In short
Germany has no separate startup visa. Founders use the § 21(1) self-employment permit: a business with an economic interest or regional need, a positive effect on the economy and secured financing — there is no minimum investment. Freelancers in liberal professions use § 21(5). US citizens can enter visa-free and apply at the foreigners office within 90 days; founders over 45 need pension provision. Permits last up to 3 years, with permanent residence after 3 years if the business succeeds. Most founders set up a GmbH (€25,000 capital) or UG (from €1). German startups raised about €8.4 billion in 2025.
Germany startup: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Self-employment permit (§ 21(1)) | Economic interest or regional need, positive effect on the economy and secured financing; no minimum investment# Source: Make it in Germany: self-employment |
|---|---|
| Freelance permit (§ 21(5)) | For liberal professions under § 18 EStG; earnings forecast and letters of intent; up to 3 years# Source: Make it in Germany: self-employment · Service Berlin: residence permit for freelancers |
| Over-45 rule (self-employed) | Pension of €1,612.53 a month or assets of €232,204 (Berlin, from July 2025)# Source: Service Berlin: residence permit for freelancers |
| Where to apply | US citizens can get any residence permit (Blue Card, skilled worker, freelance, study) at the local foreigners office after visa-free entry# Source: Residence Ordinance § 41 (AufenthV) |
| Self-employed to permanent residence | After 3 years if the business succeeds and your livelihood is secured# Source: Make it in Germany: self-employment |
| Company types | GmbH with €25,000 capital (€12,500 paid in at formation) or UG from €1# Source: Limited Liability Companies Act § 5 (GmbHG) |
| Notary | Articles must be notarised; video notarisation needs a German or EU eID, so US founders sign in person or by apostilled power of attorney# Source: Limited Liability Companies Act § 2 (notarial form) · IHK Koblenz: online formation of a GmbH |
| Corporate tax | 15% + 5.5% solidarity surcharge (15.825%), plus trade tax — about 30% in Berlin, 33% in Munich; falling by 1 point a year from 2028 to 10% in 2032# Source: Corporate Tax Act § 23 (15%) · Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 161: investment programme (corporate tax cut) · Berlin Senate: trade tax FAQ · City of Munich: trade tax multipliers |
| Startup funding | German startups raised about €8.4 billion in 2025 (EY)# Source: EY Startup-Barometer (January 2026) |
| EXIST grant | €1,000–3,000 a month for founders linked to a German university or research institute# Source: Projektträger Jülich: EXIST start-up grant |
| US anti-deferral tax | GILTI renamed NCTI from 2026; Germany's ~30% (about 25% after 2032) stays above the 18.9% threshold# Source: US Code: 26 USC 951A (net CFC tested income) · Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 161: investment programme (corporate tax cut) |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
German business and residence rules are the same for most non-EU founders, but Americans share a privilege with a few countries:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Applying in Germany | Citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the UK can apply for the self-employment permit in Germany after visa-free entry. |
|---|---|
| Tax at home | The US taxes its citizens wherever they live; most other countries tax by residence, with their own rules for owning a foreign company. |
| Tax treaty with Germany | Germany has income tax treaties with the US and many other countries — check how yours treats your income. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Overview
Launching Your Startup in Germany
Germany does not have a dedicated startup visa. Founders use the self-employment permit (§ 21(1) of the Residence Act), and independent professionals the freelance permit (§ 21(5)). The old rule of €250,000 investment and 5 jobs was abolished in 2012 — today the authority looks at your business plan and financing.
US citizens can enter visa-free and apply locally within 90 days. In Berlin, self-employed applicants are handled by the Business Immigration Service.
A convincing business plan with real financing matters more than any fixed number. Germany rewards founders who show economic substance.
Our Services
Your Partner for a German Startup Launch
Founder route strategy
Self-employment, freelance, Blue Card or § 19c — which fits you and your co-founders.
Business plan and financing
A German-standard business plan and financing proof for the foreigners office.
Company formation (GmbH / UG)
Notary, capital, commercial register, Transparency Register and tax registration.
