Welcome
Visa for Self-Employment
Are you looking to pursue self-employment in Germany?
General Information
Foreign nationals can obtain a residence permit for self-employment if they are:
- Entrepreneurs,
- Sole proprietors, or
- Managing directors and legal representatives of partnerships and corporations with entrepreneurial responsibility.
A residence permit can be granted if:
- There is an economic interest or regional need,
- The activity is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, and
- The financing of the project is secured through equity or a loan commitment.
Please note that there is no entitlement to the issuance of a visa for self-employment in Germany. The foreign representations and the involved authorities in Germany will assess each case individually based on the submitted documents to determine whether the issuance of the requested visa is feasible.
Required Documents
To apply, you will need the following documents to present at your appointment at the consulate, in original form.
Do not staple the submitted documents!
In your application form (VIDEX), you provide all information regarding your entry and stay in Germany. You must complete this form and print it out once.
If you are a minor, your legal guardians must sign the application and give their consent.
A current biometric photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm front facial view with a light background), stamped, not older than 3 months. Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of visa issuance. Please note that the document must have at least two blank pages (your visa will be affixed here upon a positive decision).
If you do not possess Canadian citizenship, please provide us with your Canadian residence permit.
Please also provide the original residence permit in Canada on the day of your appointment.
Proof of your residence in Canada can be, for example, your Canadian driver's license, electricity bill, water bill, or gas bill.
This document can be, for example, the diploma from your degree program. If you obtained your degree from a university outside Germany, both the degree and the university must be recognized. For more information, please refer to www.anabin.de
The translation of your university degree or vocational training certificate into German or English must be done by a sworn translator.
Your company profile should include the following components:
- Business Plan
- Business Concept
- Capital Requirements Plan
- Financing Plan
- Marketing Strategy
- Revenue Projections
- Additional Information about the anticipated number of jobs and training positions that will be created
- If possible: Explanation of how the project will positively impact areas of innovation and research.
Please provide us with your resume in either English or German.
Individuals with statutory health insurance coverage are adequately insured from the first day of employment. Please provide proof of your statutory health insurance coverage.
If you enter the country before your statutory health insurance coverage begins, you must obtain appropriate supplemental insurance.
If you are planning a long or permanent stay, some travel health insurances may exclude coverage in their terms. This limitation may also apply to “incoming” insurance, so please ensure you have sufficient coverage with your supplemental insurance.
In certain cases, additional documents may be required.
Processing Time
Due to the regular need for approval from authorities in Germany, you should generally allow 4 weeks for the processing of your visa application (calculated from the submission of the complete application documents at the foreign representation).
Fees
See Fees for Visa applications at the Consulate General Toronto
Additional information and appointment booking
- Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
- Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.
- Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
- Please do not forget to register at the registration office (Meldebehörde) shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde). Be aware that some foreigners authorities have long waiting times for appointments.
All Canadian residents need to apply at the Consulate General in Toronto in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.