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I recently relocated to Germany with my family. Before I left my home country (Jamaica), I started as a small business a career-consulting agency assisting young individuals finding jobs, revamping their CVs, cover letters and preparing them for interviews. The services I offer are catering to Jamaicans only. Since I am here, should I register the business here even though it is an online business ONLY? My greatest challenge is to have an income here, so I can assist my husband, but it is hard to do since I do not have a bank account. For me to have a legitimate account, I think I should be registered.

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.

Unfortunately, we lack some information to provide detailed information. Nevertheless, we hope that we can help you with the following.

Please check whether you are entitled to start a business in Germany in terms of residence law (as you apparently are a third country national). This is the case when

• you have a settlement permit
• or if you live in Germany with your husband as part of a family reunion

If you are not sure whether your current residence status enables you to start a business, we recommend you to get in touch with your competent foreigners’ office (“Ausländerbehörde”).

You can also contact the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” on the following number +49 30 1815 – 1111. The hotline offers advice in German or English and is free of charge. If the requirements are met, you can start a business in Germany without any restrictions.

Please note, that in Germany there are two ways of setting up a business: You are either self-employed (“Gewerbetreibender”) or you are a freelancer (“Freiberufler”). Being self-employed or being a freelancer makes a difference with regard to certain formalities and has an impact on your company’s legal structure. As a consultant, you might be considered as a freelancer - so you will need to register at the tax office (“Finanzamt”).

Even if you cannot wait to start your business activities, it is important to take your time and prepare adequately. For example, focus on drawing up a schedule. Setting up a business plan for your enterprise will help as well. Moreover, you will also need to consider personal coverage, taxes, laws and contracts that might be important for you while setting up a business.

In addition, you will need to open a bank account.

In Germany, there are many public information centres, which will advise you as you set up your own business. On the Startup Portal under “advice and information” you will find the contact data of regional and national information centres for entrepreneurs with migrant background. A general contact list is also available on the Startup Portal. Similarly, the Authority Finder tells you about your nearest information centre.

Especially the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the Chambers of Crafts (HWK) support new founders with information, consultancy and a range of seminars on founding your own business.

More step by step information regarding setting up a business in Germany are available on the website "Make it in Germany".

We wish you all the best for your future plans.

* Please note: The information presented here is a general service. Only the German missions and the foreigners’ authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa or residence permits. For further questions, please contact the respective authority.

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

Notice of the editor:

• BMWi-Existenzgründungsportal: English Version