Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossary explains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossary explains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still studying/still doing your doctorate or whether you have completed your studies/your doctorate.

• Are you still studying/doing your doctorate? Then look under A) Self-employment of students and doctoral students.
• Have you completed your studies/doctoral studies? Then look under B) Self-employment of academics.

A) Self-employment of students and doctoral students

In theory, yes. Although the § 16b AufenthG residence permit – held by most foreign students – does not expressly permit self-employment, it is possible to be self-employed whilst completing your degree or your employment. The same also applies to scientists, who generally have the § 18d AufenthG residence permit. What do you need to be aware of and how do you proceed? Let us explain!

Important remark: As a student from a non-EU country, the main requirement pertaining to your job is that it doesn’t have a negative impact on your degree or doctorate. As such, you can only be self-employed as a secondary job and you must not work more than 15 hours per week. The same applies to scientists who are working on a research project. As a scientist, you should also ask the institute for whom you work whether they permit the self-employment. In most cases they should not have an issue. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Also, if the immigration authority has approved your self-employment, you can still work 120 days per year (or 240 half days) in addition to your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Exist – technology-orientated and knowledge-based start-ups

If you are still studying or completing a doctorate, you can apply for an Exist scholarship for your business idea and receive additional support, including funding.

B) Self-employment of academics

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employed activity is related to your studies or your activities as a researcher. If yes, you can apply for § 21 para. 2a AufenthG and your business plan does not have to show that your self-employment will have positive effects on the local economy.

Step 2: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG. This is not the case if you can apply under § 21 para. 2a AufenthG (see Step 1).

Step 3: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 5: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 6: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. Self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to start in a freelance profession.

Step 7: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 8: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 9: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 10a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. You are welcome to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 10b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled checklists for your convenience (e.g. registration with the trade office, registration with the tax office). You can view the locations of the relevant offices in your region on the website of the Entrepreneur platform.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? Then you can apply for § 20 para. 3 AufenthG. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. Once you have obtained the residence permit, you can then take your time to think and plan. While academics receive a stay authorisation of 18 months, researchers only receive 9 months. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

In theory, yes. Although the residence permit § 16b AufenthG (German Residence Act) does not explicitly allow self-employment, it is possible to become self-employed during the preparatory language course or the preparatory internship. What do you need to be aware of and how do you proceed? Let us explain!

Important remark: You may only be self-employed as a sideline enterprise and you may not invest more than 15 hours a week in your self-employed activity. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4:Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still studying/still doing your doctorate or whether you have completed your studies/your doctorate.

• Are you still studying/doing your doctorate? Then look under A) Self-employment of students and doctoral students.
• Have you completed your studies/doctoral studies? Then look under B) Self-employment of academics.

A) Self-employment of students and doctoral students

In theory, yes. Although the § 16b AufenthG residence permit – held by most foreign students – does not expressly permit self-employment, it is possible to be self-employed whilst completing your degree or your employment. The same also applies to scientists, who generally have the § 18d AufenthG residence permit. What do you need to be aware of and how do you proceed? Let us explain!

Important remark: As a student from a non-EU country, the main requirement pertaining to your job is that it doesn’t have a negative impact on your degree or doctorate. As such, you can only be self-employed as a secondary job and you must not work more than 15 hours per week. The same applies to scientists who are working on a research project. As a scientist, you should also ask the institute for whom you work whether they permit the self-employment. In most cases they should not have an issue. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Also, if the immigration authority has approved your self-employment, you can still work 120 days per year (or 240 half days) in addition to your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Exist – technology-orientated and knowledge-based start-ups

If you are still studying or completing a doctorate, you can apply for an Exist scholarship for your business idea and receive additional support, including funding.

B) Self-employment of academics

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employed activity is related to your studies or your activities as a researcher. If yes, you can apply for § 21 para. 2a AufenthG and your business plan does not have to show that your self-employment will have positive effects on the local economy.

Step 2: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG. This is not the case if you can apply under § 21 para. 2a AufenthG (see Step 1).

Step 3: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 5: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 6: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. Self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to start in a freelance profession.

Step 7: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 8: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 9: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 10a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. You are welcome to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 10b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled checklists for your convenience (e.g. registration with the trade office, registration with the tax office). You can view the locations of the relevant offices in your region on the website of the Entrepreneur platform.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? Then you can apply for § 20 para. 3 AufenthG. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. Once you have obtained the residence permit, you can then take your time to think and plan. While academics receive a stay authorisation of 18 months, researchers only receive 9 months. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

We are sorry. Unfortunately, you cannot become self-employed in Germany with your residence permit. There are no options for you, and you also cannot apply for another residence permit.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still taking part in adaptation qualification or whether you have already successfully completed your recognition procedure.

• Are you still working towards adaptation qualification and have not successfully completed your recognition procedure? Then look under A) Self-employment during the recognition procedure
• Have you successfully completed your recognition procedure? Then look under B) Self-employment of recognised professionals

A) Self-employment during the recognition procedure

In theory, yes. In order to not jeopardise your recognition procedure, you are only allowed to be self-employed as a sideline enterprise and you may not invest more than 15 hours a week in your self-employed activity. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4:Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

B) Self-employment of recognised professionals

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? You can then apply for § 20 para 3 AufenthG (German Residence Act) and live in Germany for another 12 months. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still taking part in adaptation qualification or whether you have already successfully completed your recognition procedure.

