Source: http://www.wir-gruenden-in-deutschland.de/en/professionals-from-non-eu-countries-living-abroad/basic-infos/what-do-i-need/
Timestamp: 2018-07-17 19:18:27
Document Index: 109619066

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 21', '§ 21', '§ 21', '§ 18', '§ 21', '§ 21']

Do you live in a country that is not Switzerland and is also not part of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)? Have you obtained a vocational qualification – such as a degree or a vocational qualification – in this country? Do you want to become self-employed in Germany?
What is a trade? What is a freelance occupation?
Apply for residence permit to start up a trade
Applying for residence permit to start a trade business If you wish to start a trade business then you must apply to the local German embassy in your country for a residence permit in line with § 21 para 2 German Residence Act (AufenthG). The German embassy will require the following documents from you:
A valid passport from your home country; sometimes you also need a registration card from the residents' registration office
Proof that you fulfil the formal requirements and qualifications for the self-employed profession
Documents that show that your self-employment in the region in which you wish to become self- employed
(i) takes economic interests into account,
(ii) will have a positive impact on the economy and
(iii) that you have financing secured, both for your self-employment and your livelihood.
Your documents will be judged based on the economic viability of your business idea – can you generate a profit, on your business experience, the level of investment, the possible effects on the employment and training situation in the region, and any possible contribution to innovation and research.
Applying for a residence permit for a freelance profession
If you wish to become self-employed in a freelance profession, you must apply for a residence permit in line with § 21 para 5 German Residence Act. You will need:
You may or may not require documents that show that your self-employment in the region in which you wish to become self-employed (i) takes economic interests into account,
(iii) that you have financing secured for your self-employment.
However, you will require a business plan that describes your self-employment and that demonstrates your professional experience or your self-employed experience.
You must also make it clear that you can guarantee your livelihood.
If you receive a positive decision from the German embassy they will send you a visa that allows you to travel to Germany in order to set up your self-employment. Upon arrival, you must register with your local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde). In order to find your local immigration authority, go to www.behoerdenfinder.de and search for "Ausländerbehörde" and the place in Germany in which you wish to become self-employed/where you live.
What to do if the embassy refuses your application
The residence permit to practise self-employment in line with § 21 of the German Residence Act is initially issued for a specified period of time. If your business idea is successful and you secure a livelihood for yourself and your family, you can apply for a settlement permit in Germany. You must wait a period of three years for a trade or five years for a freelance profession.
Notes for academics
Academics who have a recognised German degree or a university degree that is comparable to a degree from a German university have a further option: You can apply to the local German embassy in your country for a six- month visa in line with § 18c of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) which allows you to plan and launch your self-employment in Germany. The German embassy will require the following documents from you:
Proof of a recognised degree from a German university or a degree that is comparable to one from a German university
Proof that you can secure your livelihood during the six-month period, as the visa does not permit you to undertake any employment or self-employment during your stay in Germany.
Once you have acquired the residence permit, you can travel to Germany. Once you have registered with your local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde), you can apply for self-employment in line with § 21 para 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) for a trade or in line with § 21 para 5 AufenthG for a freelance profession during the six months of your residency. During this period, you can prepare for getting your self- employment off the ground; however, you must not undertake any gainful employment. You can view the requirements and necessary documentation that you must provide to the immigration authority here.
Once you have registered with the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde), the next step for starting your self-employment in Germany is to register the business or register your self-employment at the local tax office (Finanzamt). The latter applies to freelance professions.
For itinerant trades, you will require an itinerant trade card You will also need to provide a CRB check (polizeiliches Führungszeugnis) and pay a fee of between forty and seven hundred seventy euros. You must carry your itinerant trade card with you at all times when practising your profession.