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About the Self-Employment / Business Visa
The Self-Employment / Business Visa is Germany's entrepreneur / investor visa programme and one of the most direct routes to permanent residence, typically achievable within 5 years. For entrepreneurs establishing a business in Germany with an economic interest for Germany.
Applications are processed in 4–10 months on average. Government fees start at $110, and the visa is valid for 3 years.
To qualify, applicants generally need at least a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of skilled work experience.
The Self-Employment / Business Visa is suited to start a company.
Eligibility requirements
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
Can lead to PR in approximately 5 years.
Validity period
3 years
How to apply for the Self-Employment / Business Visa
- 01
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials (minimum Bachelor's degree), employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 02
Prepare your business plan
Draft a detailed business plan covering market analysis, financials, and job creation projections. Many applicants engage an immigration specialist at this stage.
- 03
Submit your §21 AufenthG application
File online through the official Germany immigration portal and pay the government fee of $110. Double-check all forms for errors before submission — mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (4–10 months)
Standard processing takes 4–10 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
Setting up a company for this visa
The following entity types are commonly used by applicants pursuing this visa in Germany. Costs and timelines are estimates — confirm with a local formation agent or lawyer before proceeding.
GmbH
Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
€25,000 (€12,500 on incorporation)
€150–€350
€1,500–€3,500
3–6 weeks
The standard limited-liability vehicle. Required when applying for the Self-Employed / Freelancer visa through a corporate structure. Notarisation is mandatory.
UG
Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt)
€1 minimum (must accumulate reserves toward €25,000)
€100–€250
€800–€2,000
2–4 weeks
Also called "Mini-GmbH". Low entry capital makes it popular for tech founders; must retain 25% of annual profit until €25,000 threshold is met.
Freiberufler
Freiberufler (Freie Berufe) — sole proprietorship
None
€0–€50 (Finanzamt registration only)
€300–€800
1–2 weeks
Not a registered company — a recognised professional sole-trader status. Eligible professions include software engineers, designers, architects, doctors, lawyers, and artists. This is the most common structure for the German Freelancer Visa (§21 AufenthG).
Formation costs, timelines, and capital requirements change frequently. Always verify with an official source or a licensed practitioner in Germany before making financial commitments.
What it costs
Attorney fees and document costs not included. Total spend is typically 2–5x the government fee.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for the Self-Employment / Business Visa?
A minimum Bachelor's degree, 3+ years of relevant work experience
How long does the Self-Employment / Business Visa take to process?
Processing time for the Self-Employment / Business Visa is typically 4–10 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official Germany immigration website for current processing times before applying.
How much does the Self-Employment / Business Visa cost?
The government application fee for the Self-Employment / Business Visa is $110 USD. Total costs — including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics — typically run 2–5x the base government fee. Budget accordingly before starting your application.
Does the Self-Employment / Business Visa lead to permanent residence?
Yes. The Self-Employment / Business Visa is one of the pathways to permanent residence in Germany. Eligible holders can generally apply for PR after approximately 5 years of qualifying residence. Conditions apply — consult a licensed immigration adviser for your specific situation.
Do I need a job offer for the Self-Employment / Business Visa?
No. The Self-Employment / Business Visa does not require a prior job offer. You can apply based on your qualifications, work history. This makes it particularly attractive for applicants who want to move first and job-search on arrival.