Germany residency
January 23, 2024
An overview of the requirements and the way to receive child benefits in Germany
If you have children and live in Germany, you can receive an allowance from the government to cover the costs of raising your children.
Your child must live with you and be under 18 to receive this allowance. If they are over 18 years old, they must be studying or completing vocational training. Also, enrollment in a school in Germany is necessary for children aged 6 to 16.
First, you must get the benefit application form from the family benefits office and fill it out accurately. Then, submit the completed form with the required documents to the relevant office. This office will approve your application after reviewing the documents and information provided. As a result, you can receive a monthly benefit for raising your children, which amounts to 292 euros in 2024.
February 14, 2024
Part-time self-employment in Germany at a glance
Is it possible to be part-time self-employed while having a blue card residence and an employment contract in Germany?
Yes, the blue card holder can register a company in Germany and hand over its executive management to his spouse or trusted person until obtaining a permanent residence permit. They can also work part-time in this company.
If the blue card holder does not have a trusted person in Germany, they can still be self-employed part-time by registering a side business at the Trade Office. In this case, they should pay attention to the requirements of self-employment in the target city, which is included in the Zusatzblatt sheet. Also, their employment contract should not contain clauses that limit or prohibit them from starting a business.
With part-time self-employment in Germany, you can realize your business idea and have a reliable source of income through your primary job. In such a case, it will be easier to finance the new business, and the time investment and mental pressure to generate income will be less. As a result, you can safely test your business idea and increase your income if it is successful.
Before starting the activity, inform your employer that you intend to be self-employed part-time. In addition, you need to register your business, register with the tax office, and obtain the necessary permits and certificates.
March 19, 2024
The new immigration rules in Germany at a glance
In 2023, the German government created new changes to the immigration rules for skilled workers. These changes have been made to attract skilled foreign labor and solve the labor shortage in Germany. The significant changes are related to the following:
• Requirements for obtaining a blue card
• Recognition of educational qualifications
• Introduction of opportunity card
Generally, according to the changes made in the immigration laws to Germany, a broader range of jobs with lower earnings will be eligible to obtain the German Blue Card. There is no requirement to recognize educational qualifications before entering Germany. If specialists get enough points, they can enter Germany using the opportunity card and search for their qualified job.
June 25, 2024
The legal form of limited partnership with shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, KGaA) in Germany is a combination of the structure of both joint stock companies (AG) and limited partnership (Kommanditgesellschaft). A limited partnership with shares (KGaA) like stock companies in Germany must be commercially registered. Also, it should register its activity with the regional trade office.
September 16, 2024
A summary of the crucial points for self-employment through import or export in Germany
To answer your questions regarding import or export in Germany, you can get help from the following institutions and authorities:
Rules and regulations:
• German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA): It is possible to see the regulations related to import or export restriction of commercial goods here.
• German Federal Agriculture and Food Agency (BLE): This department is responsible for checking export or import restrictions of agricultural products.
• Customs: You should get complete information about customs rules and regulations. You can access this information through the Atlas electronic system and handle your customs affairs online.
Information on countries, markets, and a database for searching business partners
• Foreign chambers of commerce, as your contacts in the target country, can provide information in this field.
• German trade and investment also provide great information and support international businesses.
• You can also search for information and business partners on the iXPOS portal.
Export insurance
• Click here to enter the federal information portal related to export insurance in Germany.
Foreign trade statistics and data
• The Federal Bureau of Statistics provides foreign trade data.
• These data are presented graphically in the Foreign Trade Statistical Atlas.
September 26, 2024
An overview of the financial requirements for obtaining a self-employment residence permit in Germany
As an applicant for a self-employed residence permit in Germany, you must provide documents based on having sufficient financial resources to start a business and cover your expenses in Germany. Also, you need to prove that your business has a good chance of success in the German market and can be favorably profitable. Other financial requirements include:
• A document based on obtaining private or public health insurance in Germany
• Realistic predictions of how to make money in the first years after starting a business in Germany
• A document based on the ability to provide the minimum required initial capital and start-up costs
Evidence of the ability to cover other expenses in a business setting up procedure in Germany, including licensing fees, office space, and operational requirements.
November 20, 2024
In summary, we can say that the initial capital needed to start a business in Germany consists of the following factors:
• The chosen business structure
• The industry sector in which you are going to operate.
• The geographical location of the business in Germany
• The operational scale
• Market conditions
• Technological needs
• Unforeseen costs
It is necessary to carefully evaluate all of these factors and make necessary plans for them before starting your business. In this case, you can successfully go through the business starting process in Germany and ensure the viability of your company.
January 17, 2025
Obtaining an export license (Ausfuhrgenehmigung) from the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) requires the following eight simple steps:
1. Check if the goods you considered goods require a license.
2. Register with BAFA through the ELAN-K2 system.
3. Collect required documents such as end-use certificates and invoices.
4. Submit your request for a license to BAFA online.
5. Wait for the BAFA review and be ready for additional requests!
6. Receive BAFA's final decision to approve or provide feedback on your application.
7. Follow the conditions related to the license strictly.
8. If necessary, renew your license for continuous export.
Note: Cases involving exports of goods with dual military and civilian uses or exports to sanctioned countries require greater caution!
By carefully following the above steps, you can ensure your success in obtaining an export license in Germany and starting your export business.
March 10, 2025
A brief look at the steps to opening a café in Germany
1. The first step is to register your business with the local trade office. Then, you can obtain a business certificate and apply for tax registration. You will also need a restaurant license to serve alcoholic beverages.
2. Before starting your café in Germany, you must get approval from the health department. Then, attend food hygiene training sessions and comply with relevant regulations.
3. If you want to make changes to your café space in Germany, you must apply for a building permit. Then, you will also need to obtain a fire safety permit.
4. If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages or play music in your café in Germany, you will need to apply for the relevant permits.
