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I am a self-employed Nanny, Newborn Care Specialist (Maternity Nurse) and Babysitter based in the USA. I am currently working towards expanding my business abroad. I have worked as an Au Pair in Germany before and am in touch with two agencies in Germany for childcare positions. With the proper visa, I can easily self-support. My question for you is, are there many cases of American Nannies applying for and being granted self-employment/ free lance visas? Also, which would be the most practical to apply for?

Antwort

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). As 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. More about the visa process you will find on “Make it in Germany”: http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/visa

The German mission abroad will send your visa application to the foreigner authority (Ausländerbehörde) at your future place of residence in Germany. This process normally takes two to four months.

Please note that there a several criteria which need to be fulfilled in order to obtain the residence permit for the purpose of self-employment. This depends on whether you work as a freelancer (Freiberufler) or set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe). Being self-employed or a freelancer makes a difference with regard to certain formalities and also has an impact in your company’s legal structure. Here you will find out more about the two different ways of setting up a business. Especially for questions concerning the required documents please contact the German Mission.

Source: Justina Alichniewicz
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
November 2016

Tips from the editor:

• English version of the business start-up portal
• Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend: Online-Handout Children's Day Care
• Bundesverband für Kindertagespflege e.V.: Requirements concerning Children's Day Care