The German economy does not consist solely of world-famous companies such as Adidas, BMW or Allianz.

It is the broad medium-sized companies that make up the strength of the German economy. And every medium-sized company starts out small. That is why the German government puts a lot of emphasis on allowing foreign entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in Germany. For this the government has created the Entrepreneurs’ Visa.

The Entrepreneurs’ Visa is especially intended to ensure that foreign entrepreneurs with a sustainable business idea and solid financing are able to make long-term investments in Germany.

It does not matter whether you as an entrepreneur want to move to Germany with your existing business or whether you as an entrepreneur want to establish your new company in Germany.

An Entrepreneuers' Visa requires that you are self-employed.

Any activity which 1) is not carried out under instructions and in an independent way and 2) is aimed at making a profit is generally considered to be self-employed.

It is irrelevant whether you, as a self-employed foreigner, receive the intended profit from Germany or from abroad. This means that it is primarily a matter of operating a trade or business in various legal forms, i.e. the self-employed, normally permitted, profit-making activity of a certain duration in the economic field.

As a rule, self-employment cannot be assumed if the applicant works exclusively for one client or is so integrated into the overall business and work process that he/she does not enjoy more freedom than an employee.

You are entitled to apply for an Entrepreneuers' Visa if you 1) are a founder of a company or a one-man entrepreneur, but also if you 2) are a managing director and legal representative of a partnership company or capital company or if you 3) are a dependent travel trader or a 4) deputy under the German Trade, Regulation Act or German Catering Act.

The authorities check whether there is a need for your entrepreneurial plans.

You can get an Entrepreneuers‘ Visa if there is 1) an economic or a regional interest, 2) the activity is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, and 3) the financing is secured by own capital or by a credit commitment. It is not required that a significant investment and/or a significant number of jobs be created.

Today, your project only has to fulfil a general economic interest or a regional need, which must be certified by a positive forecast of the competent authorities and institutes. The competent authorities will examine your project for a general economic interest or regional need and whether your project will have a positive economic impact on the general economic structure or the domestic or regional supply situation.

To verify financing, reliable evidence must be provided, e.g. proof of capital and credit commitments.