Navigation

Frage

I am doing some research about requirements for obtaining a self-employment visa as a third country national (Non-EU resident). I have some questions about the regulations in Germany: It is stated in your Residence Act, section 21, that a foreigner may be granted a "temporary residence permit for the purpose of self-employment if (...) 3. the foreigner has personal capital or an approved loan to realise the business idea." I am wondering if:

1. The personal capital or loan has to be a certain amount?
2. Is there a requirement for having some kind of minimum income as a self-employed immigrant? How much is that?

Antwort

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. Detailed information on setting up a business are also available on “Make it in Germany”.

Please consider the following information on residence requirements:
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 a 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 will work as

• a freelancer (“Freiberufler”)
• or wish to set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur (“Gewerbe”).

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 the corresponding local contact 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.

General information on visa processes are also available on “Make it in Germany”.

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.
Mai 2020

Notice of the Editor:

• BMWi-Existenzgründungsportal: English Version
  
• Germany Trade & Invest: Investment Guide to Germany