If you are planning to set up a company in Germany in order to obtain a residence permit, we are your competent partner. With our comprehensive expertise in residence and company law and years of experience in the application process, we will support you every step of the way. An experienced residence permit lawyer will assist you with your visa application and clarify all outstanding issues with the relevant authorities. This allows you to concentrate on the essentials - your company.
We take care of communication with the German embassies and consulates as well as the relevant immigration authorities. In addition, we coordinate the necessary steps with other relevant authorities such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Trade Licensing Office or the competent registry courts involved in the establishment of your company. An experienced aufenthaltsrecht lawyer will ensure that all documents are submitted correctly and on time.
When setting up a company, we work with experienced tax advisors, notaries and business experts to create a viable business plan. This professional support ensures the successful launch of your company in Germany. Our Online law firm enables you to process all formalities quickly and efficiently.
While EU citizens enjoy the right to freedom of establishment in Germany, setting up a company for non-EU citizens is subject to special requirements. To set up a company, you need either:
An experienced lawyer for residence permits can help you obtain the right residence permit for your business plans.
Non-EU citizens can obtain a residence permit for self-employment if they:
A residence permit according to § Section 21 Residence Act is granted if the following requirements are met:
In some cases, the residence permit is also granted if significant investments are made (e.g. from €250,000) and jobs are created. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) can issue an opinion on this, but the final decision is made by the competent authority.
The residence permit for a business start-up is initially limited to three years. If the business is successfully managed, it can then be converted into a permanent settlement permit. Depending on the progress of the business, a permanent residence permit is issued after 2, 3 or 5 years.
The requirements for a residence permit are checked by the responsible German embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. The local immigration authority is involved in this process, which in turn consults specialised bodies such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chamber of Crafts and other relevant authorities.
The following documents must be submitted to the embassy or consulate:
1st business plan:
2. curriculum vitae
3. proof of qualification:
4. evidence of co-operations:
5.management contract (if the company is a corporation)
2. for GmbH, UG or AG:
The business plan is a key document for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to apply for a residence permit in Germany. It provides a comprehensive description of the company and covers important areas such as finances, marketing, products, target customers and potential risks.
A well-structured business plan is crucial to prove to the German authorities that the applicant has a clear, realistic and sustainable business concept. It shows that the entrepreneur has the skills to run the company successfully, taking into account the German market.
The business plan also helps the entrepreneur to prepare for the start-up and everyday business life in Germany. A professional business plan can also convince investors and potential business partners to invest in the company or enter into co-operations. This emphasises that the company has realistic growth opportunities and has been well researched.
The business plan should take the following aspects into account:
Setting up a company in Germany is a complex process in which the creation of a business plan is only the beginning. It is necessary to register the company with the relevant authorities, register with the tax office and trade office as well as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and, depending on the type of company, make an entry in the commercial register.
The Choosing the legal form of your company forms an essential basis for the success of the company. However, it is important to always bear in mind that a currently optimal legal form can become disadvantageous due to later developments, such as expansion or a higher liability risk. You should therefore regularly check whether the chosen legal form is still appropriate or whether an adjustment would be necessary.
If you need advice and representation, please call us without obligation on 0221 - 80187670 or send us an email at or send an email to info@mth-partner.de info@mth-partner.de
If you plan to start a business in Germany to obtain a residence permit, we are your reliable partner. With our comprehensive expertise in immigration and business law, as well as years of experience in the application process, we support you every step of the way. We assist you in applying for your visa and handle all inquiries with the relevant authorities, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your business.
We handle communication with the German embassies and consulates as well as the relevant immigration offices on your behalf. Additionally, we coordinate the necessary steps with other relevant institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce (IHK), the trade office, or the appropriate registry courts involved in setting up your business.
When establishing your business, we work with experienced tax advisors, notaries, and business experts to create a viable business plan. This professional support ensures a successful start for your business in Germany.
While EU citizens enjoy the right to freedom of establishment in Germany, starting a business for non-EU citizens comes with specific requirements. To establish a business, you will need either:
Non-EU citizens can apply for a residence permit for self-employment if they are:
A residence permit under § 21 of the Residence Act is granted if the following conditions are met:
In some cases, a residence permit may also be granted if significant investments are made (e.g., starting at €250,000) and jobs are created. The Chamber of Commerce (IHK) may provide an opinion on this, but the final decision rests with the relevant authority.
The residence permit for business establishment is initially granted for three years. Upon successful business operation, it can then be converted into a permanent settlement permit. Depending on the business performance, an unlimited residence permit may be issued after 2, 3, or 5 years.
The review of the requirements for a residence permit is conducted by the responsible German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. The local immigration authority is involved in this process, which in turn consults expert institutions such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Chamber of Crafts, as well as other relevant authorities.
The following documents must be submitted to the embassy or consulate:
1.Business Plan:
2.Curriculum Vitae
3.Proof of Qualifications:
4.Proof of Cooperation:
5.Managing Director’s Contract (if it is a corporation)
For GmbH, UG, or AG:
The business plan is a key document for foreign entrepreneurs applying for a residence permit in Germany. It provides a comprehensive description of the business and covers essential areas such as finances, marketing, products, target customers, and potential risks.
A well-structured business plan is crucial to demonstrate to German authorities that the applicant has a clear, realistic, and sustainable business concept. It shows that the entrepreneur has the necessary skills to successfully manage the business while considering the German market.
Moreover, the business plan helps the entrepreneur prepare for the business start-up and daily operations in Germany. A professional business plan can also convince investors and potential business partners to invest in the company or enter into collaborations. This underscores that the business has realistic growth potential and has been thoroughly researched.
The business plan should cover the following aspects:
Starting a business in Germany is a complex process, and creating a business plan is just the beginning. It is necessary to register the company with the relevant authorities, such as the tax office and the trade office, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), and depending on the legal form, a registration in the commercial register may be required.
Choosing the legal form of your company is a crucial foundation for the success of the business. However, it is important to always keep in mind that the optimal legal form at the time may become disadvantageous due to later developments, such as expansion or higher liability risks. Therefore, you should regularly review whether the chosen legal form is still appropriate or whether an adjustment would be necessary.
If you need advice and representation, feel free to contact us at 0221 – 80187670 or send an email to info@mth-partner.de.
Mr Helmer Tieben has been licensed as a lawyer since 2005. His work focuses on tenancy law, labour law and immigration law.
Lawyer Tieben, Sachsenring 34, 50677 Cologne
Telephone: 0221 - 80187670
Fax: 0221 - 2717110
© 2025 Lawyer Tieben, Cologne. Imprint / Data protection