Can I work as a self-employed foreigner in Germany and what permits do I need for this?
June 15, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Fred Busse
Dear lawyer,
I am Piotr Winterstein, a foreign citizen who wants to become self-employed in Germany. I have heard that there are certain permits and requirements that I need to fulfill in order to work as a self-employed person in Germany.
I am currently not residing in Germany, but I am planning to move there in the near future. My background is that I have been working as an entrepreneur in my home country for many years and now I also want to pursue self-employment in Germany. I have a business idea that I would like to implement in Germany and I am willing to take all necessary steps to work legally and correctly as a self-employed person in Germany.
My concern is that I do not know exactly what permits and documents I need to register my self-employment in Germany. I want to ensure that I comply with all legal regulations and can conduct my business properly.
Therefore, I ask you: What permits do I need as a foreign self-employed person to work in Germany? What requirements do I need to fulfill and what steps are necessary to register my self-employment in Germany? I request a detailed explanation so that I can adequately prepare for my self-employment in Germany.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Piotr Winterstein
Dear Mr. Winterstein,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the permits and requirements that you, as a foreign self-employed individual, must fulfill in order to work in Germany. As an attorney specializing in foreign law, I am happy to assist you with this.
Generally, as a foreign self-employed individual, you will need a residence permit in order to work in Germany. This residence permit must be applied for specifically for self-employment activities and is typically issued for a period of one year. You must demonstrate that your self-employment serves an economic interest or regional need in Germany, and that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
Additionally, you will need to register your self-employment with the relevant authorities in Germany. This requires registering your business with the appropriate agency and, if necessary, providing additional documentation such as a business plan, proof of qualifications, and references. It is important that your self-employment in Germany is legal and complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Furthermore, you should also inquire about any tax obligations that come with your self-employment in Germany. You may need to register with the tax office and submit regular VAT declarations.
To prepare effectively for your self-employment in Germany, I recommend that you familiarize yourself early on with the specific requirements and steps necessary for registering your self-employment. You may also seek assistance from specialized advisory services or attorneys specializing in foreign law to support you in your endeavor.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have. I wish you success in your self-employment in Germany.
Best regards,
Fred Busse
Attorney
