To be self-employed in Germany, you must first obtain a visa to enter Germany.
You do not need a visa if you are from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the USA.
Once in Germany, you must obtain a residence permit allowing for self-employment.
Where and how to apply | Visa You must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate in your country of originSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• or permanent residence. The visa may only be granted if the local Foreigners AuthoritySearch for available translations of the preceding linkDE••• of the place of intended residence consents. The rules of the Residence Act governing the issue of residence permits are applicable. Residence permit Once in German territory, you must apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is granted by your local Foreigners AuthoritySearch for available translations of the preceding linkDE•••. A residence permit for the purpose of self-employed activities is granted only if a superior economic interest or a special regional need exists, or if an economic benefit is expected from the occupation. |
Documents required |
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Duration of validity of permits | A residence permit for the purpose of self-employment is valid for a maximum of three years. You may then apply for an unlimited settlement permit. |
Appeals | Decisions related to residence permits can be challenged before the local administrative courts. Decisions related to visa refusals can be examined by the administrative court in Berlin. The local court is only competent if you are already in Germany |
Further information | More on residence permitsSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• More on visasSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• |
Change of activities | You can change activities provided that the necessary conditions are met. |
Permanent residence | German law makes a distinction between a settlement permit and the EC long-term residence permit. |
Settlement permit To obtain a settlement permit, you must prove the following:
Your application may be rejected if you threaten public policy or public security. More on settlement permitsSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• | |
EC long-term residence To obtain an EC long-term resident status, you must provide the following:
Your application may be rejected if you threaten public policy or public security. |
No information available at the moment.
- “Make it in Germany” Portal
- Federal Ministry of the Interior
- Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration
- Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
- Federal Foreign Office
- Federal Ministry of Education and Research
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
- Public Employment Service
- Diplomatic missions abroad