Who Needs a Visa?
EU Nationals
Generally, EU nationals may enter, stay, and work in Germany without any visa. They only have to register at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt), which issues a declaratory residence permit if their stay in Germany exceeds 90 days.
Citizens of the new EU states Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia still require a work permit if they are employed in Germany. These transitional rules will cease by 2011 at the latest (for Bulgaria and Romania by 2014). However, since 2009 the labor market has been open to university graduates from these new EU states.
Non-EU Nationals
Most non-EU nationals require a visa prior to entering Germany. For short-term stays in Germany (i.e. stays not exceeding 90 days) Schengen Visas such as the schengen Transit Visa or the Schengen Travel Visa are sufficient. With these visas, entrepreneurs can perform most activities necessary to set up their business in Germany.
For long-term stays (i.e. stays exceeding 90 days) national visas are usually required. There are a number of different national visas available, depending on the purpose of your stay in Germany. Investors require a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment or employment (Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbstständige Tätigkeit oder abhängige Beschäftigung) which is limited in time or an unlimited settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
However, there are exceptions for several countries. Citizens from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States and some other countries may stay in Germany up to 90 days without any visa. Still, a visa is required when running the business on-site in Germany or being employed in Germany.
For more information on visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs, please refer to:
The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) provides a deteiled list of Germany entry requirements for nationals from all countries.
Please click here for more information:
Overview of Different Types of Visas for Germany
| Types of Visa | Needed for | Visa Required | Required for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | Stays in Germany for up to three months per a half year | Schengen Travel Visa (for business persons in the form of a "business visa") | Entrepreneurs setting up businesses |
| National Visa | Stays in Germany exceeding three months, with the intention of taking up gainful occupation | Residence permit for the purpose of self-employment | Entrepreneurs running the business in Germany |
| National Visa | Stays in Germany exceeding three months, with the intention of taking up gainful occupation | Residence permit for the purpose of taking up employment | Employees working in Germany |
