Founding with a Visa

1. General process

1. Apply for visa / convert residence permit in Germany

- Either in your home country at the embassy or – for certain countries of origin – directly after entry through the immigration office ^[2].

1. Business plan & expert assessment

- Solid business idea with financing plan. IHK or HWK review and prepare an assessment, which is required for submission to the immigration office.

1. Registration & bureaucratic steps

- Point of Single Contact (Einheitlicher Ansprechpartner): free advice on administrative procedures, especially helpful for expat founders. - Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) / freelance registration: trade certificate from the trade office or registration with the tax office ^[3]. - Tax registration: complete "Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung (questionnaire for tax registration)" at the tax office.

1. Ongoing operations & prospects for permanent residence:

- Residence permit initially temporary (e.g. 3 years). If successful, "Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit)" can be applied for ^[4].

2. Visa & residence permit – what options are there?

Self-employed business founder (residence § 21 para. 1 AufenthG):

Requirements: proof of economic interest, positive economic impact and secured financing. For persons over 45, additional pension provision required ^[4].

Freelance activity (residence § 21 para. 5 AufenthG):

Requirement: financing and if necessary proof of professional license – also pension provision for those over 45 ^[4].

Visas abroad:

Third-country nationals must submit the appropriate visa application at the German embassy in their home country. A few countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Japan) may apply for residence permits directly on-site even without visa-required entry ^[5].

Freelance Visa Type D:

Particularly attractive: the official long-term freelance visa (Type D), which entitles you to live and work in Germany independently of an employer. In summer 2025 with just €75 fees – for example for artists, journalists, IT professionals. This makes entry significantly easier.

3. Your next steps

1. Clarify visa situation & residence status

• Check your current residence permit carefully: Does it allow self-employment? This is often clearly stated in the visa – with wording such as "self-employment permitted" or the opposite.
• If your visa doesn't allow self-employment (e.g. employment visa § 19c), you need a corresponding residence permit for self-employment (§ 21 AufenthG) ^[4].

2. Apply for or adjust visa or residence permit

• Prepare a solid business plan that shows economic interest, documents positive impacts and proves financing.
• Application in home country: Are you submitting the application for a self-employment visa at the German embassy? The process is supported by an assessment from the German immigration office ^[6].
• If you're already in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit for pursuing self-employment at the immigration office within 90 days of entry. Requirements include business plan, proof of residence and financing ^[7].

3. Administrative formalities & registration

• Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) or freelance status: Decide whether you need to register a trade or work as a freelancer (liberal profession) – different requirements and visa regulations apply depending on the sector ^[8].

4. Security & long-term prospects

• Over 45 years old? Then proof of adequate pension provision is required ^[4].
• Visa duration & extension: The permit is usually issued for up to 3 years. If your business is successful and you can secure your livelihood, you can apply for an extension or even settlement permit after 3 years.
• Settlement permit gives you permanent residence rights and allows unlimited self-employment. Requirements: income security, pension contributions and language skills.

4. Contact points for targeted support