Navigation

Hinweis: Der BMWE-Infopool wird nicht mehr aktualisiert. Bitte beachten Sie, dass Fragen und Antworten aus den zurückliegenden Jahren gespeichert werden und sich rechtliche Voraussetzungen inzwischen geändert haben können. Den Zeitpunkt der Beantwortung einer Frage finden Sie am Ende eines Textblocks. Für Richtigkeit, Aktualität und Vollständigkeit der Inhalte übernimmt das BMWE keine Verantwortung. Die enthaltenen Informationen sind kein Ersatz für eine persönliche und individuelle Existenzgründungs-, Steuer- und/oder Rechtsberatung. Wir bieten Ihnen ausschließlich eine erste Orientierung, welche Aspekte im Falle einer Existenzgründung zu beachten sind.

Frage

I am a British citizen and want to open up an import-export company in Germany in consumer goods. I would like to know more details and how would I stand in acquiring a residential permit for me and my wife. I wait to hear from you, how I can proceed and the total outlay, I would require for legal framework.

Antwort

www.make-it-in-germany.com provides international professionals with information on working and living in Germany. Detailed information on setting up a business are also available on “Make it in Germany”.

First of all, as a citizen of the European Union you are free to start up your own business at the moment. In Germany, there are two ways of setting up a business: You are either self-employed (“Gewerbetreibender”), or you are a freelancer (“Freiberufler”). You do not get a choice in this matter - it depends on your profession. Being self-employed or a freelancer makes a difference with regard to certain formalities and also has an impact in your company’s legal structure. Read more about the two ways of setting up a business.

Please note, that at the moment the future developments regarding the residence issues of British people within the European Union cannot be predicted, as the Brexit negotiations are still ongoing. Another option for you to live permanently in Germany might be Naturalization. You can be naturalized, if you meet a number of requirements, which you will find on “Make it in Germany”. For personal advice regarding your residence status, you can also contact the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” under the telephone number +49 30 1815-1111. Counseling sessions will be provide in English or German.

Source: Make it in Germany-team
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
August 2018

Notice of the editor:

• BMWi-Existenzgründungsportal: English version
  
• Germany Trade & Invest: Investment Guide to Germany
  
• German Federal Central Tax Office: Foreign Investors Help Desk