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Business Startup Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2-4 months

Application Fee

175 EUR

Stay Duration

Up to 3 years initially (renewable)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Residence permit for entrepreneurs and startup founders. Requires viable business idea, sufficient capital for implementation, and economic benefit to Germany.

The German Business Startup Visa (Sec. 21 AufenthG) is a residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs establishing a business in Germany. Applicants must show economic interest or regional demand for their venture, demonstrate positive economic impact, and secure financing through own capital or a loan commitment.

The permit is granted for up to 3 years and is renewable if the business succeeds and living costs are covered. After 3 years, a settlement permit (permanent residence) can be issued. Spouses may take up any employment immediately. No minimum capital threshold applies — eligibility is assessed holistically.

This visa is ideal for non-EU founders launching a scalable business in Germany who can present a credible plan, secured financing, and a positive economic impact.

Fee Breakdown

National Visa Fee	75 EUR
Residence Permit Fee	100 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

Germany

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrable economic interest or regional demand for the business.

Positive expected impact on the German economy.

Secured financing for the business through capital or loan commitments.

Proof of sufficient funds to cover personal living expenses.

If over 45 years old, proof of adequate pension provisions.

Viable business plan including financial and liquidity forecasts.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Business plan

Financial proof

Loan commitment

Passport photos

Proof of qualifications

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Pathway to a settlement permit (permanent residence) after three years if the business is successful.
Allows for the establishment and management of a business in Germany.
No fixed minimum capital or job creation thresholds, allowing for holistic assessment.

Worth Knowing

The application process is highly dependent on the viability of the business idea.
Authorities consult with local trade bodies, which can extend processing times.
Requires proof of personal financial stability in addition to business capital.

Application Process

Develop startup concept: Innovative business idea with market demand

Prepare business plan: Including financial projections and implementation timeline

Secure financing: Own capital or loan commitment

Apply for visa: At German consulate with complete documentation

Pay visa fee: EUR 75 for entry visa

Visa approval: Consulate issues entry visa

Enter and register: Establish business in Germany

Application Forms

National Visa Application Form

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Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Develop startup concept: Innovative business idea with market demand; Prepare business plan: Includi…	make-it-in-germany.com
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed, spouse can work	make-it-in-germany.com
Fee Breakdown	National Visa Fee: 75 EUR; Residence Permit Fee: 100 EUR	make-it-in-germany.com
Fees	EUR 75 (National Visa) + up to EUR 100 (Residence Permit)	make-it-in-germany.com
Forms	National Visa Application Form	make-it-in-germany.com
Included Nationalities	—	make-it-in-germany.com
Job Offer Required	false	make-it-in-germany.com
Official Info	https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/working-in-germany/setting-up-business/visa/self-employed	make-it-in-germany.com

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