• Are you still working towards adaptation qualification and have not successfully completed your recognition procedure? Then look under A) Self-employment during the recognition procedure
• Have you successfully completed your recognition procedure? Then look under B) Self-employment of recognised professionals

A) Self-employment during the recognition procedure

In theory, yes. In order to not jeopardise your recognition procedure, you are only allowed to be self-employed as a sideline enterprise and you may not invest more than 15 hours a week in your self-employed activity. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4:Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

B) Self-employment of recognised professionals

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? You can then apply for § 20 para 3 AufenthG (German Residence Act) and live in Germany for another 12 months. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still taking part in adaptation qualification or whether you have already successfully completed your recognition procedure.

• Are you still working towards adaptation qualification and have not successfully completed your recognition procedure? Then look under A) Self-employment during the recognition procedure
• Have you successfully completed your recognition procedure? Then look under B) Self-employment of recognised professionals

A) Self-employment during the recognition procedure

In theory, yes. In order to not jeopardise your recognition procedure, you are only allowed to be self-employed as a sideline enterprise and you may not invest more than 15 hours a week in your self-employed activity. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4:Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

B) Self-employment of recognised professionals

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? You can then apply for § 20 para 3 AufenthG (German Residence Act) and live in Germany for another 12 months. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

We are sorry. Unfortunately, you cannot become self-employed in Germany with your residence permit. There are no options for you, and you also cannot apply for another residence permit.

We are sorry. You are only allowed to become self-employed after completing your search for an apprenticeship or a place to study.

Once you have found an apprenticeship or a place to study, you must apply for a new residence permit. Verify whether you may become self-employed under this new residence permit.

If you were not successful, you can become self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still doing research or whether you have completed your research.

• Are you still doing your research? Then look under A) Self-employment of researchers
• Have you completed your research? Then look under B) Self-employment after having completed your research.

A) Self-employment of researchers

In theory, yes. Although the residence permit does not explicitly allow self-employment, it is possible to become self-employed. What do you need to be aware of and how do you proceed? Let us explain!

Important remark: As a researcher, you may only become self-employed as a sideline enterprise. As a scientist, you should also ask the institute for whom you work whether they permit the self-employment. In most cases they should not have an issue. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

B) Self-employment after having completed your research

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employed activity is related to your studies or your activities as a researcher. If yes, you can apply for § 21 para. 2aAufenthG and your business plan does not have to show that your self-employment will have positive effects on the local economy.

Step 2: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG. This is not the case if you can apply under § 21 para. 2aAufenthG (see Step 1).

Step 3: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 5: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 6: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. Self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to start in a freelance profession.

Step 7: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 8: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 9: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 10a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. You are welcome to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 10b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled checklists for your convenience (e.g. registration with the trade office, registration with the tax office). You can view the locations of the relevant offices in your region on the website of the Entrepreneur platform.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? Then you can apply for § 20 para. 3 AufenthG. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. Once you have obtained the residence permit, you can then take your time to think and plan. While academics receive a stay authorisation of 18 months, researchers only receive 9 months. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

We are sorry. Unfortunately, you cannot become self-employed in Germany with your residence permit. There are no options for you, and you also cannot apply for another residence permit.

In principle, yes. But there is a difference whether you are still doing research or whether you have completed your research.

• Are you still doing your research? Then look under A) Self-employment of researchers
• Have you completed your research? Then look under B) Self-employment after having completed your research.

A) Self-employment of researchers

In theory, yes. Although the residence permit does not explicitly allow self-employment, it is possible to become self-employed. What do you need to be aware of and how do you proceed? Let us explain!

Important remark: As a researcher, you may only become self-employed as a sideline enterprise. As a scientist, you should also ask the institute for whom you work whether they permit the self-employment. In most cases they should not have an issue. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

B) Self-employment after having completed your research

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employed activity is related to your studies or your activities as a researcher. If yes, you can apply for § 21 para. 2aAufenthG and your business plan does not have to show that your self-employment will have positive effects on the local economy.

Step 2: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG. This is not the case if you can apply under § 21 para. 2aAufenthG (see Step 1).

Step 3: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 5: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 6: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. Self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to start in a freelance profession.

Step 7: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 8: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 9: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 10a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. You are welcome to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 10b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled checklists for your convenience (e.g. registration with the trade office, registration with the tax office). You can view the locations of the relevant offices in your region on the website of the Entrepreneur platform.

