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Employment in Germany
Would you like to become self-employed in Germany and set up a company? We have compiled important information on employment and the various forms of self-employment in Germany for you.
Requirements for self-employment
In Germany, anyone can become self-employed and set up a company. However, certain qualifications must be proven or legal obligations must be fulfilled for some professions.
Visa and immigration process
Do you still live abroad and want to become self-employed in Germany? As a rule, you need a visa for entry and self-employment. We will tell you which documents and steps are required.
The right residence permit
Do you already live in Germany and want to become self-employed? Enter your residence permit here, and you will find out whether it allows for self-employment or what you still have to do.
Individuals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland
Do you come from a country in the EU, EEA or Switzerland? Then you can be self-employed in Germany without a special permit. But for some professions, you have to prove certain qualifications.
From idea to start-up
Do you have a business idea or the desire to become self-employed? We show you the steps that are important for starting up a business. You can also skip steps if they don't apply to you.
The business plan
The business plan is the heart of your application for getting the correct residence permit as well as for your business planning. We will explain to you how a business plan should be structured and which questions you should answer.
The right legal form
You need a legal framework for your self-employment – i.e. a “legal form”. But there are different legal forms. This page explains the advantages and disadvantages of the various legal forms.
Financing my business
Financing is an important issue for your project. Start-up capital is often not available, and you have to find the right financing. We have prepared important information on financing for you.
Authorities and institutions
There are various authorities responsible for setting up your company. Do not be afraid of this "administrative jungle". The responsibilities are clearly defined. We have listed which authorities you need to contact.
First steps after start-up
Have you taken the step into self-employment, or are you planning to start in the near future? New challenges will be coming your way. Here, we have put together tips and suggestions for you for the first few weeks.
Accounting
Accounting ensures that you have an overview of your income and expenses at all times and that you have your documents in order. We have compiled important information about accounting for you.
Taxes
In Germany, there are direct and indirect taxes. We have listed here what these taxes are levied on, which basic regulations you have to observe and who you can ask for advice.
Professional network
A professional network is important for your entrepreneurial future. You can find new business partners, get important tips or learn about the latest trends. Plan your time and build your network.
Business growth
Have you survived the initial period and now want to expand your company? Which framework conditions should you consider, and how do you find good staff? Here, we have listed some suggestions for you.
About us
Would you like to know more about us? Here, you can find out who we are, what support we can offer you on your way to become self-employed and after your first steps, as well as who our network partners are.
Publications
If you would like to learn more about the start-up process, the right of residence, the requirements for entrepreneurs or the services of our specialised department, we have compiled the most important publications for you.
Forms, documents and other papers
Would you like to apply for a visa, change your residence permit or register your self-employment? In addition to checklists, we have also compiled the most important forms and documents for you.
Our support network
We have a network of consultants throughout Germany who specialise in advising start-ups and self-employed people from non-EU countries. You can find consultants in your region on the network map.
Glossary of professions
Qualifications, permits, approvals and other formalities are often required for starting up a company. We will show you to which professional group your self-employment belongs and what requirements you have to meet.
Glossary
We have explained the most important institutions, relevant authorities, formalities, obligations, rights or terms for your foundation and self-employment briefly, concisely and in several languages in our glossary.
Entrepreneur portraits
Every path to self-employment is as individual as every single person. There is no magic formula. But you can learn from other entrepreneurs. We have compiled some stories from entrepreneurs.
Working in Germany
You want to work in Germany. In “Making it in Germany”, you will learn what your options are and what steps you need to take to find a job in Germany.
Recognition in Germany
International skilled workers can obtain the information they need on the recognition of their professional training, the necessary documents and support centres in several languages from „Anerkennung-in-Deutschland“.
Independent employment
The term “independent employment” is also used in place of the term “self-employment”. Self-employment means that you are not employed [by someone else] but work at your own risk and for different clients.
Dependent employment
You are “employed” if you have an employment contract with a company. The company where you are employed organises your registration with the health insurance company as well as your tax and social security contributions.
Living in Germany
Handbook Germany gives you answers to questions about new life in Germany and tips on asylum, housing, health, work, training, childcare, studies and much more. You can also find contacts in your region.
Corporate succession
Do you want to become self-employed but don't want to start your own business? Then you also have the option of taking over an existing company. You can find out what you need to consider on the “Succession in Germany” page.
Legal forms
Are you still unsure which legal form is right for your self-employment? The advantages and disadvantages are shown here, from sole proprietorships to partnerships to corporations.
Junior entrepreneurs
Are you younger than 40? Then you can become a junior entrepreneur! There are over 40,000 young entrepreneurs in Germany, of whom 10,000 are already active in the Young Business Network.
GründerZeiten: Kooperationen
In GruenderZeiten: Cooperation, you can read about the advantages and risks of cooperation, but also which fields and forms of cooperation there are as well as how to find potential cooperation partners.
