I am a full time freelance trader for foreign exchange and Derivatives (Options) in USA Market. The income will be generated from Forex trading and Options trading in USA, through online trading platform. My question is what would be business procedures and taxation in Germany if I want to stay in Germany and I will do a freelance online trading?
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in setting up a business in Germany. In order to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (“Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit”). If you are not yet living in Germany, you need to apply for a visa for the purpose of self-employed occupation at the competent German Mission in your home country.
The German mission abroad will send your visa application to the foreigners’ authority (“Ausländerbehörde”) at your future place of residence in Germany. Please note that this process normally takes two to four months.
Please note that there several criteria, which need to be fulfilled in order to obtain the residence permit for the purpose of self-employment. Step by step information regarding setting up a business in Germany is available on the website "Make it in Germany".
We hope you will find the information on “Make it in Germany” helpful. We wish you all the best.
Source: Justina Alichniewicz
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
April 2016
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