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I would like to explore the opportunity for a Start up Financing/Subsidy for migrants to Germany. Please tell me, what are the criteria for applying for EU citizens.

Antwort

As a citizen of the European Union, you are free to start up your own business in Germany. Germany supports entrepreneurs with a number of funding programs. If your business idea is convincing, you may obtain funding to help you start up your business, which will put you in a more secure position. Most of these funding programs consist of public loans, which offer you better conditions with regard to their interest, loan periods and repayment terms. In order to apply for such funding, your place of residence and your company’s operations must be located in Germany. On “Make it in Germany” you will find more information on financing and funding: http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/working/setting-up-a-business-in-germany/financing-and-funding#funding-programmes

Once you are in Germany, there are many public information centers, which will advise you as you set up your own business. On the Startup Portal, under “advice and information”, you will find the contact information of regional and national information centers for entrepreneurs with a migrant background (https://www.existenzgruender.de/DE/Service/Beratung-Adressen/Linksammlung/Gruender-innen-Migrationshintergrund/inhalt.html). A general contact list is available on the Startup Portal (http://www.existenzgruender.de/DE/Weg-in-die-Selbstaendigkeit/Entscheidung/Beratung/Beratung-finden/inhalt.htm). More Information regarding setting up a business in Germany is available on the website "Make it in Germany”: http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/working/setting-up-a-business-in-Germany

Keep in mind, as you are operating in Germany, a good knowledge of German never hurts. Even as you prepare your business, you will find that many official documents are available in German only. If your German is not good enough yet, you should make sure to take a language course before you set up your business. Some advanced courses have a special focus on the business world: http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/training-learning/the-german-language

Source: Justina Alichniewicz
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Januar 2018

Notice from the editor:

• BMWi-Existenzgründungsportal: English version
  
• Germany Trade and Invest: Investment Guide to Germany
• German Federal Central Tax Office: Foreign Investors Help Desk
• Europe Enterprise Network (EEN): Advice at local Network contact point