Funding
EXIST, INVEST, High-Tech Gründerfonds and private investors.
Settling in
Anmeldung, health insurance, bank account and hiring.
Residency Pathways
Navigating Founder Visas & Residency
Freelance Permit (§ 21(5))
For writers, artists, translators, engineers and similar professions — no economic-interest test, but an earnings forecast and letters of intent.
Freelance guide →Self-Employment Permit (§ 21(1))
An economic interest or regional need, a positive effect on the economy and secured financing (own capital or a loan commitment). No minimum investment. Up to 3 years; permanent residence after 3 years if the business succeeds.
Founders over 45 must show pension provision — in Berlin (from July 2025) €1,612.53 a month or assets of €232,204. Your livelihood, including health insurance, must be secured from the start; there is no fixed figure.
Costs & Business Landscape
Understanding the Business Landscape
Company formation
A GmbH needs €25,000 of capital (€12,500 paid in at formation); a UG can start from €1. Articles must be notarised — video notarisation needs a German or EU eID, so US founders sign in person or by apostilled power of attorney. Notary and register fees are about €550–730+ net.
Tax
Corporate tax plus solidarity surcharge is 15.825%, plus municipal trade tax — about 30% in Berlin and 33% in Munich. The corporate rate falls by 1 point a year from 2028 to 10% in 2032.
Funding
German startups raised about €8.4 billion in 2025 (EY), with Bavaria ahead of Berlin. Public programmes include EXIST grants (€1,000–3,000 a month, for founders linked to a German university), the INVEST grant (paid to angel investors, 15%) and High-Tech Gründerfonds seed investment.
Where to Base
Top Startup Hubs in Germany
Berlin
Germany's best-known startup city — fintech, e-commerce and consumer apps, a large international talent pool and English-friendly teams.
Munich (Bavaria)
Deep tech, AI and mobility, strong universities and the most startup funding in 2025.
Hamburg
Media, logistics and e-commerce in a wealthy port city.
Rhein-Main (Frankfurt)
Fintech and B2B services around Europe's financial hub.
Step by Step
Essential Steps for American Founders
Write a German-standard business plan
Market, financing, revenue forecast and the economic interest for Germany or your region.
Secure your financing
Own capital or a loan commitment — and, if over 45, pension provision.
Enter, register your address and apply
Enter visa-free, register your address within 2 weeks and apply at the foreigners office within 90 days.
Form your company
Notarise the articles, pay in the capital, get registered in the commercial register, register the business with the trade office and file the tax questionnaire on ELSTER within one month.
Arrange health insurance
Newcomers from outside the EU usually start with private health insurance.
Build your network
Accelerators, investor networks and your local chamber of commerce (IHK).
Why Germany
Why Germany for US Founders
Market size and stability
Europe's largest economy and a stable legal system.
Engineering and research talent
Strong universities and research institutes feed a deep talent pool.
Public funding
EXIST, INVEST and High-Tech Gründerfonds support early-stage companies.
Easy start for Americans
Apply for your permit inside Germany after visa-free entry.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Germany have a startup visa?
No. Founders use the self-employment permit (§ 21(1)) and liberal professions the freelance permit (§ 21(5)). US citizens can apply for both inside Germany within 90 days of entry.
How much do I need to invest?
There is no fixed minimum. The authority checks that your business has an economic interest or regional need, a positive effect and secured financing. The old €250,000 rule was abolished in 2012.
What company form should I choose?
Usually a GmbH (€25,000 capital, half paid in at formation) or a UG (from €1, profits partly retained until €25,000 is reached). Both need a notary.
What funding is available?
EXIST grants for university-linked founders, the INVEST grant for angel investors, High-Tech Gründerfonds seed funding and a large private VC market — about €8.4 billion raised in 2025.
What is Germany's corporate tax rate?
About 30% in Berlin and 33% in Munich (corporate tax, solidarity surcharge and trade tax). The corporate part falls from 15% to 10% between 2028 and 2032.
Germany
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Startup visas · other countries
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