The requirements for a residence permit are

• You fulfill the passport and visa requirements.
  For the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement identity document.
• Your means of subsistence are secured without you drawing on public funds.
  Your means of subsistence are deemed to be secure if you
  • Income in the amount of the basic social welfare standard rate (e.g. 374.00 euros for a single person) plus
  • costs for accommodation and heating and
  • any health insurance contributions.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Persons over the age of 45 must have an adequate pension.
• the following economic requirements:
  • There is an economic interest or a regional need for your activity.
  • Your activity is expected to have a positive impact on the economy.
  • The financing of the implementation is secured by equity capital or a loan commitment.

If this does not apply to your project, the authority will obtain opinions from expert bodies. These will clarify whether the planned activity is business-capable.

Note: In the following cases, you do not have to fulfill the economic requirements for self-employed persons:

• You want to become self-employed in a liberal profession.
  However, you need
  • the necessary licenses to exercise the liberal profession or
  • at least a confirmation that they have been granted.
• You have successfully completed your studies at a state or state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany.
  However, the intended self-employed activity must be related to the knowledge acquired during your studies.
• You have a residence permit as a researcher for the purpose of employment or for the purpose of research.
  However, the intended self-employed activity must be related to your academic or research activity.

Nationals of the Member States of the European Union (EU) have access to the German labour market on the basis of their right to freedom of movement. They may pursue a self-employed activity in Germany within the framework of their right of establishment. The same applies to other citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and nationals of Switzerland.