self employment in Germany
August 2, 2025
Earning passive income and starting an active business are two ordinary investment options for foreigners in Germany. Yet the vital question is: which of these two methods is best for you?
According to paragraph 21 of the German Residence Act, you can only obtain a residence permit in this country if:
• Have started an active business.
• Your business could create economic benefits in the target area.
• Have sufficient funds to cover your living and business expenses.
Therefore, starting an active business could be a good option if you plan to obtain a German residence permit. While earning passive income by buying real estate or simply shares in a company in Germany can only help you increase your capital.
September 10, 2025
Getting a loan to start or develop a business in Germany is often associated with challenges. Almost all German banks carefully check the following before granting a loan:
1. Having a detailed and professional business plan
2. The applicant's experience and work history in the desired profession
3. The financial health of the business and the person applying for the loan
4. Collateral and guarantees provided
5. Location and market capability
6. The purpose and structure of the loan requested
7. Legal compliance and required business permits
8. Communication with the relevant bank, commitment, and transparency in providing information
9. Complete and professional presentation of required documents
By being aware of the above factors, planning carefully, and providing complete and comprehensive documentation, you can increase your chances of obtaining a business loan in Germany. Seek help from advisors and experts to create a strong financial plan.
November 1, 2025
Starting a business in Germany is a golden gateway to the expanded European market. However, success in this path, like any other, requires precise knowledge and […]
December 8, 2025
Germany remains the strongest and safest economy in Europe. Political stability, transparent laws, government support, and access to the 450 million EU market have made the country a desirable destination for foreign investors. In this article from Wise Business Group, we highlight some attractive investment opportunities in Germany.
December 14, 2025
If you have decided to register a company in Germany, congratulations! However, you should familiarize yourself with the "three minefields of legal, tax, and administrative" on the path to company registration and residency in Germany before signing any document. Not being aware of these points can turn your profits into heavy fines. In this article from Wise Business Group, we will show you how to overcome the hidden fears of registering a company in Germany and start your business with open eyes in the heart of Europe.
January 6, 2026
🏭 From dream to reality: How to build or buy a factory in Germany?
Germany is not only the largest economy in Europe, but also the beating heart of world industry and manufacturing.
For many entrepreneurs, owning a factory is an old dream. The good news is that Germany is one of the most transparent, structured, and secure countries for making this dream a reality.
But the key question is always:
🔹Should we build the factory from scratch?
🔹Or should we buy an active manufacturing unit?
In this article, we share a step-by-step, actionable roadmap with you.
February 7, 2026
• Solar energy in Germany can be highly profitable, especially in commercial rooftop models with strong self-consumption
• Ground-mounted plants require higher capital and professional expertise
• For a §21 residence permit, you must be active, managerial, and operational, not merely an investor
• This sector is one of the few that offers both solid economic returns and strong immigration defensibility
June 19, 2026
Consider these four categories of costs together:
• Legal and official translation costs
• Mandatory membership in the Chamber of Commerce or Crafts
• Monthly collaboration with a tax advisor
• The company's share capital, along with banking and insurance costs
By considering these costs, you can get a more realistic picture of what is required to register a company in Germany. Most entrepreneurs who come to Germany from outside the EU to start a business initially focus only on the amount advertised for the "official company registration." As a result, they overlook the total costs that can be added to this amount along the path. This lack of awareness can have the following consequences:
• A sudden halt to the project midway through
• Unexpected financial pressure that robs you of the peace of mind and focus needed to launch a new business.
However, the good news is that almost all of these costs are predictable. You only need to start with an accurate and realistic picture of German laws and regulations from the very beginning.
