§ 21 Residence Act
The self-employed visa allows entry into Germany to start a business or Managing a company. The difference from other types of visa: There is no fixed catalog of requirements. The authority evaluates business plan, economic interest and capital discretionary procedure - each case is examined individually.
Economic interest
The project must be a demonstrable economic interest for Germany: jobs, innovation, investment or market gap. No general interest is enough – concrete added value must be demonstrated.
Viable business plan
The business plan is the central document. It is assessed by a German chamber, economic development agency or bank. A positive rating is not a guarantee of a visa - but without it there is no visa.
Sufficient equity
There is no legal minimum height. The authority checks whether the capital is sufficient to start the company and to support oneself. Too little capital leads to rejection.
The business plan
The business plan is not the usual founding document - it is the central audit document for the authority. It must demonstrate economic viability, don't just describe the business model.
Structure, assessment points and common weak points
Mandatory content
Executive summary – Projects in 1 page
Business idea and market analysis – Need, target group, competitors in Germany
Corporate structure – Legal form, location, shareholders
Services or products – concrete, not abstract
Sales and marketing strategy – how customers are acquired
Financial plan – Sales, cost and liquidity planning for 3 years
Investment requirements and source of capital – where does the money come from?
Assessment bodies
IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) – for commerce, trade, services
HWK (Chamber of Crafts) – for skilled trades
Economic Development Corporation the respective city or region
Founder advice for a German bank – Credit institution based in Germany
Federal Employment Agency – in employment projects
Opinion must written and dated be, stamp of the authority
assessment is no guarantee – only the basis for the authorities’ decision
Authority check
The self-employed visa is not a legal entitlement – it is a discretionary visa. The authority examines five criteria and decides on this basis. None of these criteria is sufficient on its own.
Economic interest or regional need
Will the project create jobs in Germany? Does it fill a proven gap in the market? Is it investing in a location with regional needs? The more specifically the benefits for Germany are presented, the higher the likelihood of approval.
Positive effects on the German economy
Investments, tax revenue, innovation potential, networking with German companies. Projects without any recognizable economic added value for Germany are rejected – even if they were successful in their country of origin.
Secure livelihood
The equity capital and the expected income must be sufficient to secure a living without state benefits. The authority checks whether the applicant could be dependent on social assistance. Conservative financial planning is therefore counterproductive.
Assessment by a specialist institution
The written statement from the IHK, HWK or economic development agency is a mandatory component. A negative rating usually leads to rejection. A positive rating increases the chances significantly, but is not a guarantee.
Personal qualifications of the applicant
Training, professional experience and proven competence in the area of the planned company. Anyone who wants to start an IT company without being able to prove IT knowledge has little chance of being approved.
documents
The list of documents for the self-employed visa is more extensive than other types of visas. Completeness is crucial – Missing documents do not lead to a request, but to a rejection.
Complete list for the embassy appointment
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months after the end of your stay |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Online, printed, signed |
| Business plan in German | With financial planning (3 years), market analysis, investment needs |
| Statement from the Chamber / Economic Development | IHK, HWK or economic development agency – written, dated, stamped |
| Proof of capital | Account statements, bank statement, investor approval or proof of equity |
| CV in German | In tabular form, with qualifications and relevant professional experience |
| Certificates and proof of qualifications | University certificate, professional qualification, certificates; certified translations |
| Proof of knowledge of the German market | Customer contracts, letters of intent, market research, cooperation agreements |
| Visa fee | €75 in cash or card (depending on the embassy) |
The application process
Create a professional business plan - with market analysis for Germany, 3-year financial planning and investment requirements. In German or with a certified translation. Generic templates are not viewed positively by chambers.
Submit the business plan to the responsible IHK or HWK at the planned company location. Processing time: 4-12 weeks. Initiate this step as early as possible - it is on the critical path.
The chamber examines the plan according to German market standards. A plan that works in the country of origin must be adapted for Germany.Book an appointment as soon as the chamber statement is available or shortly before. Waiting times: 4-16 weeks depending on the country of origin. Complete documents in parallel.
Certified translations, proof of capital, business plan, chamber statement. Missing documents will result in rejection - no possibility of submitting them later at the appointment.
The interview is more detailed than with other visas. The embassy checks the project, qualifications and economic credibility. Preparation for questions about the business plan is mandatory. Processing time: 4-10 weeks.
Residential registration within 14 days. Apply for a residence permit at the immigration office. Register the company with the trade office or notary (GmbH). The residence permit is initially limited to 3 years - extension if you are economically successful.
The residence permit is linked to the company's progress. Anyone who cannot demonstrate any noticeable economic success after 3 years risks non-renewal.
You are planning a company in Germany.
Let us clarify whether your project meets the requirements.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.