Entrepreneur / Investor Visa
Residence permit for startup founders and investors
The full German Entrepreneur / Investor Visa process
Business Concept & Plan
Prepare a full business concept for the §21 AufenthG self-employment assessment: business model, market analysis for the German region, financing plan, revenue forecast (3 years), and expected effect on the local economy (jobs, innovation). The IHK and the Ausländerbehörde evaluate viability — have it reviewed by a German tax adviser (Steuerberater) before filing.
⏱ ~45 days🔗 Official linkProof of Investment Capital
Prove the capital backing your investment: recent bank statements, financing commitments or investor agreements covering the start-up costs in your business plan. There is no fixed legal minimum, but authorities commonly expect availability in the high five- to six-figure euro range for investor cases.
⏱ ~14 days🏦 Funds required🔗 Official linkLetters of Intent/Contracts
Gather letters of intent, preliminary contracts or framework agreements from prospective German clients and partners. They are key evidence of regional economic interest for the §21 AufenthG assessment — aim for several signed LOIs with realistic volumes rather than generic statements of interest.
⏱ ~30 days🔗 Official linkProfessional Experience & Qualifications
Document your professional background for the self-employment assessment: CV, diplomas/degrees (with certified translations), trade licences, references from previous ventures or employers, and portfolio evidence. Older applicants (45+) must additionally show adequate retirement provision.
⏱ ~14 days🔗 Official linkHealth Insurance
Arrange health insurance before departure. Options: travel insurance for initial period, German public/private insurance starting from arrival date, expat insurance. For visa application: proof of coverage for entire stay or at least initial months required.
⏱ ~3 days💶 €100🔗 Official linkGather Documents
Collect all required documents for your visa application: valid passport, biometric photos, application forms, proof of purpose (job offer, admission letter, etc.), financial proof, health insurance, accommodation proof. Check embassy website for specific requirements.
⏱ ~7 days🔗 Official linkBook Embassy Appointment
Book a national-visa appointment at the German embassy/consulate responsible for your residence district (most posts use an online booking portal; some use external providers like VFS Global). Waiting times of 2-8 weeks are common, so book as soon as your documents are in reach. Confirmation email/QR is checked at the entrance.
⏱ ~30 days🔗 Official linkAttend Visa Interview
Attend your national (D) visa interview at the German embassy or consulate. Bring the full document set: passport, biometric photos, application forms (VIDEX), proof of purpose (contract/admission/invitation), proof of financial means, and incoming health insurance. Fee: €75. Fingerprints are taken at the counter; incomplete files are rejected on the spot.
⏱ ~1 day💶 €75🔗 Official linkWait for Approval
Wait for visa decision from the German embassy/consulate. Processing times vary: employment visas 2-6 weeks, family reunion 8-12 weeks, EU Blue Card 2-4 weeks. Embassy may contact you for additional documents or interview. Track application status if online tracking available.
⏱ ~42 days🔗 Official linkTravel to Germany
Enter Germany within your visa validity period. At border: present passport, visa, and supporting documents if requested. After arrival: complete registration within 14 days, convert visa to residence permit as required. Keep travel documents organized.
⏱ ~1 day💶 €500🔗 Official linkFind Accommodation
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkPost-arrival steps are part of the full flow. Start free to track your pre-arrival progress, then unlock the 14 post-arrival steps when you land.Register Address (Anmeldung)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkApply for Residence Permit
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkReceive Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkRegister Business
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkOpen Business Bank Account
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkSet Up Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkSet Up Internet Contract
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkGet German Phone Number / SIM Card
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkRegister with a GP (Hausarzt)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkGet Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkGet Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkExchange Foreign Driver's License
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkEnroll in Integration Course (Integrationskurs)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official link
Track this journey instead of reading about it
Turn this guide into a personal checklist: tick off steps, keep your documents together, and always know what comes next.