I am a Lebanesian architect and I am working on three startups - all of them in an early stage. To startup, I need to relocate and I prefer to relocate to Germany. But unfortunately, I cannot finance my travel to Germany and settle my business there. Is there a chance to fund this?
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in setting up a business in Germany. Make it in Germany provides international professionals with information on working and living in Germany.
Please consider the following information on residence requirements:
As an EU citizen, you are free to be self-employed and settle down in Germany.
As a third country national, in order to set up your own business you will need a residence permit that allows you to exercise a self-employed activity (“selbstständige Tätigkeit”). This may be a residence permit according to § 21 Immigration Law (AufenthG) or a permanent settlement permit. If you are not yet living in Germany, you will first need to apply for a visa for the purpose of self-employed occupation at the competent German mission in your home country.
Generally, to apply for a visa, several criteria need to be met. This depends on whether you wish to
Being self-employed or a freelancer makes also a difference regarding certain formalities and has an impact on your company’s legal structure. Here you will find out more about the two different ways of setting up a business.
Please note that no matter whether you are self-employed or a freelancer you will need to provide a proof of sufficient funds to finance your endeavours (e.g. through own capital or loan commitment). Furthermore, if you are older than 45 years of age, you will also need to provide proof of an adequate retirement security. Since the German missions and the foreigners’ authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa and residence permits. Only these authorities can decide on the amount of capital required. We therefore recommend you to contact your competent German Mission. You can find your responsible embassy on our “world map”.
Please note, that due to the current pandemic situation, German authorities and public institutions may only be accessible to a limited extent. Special regulations on entry and residence may apply and might change on short notice. Learn more here.
For personal advice regarding visa issues, you can also contact the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” on the following number +49 30 1815 – 1111. The hotline offers personalized advice in German or English.
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.
We wish you all the best for your future plans.
* Please note: The information presented here is a general service offering. Only the German missions and the foreigners’ authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa and residence permits. For further questions, please contact directly the respective authority.
Reference: Justina Godesberg
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Juli 2020
