German visas and residence
Prepare your business plans
and residence application
Which permission fits your plans?
Planning to manage a business, transfer employees or take up a qualified job in Germany? Different activities require different immigration permissions. Common routes include residence for self-employment, an intra-corporate transfer (ICT), a short business visit and the EU Blue Card.
Which route is suitable depends on the actual work, the company structure, the applicant’s qualifications and the planned duration. Company formation and permission to live or work in Germany are separate procedures. We help organise the information and preparation relevant to your plans.
Residence for self-employment
A residence permit for self-employment is assessed separately from company registration. The authorities examine the business proposal, its economic relevance and financing; incorporation alone does not establish eligibility.
Preparation may include personal and qualification documents, company information, a business plan and financial projections. The business plan should explain the activity, market, competition, marketing, investment needs, financing and expected development. The immigration authority may involve relevant local bodies, including the chamber of commerce, in its assessment.
Our agreed support can cover organising the application information and coordinating the relevant steps before and after arrival. The required documents, appointments and entry permission must be checked with the responsible German mission and local immigration authority.
Continued residence and permanent settlement require their own conditions to be met. A settlement permit is different from an EU Blue Card. Official information on self-employment.
ICT transfers, business visits and the EU Blue Card
Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). This route concerns temporary transfers of managers, specialists or graduate trainees within the same company or group to Germany. Under section 19 of the Residence Act, prior group employment of at least six months and a transfer exceeding 90 days are among the requirements. The maximum duration is three years for managers and specialists, or one year for trainees. Employment terms, qualifications and any required approvals also need to be checked. An ICT Card does not automatically convert into permanent residence.
Short business visits. Meetings and other permitted business visits must be distinguished from taking up employment or operating a business in Germany. Check the intended activity, entry requirements and permitted duration before travelling.
EU Blue Card. This is a separate residence title for qualifying employment. A suitable job offer, the applicable qualification and salary conditions, and other requirements must be met. Different rules may apply to some IT professionals. A later settlement permit depends on the relevant employment, contribution, language and other conditions; it is not automatic.
Insurance, social-security and tax obligations need individual assessment; a visa category alone does not establish a fixed payroll-cost saving. See section 19: ICT Card and official EU Blue Card information.