Business Immigration Germany
As the world’s third largest export nation, competing with China and the US, Germany is rightly viewed as a door to the world.
Germany has also proved itself an investment magnet and one of the best places in the world for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Situated at the heart of Europe; Germany is one of the main destinations for investments within the European Union. Entrepreneurs as well as investors appreciate its highly-educated workforce, as well as its political, social and legal security.
There are several ways for investors, entrepreneurs and workers to come to Germany and settle down here. Read below to find out about the different visas and options to immigrate to Germany for Business or Work purposes.
When it comes to the availing of such visa, there are several steps that have to be gone through. It is here where having an experienced partner is of great benefit.
Immigration for Private Clients
In order for investors and entrepreneurs to settle down in Germany, several hurdles have to be overcome. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our experienced team of lawyers will assist you in starting your business in Germany. For business investors and entrepreneurs it is possible to obtain a residence permit under § 21 of the AufenthG (German Residence Act) by acquiring or by establishing a company in Germany. Continue reading to find out about our services for Entrepreneurs and Investors, as well as the requirements and procedure of obtaining a Self Employment Visa and Residence Permit in Germany.
Requirements to obtain the German Self Employment Visa and Residence Permit
The key to obtaining a German residence permit as an entrepreneur according to § 21 AufenthG (Residence Act) is to show that the business will have a positive effect on the German economy, i.e. that there is an economic interest and / or a regional need for the business and that funding has been secured. Entrepreneurs must show that their business will increase the market potential as well as sales opportunities of other German enterprises and that it will create a positive impact on the economy.
In 2012, the immigration law and § 21 Residence act was changed to the effect that the applicant will no longer have to demonstrate a minimum investment amount or the creation of a certain number of workplaces. In the previous versions it was still necessary to identify an exceptional economic interest or a special regional need, which was assumed, among other reasons, in particular if substantial investments were made and a significant number of jobs are created or secured. Initially the investment volume of 1 million euros with the creation of at least ten full-time jobs was required. The provision was gradually reduced to 500,000 and 250,000 euros and five jobs and has been now completely eliminated in the current version of the German immigration law.
If the applicant has exceeded the 45th year of his life, they will be required to prove that adequate pension provisions have been made.
The following aspects determine whether the business in question will be of economic and/or regional interest:
- Sustainability of the applicant’s business concept
- The applicant’s entrepreneurial experience
- The qualifications of the entrepreneur
- Financial investment
- The company’s impact on employment and vocational training
- Contribution to the national or regional economy, innovation, and research
- Competition with established businesses
Frequently asked questions regarding our Business Immigration Germany Program: German Self Employment Visa and Residence Permit
Below, you will find list of the most frequently asked questions about our services with regard to Business Immigration in Germany. If you have any further questions about our Immigration Services or about our lawfirm in general, you can contact us at any time.
It is important to be punctual at the embassy for your meeting and to carry all the required documents with you arranged in the given order. Depending on the embassy the meeting will last a few minutes to up to one hour. We are offering a D-Visa coaching for our clients in order to prepare them for this interview situation. During the interview the consular officer will look at your documents and ask you a few questions regarding your background as well as the business idea and the business plan.
The legal requirements are basically the same throughout Germany. However, there are of course certain industries which are preferred in some regions / cities in Germany. We will be glad to help you find the right place in Germany for your business idea. For this purpose we will conduct a market research in advance and contact the relevant authorities to discuss your Business Idea.
Applicants for Business Immigration in Germany that are over 45 years old are required to provide proof of adequate provision for old age or pension plan. Perspectively, at the age of 67, you must have the following:
a monthly pension of 1,280.06 euros (for at least 12 years) or
assets which amount to 187,682 euros.
Proof of a pension plan is not required for these nationalities: Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United States of America.
According to 21 AufenthG (Residence Act) it is considered positive if jobs are created in Germany. However, this is not a prerequisite and a residence permit can also be obtained without hiring personnel from the German labour market.
To establish the company, it is a prerequisite that a company address exists. Since our clients are often not in Germany at the time of the company foundation, many decide to rent a virtual office as a company address. After you have received the D-Visa, you must also have a private address in Germany. Otherwise you cannot register at the registration office and will not receive a residence permit.
In principle, it is also possible to set up a company with several shareholders or a joint venture company. However, it must be made very clear what kind of role and function the individual shareholders have. Please feel free to contact us regarding the planned company structure. We will advise you on the possibilities and best chances of success.
The validity of the residence permit is generally limited to a period of 3 years. Subsequently, a settlement permit (unlimited residence permit – § 9 subsection 2 AufenthG) may be granted if the applicant can show that they have covered the cost of living and that the business has been successful.
“We, at Schlun & Elseven, help you and your company go through the immigration process as easily and fast as possible.”
“We, at Schlun & Elseven, can help you go through the immigration process as easily and fast as possible.”
Immigration Services for Businesses
Additionally to advising private clients on how to get a Self Employment Visa and Residence Permit, we also offer our services to companies that are planning to hire specialists from outside the EU to come work for their company in Germany. So whether you have just started building your business in Germany or already run an existing business – it can be beneficial to hire specialists from not just Germany but from all over the world. This is especially interesting for companies that are affected by the skilled labor shortage in Germany.
Feel free to contact us now – we are happy to help you find the smoothest way to immigrate your employees and their families to Germany!
