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Migration and Home Affairs
  • 1 April 2025

Self-employed worker in Germany

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed worker in Germany? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

Conditions

To be self-employed in Germany, you must first obtain a visa to enter Germany.

You do not need a visa if you are from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the USA.

Once in Germany, you must obtain a residence permit allowing for self-employment.

Procedures

Where and how to apply

Visa

You must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate in your country of origin or permanent residence. The visa may only be granted if the local Foreigners Authority of the place of intended residence consents. The rules of the Residence Act governing the issue of residence permits are applicable.

Residence permit

Once in German territory, you must apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is granted by your local Foreigners Authority.

A residence permit for the purpose of self-employed activities is granted only if a superior economic interest or a special regional need exists, or if an economic benefit is expected from the occupation.

Documents required
  • You must prove a valid passport and accommodation;
  • You must provide sufficient financial means not to become a burden for public funds;
  • If you are more than 45 years old, you must provide sufficient resources for old age benefits;
  • You must prove that you have enough capital or credit to undertake the self-employed activity;
  • You must prove the sustainability of your business idea and your professional experience.
Duration of validity of permitsA residence permit for the purpose of self-employment is valid for a maximum of three years. You may then apply for an unlimited settlement permit.
Appeals

Decisions related to residence permits can be challenged before the local administrative courts.

Decisions related to visa refusals can be examined by the administrative court in Berlin. The local court is only competent if you are already in Germany

Further information

More on residence permits

More on visas

More on setting up your own business

Rights

Change of activitiesYou can change activities provided that the necessary conditions are met.
Permanent residenceGerman law makes a distinction between a settlement permit and the EC long-term residence permit.

Settlement permit

To obtain a settlement permit, you must prove the following:

  • residence for at least five years on the German territory with permit;
  • sufficient resources to support yourself and your dependants;
  • health insurance;
  • adequate housing/accommodation;
  • in general, 60 months social security contributions (or equivalent contribution to a private scheme);
  • you have the right to work or to be self-employed;
  • sufficient knowledge of the German language and basic civic knowledge.

Your application may be rejected if you threaten public policy or public security.

More on settlement permits

EC long-term residence

To obtain an EC long-term resident status, you must provide the following:

  • residence on the German territory for five years with a residence title;
  • stable, regular and sufficient financial means;
  • adequate housing/accommodation;
  • sufficient knowledge of the German language, basic civic knowledge;
  • fulfilment of tax obligations.

Your application may be rejected if you threaten public policy or public security.