Tip: Would you like to stay in Germany and definitely become self-employed? Or are you not yet sure whether you would like to become self-employed or take on a job? Then you can apply for § 20 para. 3 AufenthG. But you have to provide evidence that you will have enough money to live in Germany during your stay. Once you have obtained the residence permit, you can then take your time to think and plan. While academics receive a stay authorisation of 18 months, researchers only receive 9 months. But you can already choose self-employment during this time without the authorisation of the immigration authorities. What matters is that you lodge an application under § 21 AufenthG at the latest two months before the expiry of your residence permit, even if you already are self-employed.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

We are sorry. Unfortunately, you cannot become self-employed in Germany with your residence permit. There are no options for you, and you also cannot apply for another residence permit.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You stand a good chance of becoming self-employed. You can become self-employed as a sideline enterprise during your employment or your voluntary service or you can apply for a change of your residence permit and become self-employed on a full-time basis. You need permission from the foreigners’ registration office.

• Do you want to become self-employed as a sideline enterprise and stay employed? Then look under A) Self-employment as a sideline enterprise
• Do you want to become self-employed on a full-time basis and give up your employment? Then look under B) Full-time self-employment

A) Self-employment as a sideline enterprise

As an employee, you may only become self-employed as a sideline enterprise. In order to become self-employed as a side job with the aforementioned residence permit, you need to apply to the immigration authority for § 21 para. 6 Residence Act. This does not alter your old residence permit! If your application is successful, you will simply receive an additional residence permit, which permits your self-employment.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Ask your employer whether you may become self-employed on a part-time basis. You should not become self-employed without the permission of your employer.

Step 2: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 3: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 5: Describe your planned self-employment on 3-4 pages. You should address the following areas: (i) your motivation, (ii) your product or service, (iii) your entrepreneurial experience and skills, your competencies with regard to the business idea, (iv) your customers, (v) your price expectations, (vi) your costs, (vii) your expected income. On our Forms, documents and other papers page, we have compiled instructions together with questions that can help you describe your business idea.

Step 6: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and a description of your business idea, you will need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 7: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 8a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons are content-related, you probably need to rewrite and improve your business idea. Get support. Use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 8b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience (i.e. registration at the Trade Office, registration at the tax office) on our page Forms, documents and other papers. You can view where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

B) Full-time self-employment

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 6: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 7: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 8a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 8b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 6: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 7: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 8a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 8b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 6: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 7: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 8a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 8b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 6: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 7: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 8a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 8b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossary explains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

We are sorry. Unfortunately, you cannot become self-employed in Germany with your residence permit. There are no options for you, and you also cannot apply for another residence permit.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for § 21 para. 6 AufenthG. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossary explains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. A trade needs to be registered later with the trade licensing office, a freelance profession with the tax authorities.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 6: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 7a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g., missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 7b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

We are sorry. Unfortunately, you cannot become self-employed in Germany with your residence permit. There are no options for you, and you also cannot apply for another residence permit.

You have good chances of becoming self-employed. But you need the authorisation of the responsible immigration authorities, and you need to apply for a new residence permit. Complete the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information. For a trade, you have to apply for § 21 para. 1 AufenthG; for a freelance profession, § 21 para. 5 AufenthG.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employement. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. You always have to write a business plan that shows clearly what exactly you want to do and that you can live from your self-employment activity. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if your business plan fulfils the requirements of § 21 AufenthG. A self-employment in one of the trade professions must (i) have positive effects on the German economy and (ii) respond to a need for those products or services in the region in which you wish to become self-employed. These requirements do not apply if you want to begin a freelance profession.

Step 6: Check if you can earn enough money through your self-employment to provide for yourself, as well as for your family if they live in Germany. If you only need to provide for yourself, you should have profits of at least 18,000 euros per year. You can also demonstrate this with the help of account statements, a savings account or the income of members of your family.

Step 7: Check if you have all the documents for your application for self-employment. In addition to the application form and the business plan, you still need other documents. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers.

Step 8: Submit all documents to the immigration authorities in person.

Step 9a: If the immigration authorities reject your application, you should first ask for the reasons for the rejection. Frequently, these are formal causes (e.g. missing documents) that still need to be submitted. If the reasons relate to the contents, you will probably have to rewrite and improve your business plan. Get help! Look for a counselling office in your vicinity. Feel free to use our support centre finder or contact us.

Step 9b: If the immigration authorities approve your application, you can register your self-employment at the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your convenience on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.

Great! With your residence permit, you can be self-employed in Germany and can register your self-employment with the tax authorities or the trade licensing office. You do not need another residence permit or the authorisation of the immigration authorities. However, the following steps are required:

Step-by-step guide to self-employment

Step 1: Check if your self-employment is in one of the trades or the freelance professions. Our Glossaryexplains the differences, and our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 2: Check if you fulfil the requirements for your planned self-employment. Most professions require certain qualifications (like a vocational qualification or a university degree). Our Glossary of Professions provides the most important information.

Step 3: Check if you need special authorisations for your self-employment. Our Glossary of Professionsprovides the most important information.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Even if you do not need to write a business plan to register your self-employment, you need one if you want to apply for a loan from a bank. On the page The Business Plan, we explain what you need to include in a business plan.

Step 5: Check if you have all the documents for your registration with the trade licensing office or the tax authorities. We have compiled a checklist for your respective concern on our page Forms, documents and other papers (i.e. registration at the trade licencing office, registration at the tax office. You can see where the relevant offices for your region are located on the Entrepreneur platform page.