As a non-EU citizen I have a question about residence permit after postgraduate. I am planning to complete my master degree of Business Administration in Germany. After I am graduated I have a right to look for a job during 18 months. However I won\'t find a job, that meets with my needs and expectations, is it possible to run an own business too? Is there any limit on the business - like starting capital, minimum number of employees etc.?
With regard to your request we like to refer you to the official "Make it in Germany" portal for international qualified professionals operated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The portal shows qualified professionals from other countries the way to Germany - and what makes it worthwhile to live and work here. It bundles together all the key information about making a career and living in Germany: www.make-it-in-germany.com (www).
In general, any entrepreneur who wishes to start a business in Germany may do so, irrespective of nationality or place of residence. There is no specific investment legislation in Germany, nor is there a minimum percentage of German shareholdings required for foreign investments within Germany. Non-EU citizens will have to make sure to have the appropriate type of visa. Decisive for the appropriate type of visa are the length and purpose of the stay in Germany. Depending on the intended business activities in Germany, different types of visas are relevant to entrepreneurs. General visa-related information and business registration information can be found in our Investment Guide to Germany at: www.gtai.de (www).
However, kindly note, that Germany Trade & Invest assists existing foreign companies that wish to establish a branch office or subsidiary in Germany. Foreign individuals, who intend to set up a new business in Germany and who have not an existing company in abroad, should contact the starter center of the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in the city where they plan to set up their new business. In an individual meeting, the IHK will be able to advise on the required licenses, visa regulations, and so-called welcome packages that are available in the area. For further information and IHK locations, please visit: www.dihk.de/ihk-finder (www)
Kindly be advised that a detailed business plan and a concept of how to finance the start-up will be needed. For assistance on putting together a convincing business plan, please refer to the following link: www.existenzgruender.de
Source:
Germany Trade and Invest
- Gesellschaft für Außenwirtschaft und Standortmarketing mbH
www.gtai.com (www)
Germany Trade & Invest is the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization promotes Germany as a business and technology location and supports companies based in Germany with global market information.
