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I am a student at a German University and I come from a non-EU country. I have an idea to start a business in Germany - it is an import business idea. My family members are doing cinnamon, tea, virgin coconut oil and gemstone business in Sri Lanka - so they would like to export it to Germany and I am hoping to introduce it to market. Could I know the relevant regulations that apply and how should I proceed to work on that business idea?

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 studying or setting up a business are also available on “Make it in Germany”.

Please consider the following answer regarding your residential status as a foreign student in Germany:
Before starting your own business, you should clarify whether your residence status allows you to establish such an activity. As a foreign student in Germany, coming from a Non-EU country, you hold a residence permit for the purpose of studying according to § 16 Residence Act. With that permit, you are allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days per year without approval by the competent authority, the Federal Employment Agency. Taking up a self-employed activity while studying in Germany is also possible under the Residence Act (§ 21 (6) “Aufenthaltsgesetz”). However, the self-employed activity needs to be authorized by the foreigner’s authority (“Ausländerbehörde”) separately. The work must not hinder the success of the study. If you want to start a full-time self-employed activity, you probably won’t get an approval. (Source: BMI, BAMF, DAAD – Universität Bonn.

For personal advice regarding visa issues, you can also contact the Hotline “Working and Living in Germany”. Phone: +49 30 1815 – 1111.

To be successful with your business idea, you should get personal advice. There are many organizations offering further advice or training courses. Especially the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the Chambers of Crafts (HWK) offer seminars on founding your own business. Likewise, the advisory services at your university may help you with your start-up. More advisory services (especially for internationals) can be found here.

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” does 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.

We wish you all the best!

Reference: Justina Godesberg
Economist
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Mai 2020

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• BMWi-Existenzgründungsportal: English Version