Self-employment and freelancing , Date: 2024.03.01, format: Article, area: Migration and residence

Link to the information hotline "working and living in Germany" Source: © Make it in Germany

You can immigrate to Germany if you would like to work here on a self-employed or freelance basis.

Self-employment

A residence permit may be issued to you in order to work on a self-employed basis if

• the financing of your enterprise is ensured, and
• your enterprise is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy.

The following criteria in particular will be examined by reference to an informative and meaningful business plan, which you must submit when applying for the residence title:

• the sustainability of your business idea,
• your business experience,
• the amount of capital which you propose to invest,
• the regional impact with regard to employment and training, and
• the contribution which your enterprise can make to innovation and research.

These conditions may be waived for graduates of German higher-education establishments. The same applies if you have received a residence permit as a scientist or researcher. A connection must however be evident between the self-employment and your degree or your activities as a researcher or scientist.

Proof of provision for old age must also be submitted if you are over 45.

The residence permit will be issued for a maximum of three years, after which a settlement permit can be issued if the self-employment has proven successful and the livelihood of all your legal dependants is assured.

If you wish to start a company in Germany, you will find a wealth of valuable tips and information on the website entitled "make-it-in-Germany".

New opportunities for business start-ups

A third-country national can obtain a residence permit to set up a business if he or she:

• is a skilled worker who has completed vocational or academic training, and
• receives a grant from a German business organisation or a German public body in preparation for setting up a business, and this covers their subsistence.

The residence permit is issued for the duration of the grant, for a maximum of 18 months.

Freelance work

You can obtain a residence permit under less strict conditions if you would like to work in a "liberal profession" as a freelancer. Examples of the liberal professions are doctors, interpreters, artists, writers or architects. Depending on the type of freelance profession, you may require a licence to practise the profession (e.g. licence to practise medicine) in order to work as a freelancer. You can find out whether you need such a licence for your profession at www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de.

It is sufficient for a residence permit to be issued if a licence to practise the profession has already been approved. The period of time for which the residence permit is issued depends on the specific purpose of your stay. You can obtain a permanent right of residence after five years.