Self-employment and freelancing , Date: 2019.11.14, 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".

Freelancing

Depending on the "liberal profession" in question, you may also need to acquire a licence to practice your profession (e.g. a licence to practice medicine) in order to work on a freelance basis. You can find out by calling the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" whether you need a licence for your profession.

For the purposes of issuing the residence title, it is sufficient for you to have previously received an undertaking that the licence to exercise your profession will be issued. The duration of the residence permit depends on the concrete purpose of residence. You can be issued with an open-ended right of residence after five years.