I have a diploma as an Algerian veterinary doctor. Currently I work in Algeria and I want to create a small company related to sustainable development especially in the management and processing of organic waste in Germany. I have a business plan and the initial funding is only 4.300 Euro that I can personally provide. What are the steps to start a small business with personal funding of 4.300 Euro, which will generate employment and economic benefits in the region?
As a citizen of Algeria, in order to set up a business in Germany, you will need a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit).
If you are not yet living in Germany, you need to apply for a visa for the purpose of self-employed occupation at the competent German mission in your home country. The corresponding local contact you can find on our “world map”. General information on visa process are available on “Make it in Germany”.
Generally there a several criteria which need to be fulfilled. This depends on whether you work as a freelancer (“Freiberufler”) or set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur (“Gewerbe”). Being self-employed or a freelancer makes a difference with regard to certain formalities and also has an impact in your company’s legal structure. Here you will find out more about the two different ways of setting up a business.
Please note that you generally will have to prove, that you will be able to finance your undertaking (for example by the way of capital or a loan commitment) and be able to make a living for yourself in Germany.
For personal advice regarding visa issues, you can also contact the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” under the telephone number +49 30 1815 - 1111.
Besides, there are many public information centres, which will advise you as you set up your own business. On the Startup Portal you will find the contact information of regional and national information centres for entrepreneurs with a migrant background. A general contact list is available on the Startup Portal. Similarly, the Authority Finder will also tell you about your nearest information centre.
Germany supports entrepreneurs with a number of funding programmes. Most of these funding programmes consist of public loans, which offer you better conditions with regard to their interest, loan periods and repayment terms. In order to apply for such funding, your place of residence and your company’s operations must be located in Germany. On “Make it in Germany” you will find more information on financing and funding.
Keep in mind, as you are operating in Germany, a good command of German is important. Even as you prepare your business, you will find that many official documents are available in German only. If your German is not good enough yet, you should make sure to take a language course before you set up your business. Some advanced courses have a special focus on the business world.
For further Information regarding setting up a business in Germany, please visit the Website "Make it in Germany".
Please note that “Make it in Germany” do not issue or support any visa application even if you may be qualified for that. The information presented on Make it in Germany is a general service offering. Only the German missions and the foreigners’ authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa resp. residence permits. For further questions, please contact directly the respective authority.
Reference: Justina Alichniewicz
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Juni 2019
