Germany entrepreneur and start-up visa
2 current source-backed entrepreneur and start-up pathways. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 2 current routes for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-07-15
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Structured main conditions are not available in the current source extract. | 2026-07-15 | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Main conditions: National visa/residence route for establishing a business or working as self-employed under Section 21 AufenthG. | 2026-07-13 | Official source |
Fees, processing times and requirements
Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.
| Route | Fact | Value | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Application fee (startup) | 75 EUR | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Application fee (issuance, startup) | 100 EUR | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Application fee (issuance, startup residence permit) | 100 EUR | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | First permit valid for | 36 months | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Can be renewed | yes | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Family can come along | yes | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Permanent residence after | 3 years | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Where to apply | at a consulate abroad | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Application fee (startup) | 75 EUR | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Application fee (issuance, startup) | 100 EUR | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Application fee (issuance, startup residence permit) | 100 EUR | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | First permit valid for | 36 months | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Can be renewed | yes | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Family can come along | yes | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Permanent residence after | 3 years | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | Where to apply | at a consulate abroad | Official source |
Can you work on this route?
Route-specific work rights and conditions stay separate from shortage-list status and individual eligibility.
| Route | Published work answer | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | The exact section 21 conditions include an economic interest or regional need, expected positive economic effects and secured financing through equity or a loan commitment, with the business idea and entrepreneurial experience considered. | Official source |
| Entrepreneur and start-up route | The official German Residence Act section 21 provides the legal basis for granting a residence permit to carry out self-employed activity, including business-formation activity covered by the section. | Official source |