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Frage

I am studying in Mechatronic Systems Engineering B.Sc. at a University in NRW/Germany. I am from Bangladesh and came in Germany on September 2010. I did my internship and thesis in a company in the Netherlands, regarding solar energy monitoring system, which was a great success. Upon my performance, they want to hire me as a Software Consultant and pay the taxes to Germany. So I already have some clients who want to pay my salary and taxes from EU. I wanted to share my idea with you to know if it is possible to register as a freelancer in my area of residence. And whom should I contact here?

Antwort

Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in working as a freelancer.
In order to work as a freelancer in Germany you need to apply for a „residence permit to exercise an independent activity“ („Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer freiberuflichen Tätigkeit“). With this resident permit you are entitled to exercise one of the „liberal professions“, in your case, to work as a freelancer. To receive this kind of residence permit, you have to meet the following conditions, among others:

• Prove that you can finance your project.
• Prove that you are entitled to exercise that profession
• You have to have the means to support yourself
• You have to be able to provide proof that you have adequate old-age pension insurance (in the case you are over the age of 45).

As you want to work for a company outside of Germany we would highly recommend you to get soon in contact with your local foreign nationals’ registration office (Ausländerbehörde) to get detailed information on the visa regulation - in your special case.

To find out more about the requirements for an own business check out the following webpage: www.make-it-in-germany.com

Source: Sarah Berger
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Januar 2016

Notice from the editor:

• You will find the English version of the business start-up portal at www.existenzgruender.de
• Information on the setup procedure for business operations in Germany is available in the Investment Guide to Germany
• Investor’s Basics - Setting Up Business in Germany
• With regard to the actual formation procedure, the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in the city of your choice is the first point of contact when intending to start your business in Germany. The IHK will be able to advise you on the required licenses, visa regulations, and so-called welcome packages that are available in the area. For finding the responsible IHK and arranging a meeting, please click on the respective city on the map.