costs for the holder and family; a settlement permit can be applied for after three years.
The competent bodies for the planned business location, the competent trade and industry authorities, the representative bodies for public-sector occupational groups and the competent authorities regulating admission to the occupation concerned are to be involved in examining the application.
A visa or residence permit for self-employment is initially issued for up to three years. If your business idea is successful and you are able to cover the costs of living for yourself and your family, the residence permit can be extended.
If you are starting your own company, applying for a settlement permit after three years is an option.
These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.
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Not legal advice. No eligibility verdict or ranking. Check the linked sources before applying.