I am a master student in Germany - I am from a Non-EU-country. I plan to start an import/export business or a restaurant after my studies. May I know what procedures I have to go through? My doubts are mainly regarding following: a) How to make a business plan? b) Should I change my student visa to a job seeker visa after completing my studies? c) Is it mandatory that the business plan and the course I studied should be interrelated?
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in setting up a business in Germany. Make it in Germany provides international professionals with information on working and living in Germany.
Detailed information on studying or setting up a business are also available on Make it in Germany.
As a graduate of a German university, you can also run a business or work as an independent professional, for example as an engineer.
If you are a non-EU citizen, in order to set up your own business, you need a residence permit allowing you to exercise a self-employed activity (“selbstständige Tätigkeit”). You can apply for this at your local foreign national registration office. We recommend, that you ask which documents you need to bring before submitting your application. Some local offices provide information about this on the internet too.
For further information regarding the extension of visa or self-employment, please have a look at the section “Opportunities after graduation” on the website of Make it in Germany.
The law enacting the EU directive on highly qualified employment has greatly relaxed the conditions of eligibility. If the self-employed business you are planning to set up is related to what you learned during your studies, you will most likely be granted a residence permit. Once you have set up your business, you must register it with your local trade office (“Gewerbeamt”).
Initially, the residence permit entitling you to self-employment, is temporary. If your business idea is successful and you are able to financially support yourself and your family, it is not going to be a problem to get your residence permit extended. After just three years, you are entitled to a permanent residence permit, which allows you to stay in Germany for an unlimited period.
For personal advice regarding visa issues, you can also contact the hotline “Working and Living in Germany” under the following number +49 30 1815 – 1111.
Besides, there are many public information centers, hich will give advice as you set up your own business. Information on how to set up a business plan can be found here.
Germany supports entrepreneurs with a number of funding programmes. Most of these funding programmes 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.
Keep in mind, as you are operating in Germany, a good command of German is important. 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.
For further Information regarding setting up a business in Germany, please visit the website "Make it in Germany".
* Please note that “Make it in Germany” does not issue or support any visa applications. Even if you might be qualified for that. The information presented on Make it in Germany is a general service offer. Only the German missions and the foreigners authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa resp. residence permits. For further questions, please contact the respective authority, directly.
Reference: Justina Godesberg
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Internet: www.make-it-in-germany.com
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Februar 2020
