Establishing a business branch in Germany
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(© dpa/pa)
Any entrepreneur who wishes to start a business in Germany may do so: there are generally no restrictions limiting the establishment of new companies. Nevertheless, establishing a business in Germany requires a sequence of several specific steps
from choosing the appropriate legal form for the business to the entry in the trade register.
In case you intend to settle in Germany in order to run your business on-site, you require a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbstständige Tätigkeit). Besides the Embassy or Consulate General, the authorities involved in Germany are the Alien's Authority (Ausländerbehörde) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Industrie- und Handelskammer in cooperation with the Federal Employment Agency) at your future place of residence. We highly recommend to contact these two authorities in advance, e.g. while you are in Germany on a business trip with a Schengen visa.
Please visit the website of Germany Trade and Invest (right).
According to § 21 AufenthG (German Residence Act), a "residence permit for the purpose of self-employment" can be issued if - an economic interest of overriding importance or a special regional need exists, The above first and second conditions are usually fulfilled with an investment of at least 250,000 Euros and the creation of five jobs. Furthermore, the sustainability of the underlying business idea, the entrepreneurial experience of the foreigner, the amount of invested capital, the impact on the employment and training situation as well as the contribution to innovation and research are taken into consideration. |
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The prospect of being granted a residence permit is not the same in all locations. Some regions do not require the business you intend to start and will therefore be reluctant to issue a residence permit. Other regions - e.g. like the Länder in former East Germany - offer various incentives to potential investors. The business can usually be set up with a Schengen visa. However, to apply for the residence permit and the work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis) you have to return to Pakistan and submit your visa application at the Embassy / Consulate General:
| Required Documents: | Additional Instructions: |
|---|---|
- three application forms | - signed by the applicant |
- four passport photos | - not older than three months |
- valid passport | - passport needs to be valid for three months after the expiry of the applied visa |
- former passports | - if any |
- completed list of your children and - completed list of relatives (including children) living outside of Pakistan | lists of children and relatives living outside of Pakistan [pdf, 78,03k] |
- security questionnaire | |
- valid health insurance | - please submit the original and one copy only after your visa has been approved |
- your business plan | - explaining the business idea |
- documentation of business activities | - about your past business activities in Pakistan |
- proof of academic background | - certificate of employment |
- evidence about your financial situation | - personal bank statement and company bank statement covering the last six months each |
For applicants at the Embassy only: Please provide a copy of the appointment confirmation e-mail | - including the provided booking code (e.g. "isla_588207") |
