I live in Germany and would like to work as a freelance editor (English) for biological and medical sciences. It is a single-person initiative to begin with, but I may require additional personnel (max 3 persons) at a later stage, depending on the amount of work. I would like to know what procedures and licences have to be obtained and how I can obtain the same. I would like to add that I have both relevant qualifications (PhD) and experience (approx 5 years).
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in setting up a business in Germany.
In order to set up a business in Germany, you will need a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit): http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/working/setting-up-a-business-in-germany/visa-for-self-employment#requirements-for-citizens-of-other-states-wishing-to-set-up-a-freelance-business
When you apply for a residence permit, you normally have to bring the following documents with you:
In some cases, you would be well advised to submit documents on the following topics, too:
For more details, please contact your local Foreigner Office (Ausländerbehörde). They will gladly inform you about the necessary documents to submit with the application. You can find the corresponding Foreigner Office here: http://www.bamf.de/SiteGlobals/Functions/WebGIS/EN/WebGIS_Auslaenderbehoerde.html
Please note that in some cases a change from the actual residence permit to a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment is not possible. Again, the local Foreigner Office will best inform you.
Please note: There are many public information centres 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 centres for entrepreneurs with a migrant background. A general contact list is available on the Startup Portal.
Furthermore, the website "Make it in Germany” provides you with step by step information regarding setting up a business in Germany: http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/working/setting-up-a-business-in-Germany
We wish you all the best.
Important note:
The information presented here is a general service offering. Only the German missions / the foreigners authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa resp. residence permits. For further questions, please contact directly the respective authority.
Source: Michaelle Nintcheu
Kompetenzfeld Bildung, Zuwanderung und Innovation
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Dezember 2016
