The ultimate tips for opening a business in Germany

You may want to expand your business to the German market but keep operations outside of Germany. If you are from a non-EU country you will still have to gain a residence permit allowing you to conduct business in Germany. Additionally, if you choose this option, you will have to pay German social security and other taxes.

Where you will have to submit your application for a residence permit also depends if you are a citizen of a privileged third country (these include the United States of America, Japan, South Korea and Israel) or if you are a citizen of a non-privileged third country. Citizens from the first category can apply directly through the foreigner’s office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany, while citizens from the second category have to apply through the embassy in their home country.

If you want to earn money as a sole proprietorships (Einzelunternehmen) or as a freelancer (Freiberufler), first you have to have a visa and then you are allowed to work. We can help you creating a suitable business plan, which will help you get a visa to work in Germany.

You have the right, no matter where you are living, to open or buy a limited liability company (GmbH) or an entrepreneurial company (Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt – UG)). However, if you plan to be the manager of one of these companies, you will need a visa. Once you have opened or bought one of these companies, we can prepare the business plan you need to take to the foreigner’s office, to get a visa allowing you to come to Germany and be the manager of your own company.