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I would like to relocate to Germany with the intent to open a bar and restaurant. I need information to properly plan my move and was wondering if you could provide assistance. I need information to prepare a cost estimate. What are the costs associated with residence and work permits? I'm looking for space to lease or purchase, approximately 550m² to 930m² and maybe an additional 75m² upstairs. It can be empty office space, if it would be appropriate to renovate into a bar and restaurant. I will also need contractor estimates for the renovation. Are there any references you can provide? What would be the cost to obtain a license for liquor and food?

Antwort

Please note that if you are not a citizen of the European Union you will need a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit) in order to set up a business in Germany, you will need. 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 foreigner authority (Ausländerbehörde) at your future place of residence in Germany. Please note that this process normally takes two to four months.
Furthermore there a several criteria which need to be fulfilled in order to obtain the residence permit for the purpose of self-employment:
www.make-it-in-germany.com

You normally have to pay a fee when you apply for a visa / a residence permit. The fee amount depends on your location, the duration and the purpose of your stay. A residence permit will cost you a maximum of 140 Euro - as a rule, the fee for visas is 60 Euro. Please ask your competent foreigner authority or mission about the fees you need to expect.

For further Information regarding setting up a business in Germany please visit the Website "Make it in Germany" (www.make-it-in-germany.com)

Besides that the website “Make it in Germany” also provides detailed information on, among others, housing, money and banking and insurance.

Source: Justina Alichniewicz
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
März 2016

Notice from the editor:

• English version of the business start-up portal
• German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy: Information concerning legal structures to launch your new firm
  and
  Legal structures
• Checks and Overviews
• German Federal Central Tax Office: "Foreign Investors Help Desk"
• German Association of Lawyers
• Federal Chamber of Lawyers
• Chamber representing the German civil law notaries (Bundesnotarkammer)
• The Point of Single Contact simplifies the dealing with authorities in Hamburg. Service providers may handle procedures and formalities required for their activities.
• With regard to the actual formation procedure, the local Chamber of Commerce is the first point of contact when intending to start your business.
• H.E.I. - Hamburger ExistenzgründungsInitiative