Want to start your own business in Germany? For citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other non-EU countries, one possible route is residence for self-employment under Section 21 AufenthG. This article explains how to prepare for a move as an entrepreneur, which documents are commonly needed and how Alman Visum can assist. A short Schengen business visit and a move to run a business are different immigration purposes.
🔍 What does a business visa mean here?
A self-employment visa allows entry for the relevant purpose; the subsequent residence permit is governed by Section 21 AufenthG. Subject to its conditions, it permits:
- Living in Germany and carrying out the authorised activity
- Earning income while meeting tax obligations
- Operating through an appropriate structure, such as a UG/GmbH or individually; a liberal profession is a separate activity classification
- Later applying for settlement if the conditions are met; entrepreneurs may have a special route after three years, but it is not automatic or generally available to all liberal professionals
📝 Who may consider this route?
Applicants from non-EU countries who:
- Have a viable business idea
- Can demonstrate economic interest or regional demand and the project’s expected positive impact
- Have financial resources to implement the project and cover living costs
- Intend to genuinely carry out the proposed activity in Germany
- Can demonstrate relevant experience, qualifications and a realistic plan
Please note: participation in an accelerator or incubator does not replace immigration requirements or guarantee funding. Separate conditions apply to liberal professions and certain graduates of German universities.
📋 Key preparation points
| Item | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| 💼 Business plan | A clear German-language plan with financial projections, market analysis and strategy; confirm the authority’s format requirements |
| 💰 Funding | Evidence of own capital or a loan commitment for the specific project. There is no universal €20,000 visa minimum; budget separately for living costs |
| 🧑💼 Experience and qualifications | Experience, education, references and required professional authorisations |
| 🏢 Business structure | Plan the formation of a UG/GmbH or another structure. Registering a company alone does not confer a right to live and work in Germany |
| 🏠 Living arrangements and insurance | Evidence required by the mission: housing, living costs and suitable health insurance; pension provision is assessed for applicants over 45 |
📌 Preparation and application stages
1. 💡 Prepare the business plan
- A realistic business model
- Marketing strategy
- Revenue, cost and cash-flow forecasts
- Evidence of demand and economic impact
2. 🗂️ Gather the documents
- A valid passport
- CV
- Business plan
- Financial evidence
- Suitable insurance
- Housing evidence in the required format
3. 🏛 Apply to the competent mission
Normally in your country of habitual residence. A Schengen visa does not give a general right to switch to a self-employment permit within Germany; exceptions need an individual check
👉 Processing depends on the authorities and the case. A one-to-three-month estimate is not a guarantee
4. ✅ Obtain the decision on the national D visa
After approval, check validity dates, authorised activities and entry conditions. There is no universal three-to-six-month term for everyone
5. 🧾 Arrange continued residence and business registration
Complete address and business registration, tax formalities and contact the immigration authority in time. A bank account or registered company does not replace a residence decision
💡 Which business areas could you consider?
| Structure or activity | Examples and considerations |
|---|---|
| UG/GmbH | Trade, IT, transport, logistics or an online shop, subject to relevant permits |
| Freiberuflich | Teaching, translation and certain consulting or development activities, if the specific work qualifies as a liberal profession |
| Services (Dienstleistung) | Repairs, cleaning, delivery and beauty services; qualification and sector requirements vary |
| Hospitality and catering (Gastronomie) | Cafés, restaurants and catering, subject to hygiene and licensing requirements |
🤝 How does Alman Visum help?
The company Alman Visum helps organise preparation within the agreed scope of services:
✅ Discussing the project and possible business structures
✅ Preparing a business plan in German
✅ Practical assistance with registering the appropriate activity or company
✅ Preparing the visa documentation package
✅ Preparation for contacting the immigration authority
✅ Help organising banking, housing and insurance matters; specialist tax and notarial services are agreed separately
📧 info@almanvisum.com
📱 WhatsApp: +49 176 64335685
🌐 https://almanvisum.com
✅ Conclusion
Self-employment can provide a route to Germany if the relevant conditions are met. A realistic plan, funding and documentation matter more than a general promise of a “business visa”. Alman Visum helps you prepare your project and Section 21 application; approval remains the decision of the competent authorities.
Article at a glance:
Moving for self-employment under Section 21: business planning, funding, documents, registration and preparation support from Alman Visum.
