Self-employed persons
Foreign citizens may obtain a residence permit to work in a self-employed capacity.
The following conditions must be satisfied:
- there must be an overriding economic interest or a particular regional need for the enterprise,
- it must have positive effects on the economy
- the financing of the enterprise must be ensured by means of equity capital or a credit approval.
Before entering the Federal Republic of Germany anyone who is not exempt from the visa requirement for entering Germany for the purpose of the stay needs a visa. You can apply for this visa at the German diplomatic mission in your regular country of residence. The visa application is then sent to the Aliens' Registration Authority for an opinion to be given.
On receipt of your documents the Aliens' Registration Authority checks whether you satisfy the specified criteria. The regional trade bodies, public trade associations, the chamber of trade and industry and, if required, the authorities responsible for certifying the business are involved in issuing an opinion.
If all requirements are satisfied, the Aliens' Registration Authority sends a positive opinion to the diplomatic mission. If you are issued with a visa, you must register with the local residents' registration office immediately on entry.
You must then apply for a residence permit from the Aliens' Registration Authority in person. To avoid long waiting times, arrange an appointment with the advisor responsible for you in advance. You will also be told what documents you will need to provide for your matter to be dealt with.
If the planned endeavour is successfully realised in Germany and your living costs are covered by sufficient income, a permanent residence permit can be issued after just three years. To avoid long waiting times, arrange an appointment with the advisor responsible for you in advance in this case.
