The type of residence title needed depends on the person’s country of origin, the length of the intended stay and the intended business activity in Germany.
EU nationals
Generally, citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), may enter, stay, and work in Germany without any visa. They only have to register at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt), e.g., if they change their residence to Germany.
Non-EU nationals
Citizens of non-EU countries generally require a visa to enter, stay, and work in Germany. For short-term stays in Germany (stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period) a Schengen visa is needed for entry into Germany. A Schengen visa is generally sufficient for most steps required to establish a business in Germany.
Where the duration of the stay exceeds 90 days (within any 180-day period) or an occupation (self-employed or gainful employment) taken up, all non-EU citizens require a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). For this purpose, the German embassies or consulates issue a national visa for entering Germany which is “transferred” into a residence or settlement permit in Germany.
Special cases
Swiss nationals have to notify the local immigration office about their long-term stay in order to get a residence permit certifying their right to free movement.
For British citizens, Brexit-related information can be found at the website of the Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community.
British citizens| Types of Visa | Needed for | Visa required | Required for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | Stays in Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-days period | Schengen Travel Visa (for business persons in the form of a “busness visa” | Entrepreneurs setting up businesses |
| National Visa |
| Residence permit for the purpose of self-employment | Entrepreneurs runnin the business in Germany |
| National Visa |
| Residence permit for the purpose of taking up employment | Employees working in Germany |
Visa exemptions
Nationals of certain countries do not require a visa for entry into or short-term stays in Germany. The Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) provides detailed information on entry requirements into Germany.
Read moreResidence permit and settlement permit
Entrepreneurs from non-EU countries require a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) if they want to run a business in Germany on-site or if they are employed in Germany.