GermanyActiveBusiness Migration

Residence Permit for Self-Employment (§21 Residence Act)

No fixed statutory investment minimum since 2012 — assessed on economic interest and financing, not a set dollar figure.

Official program name

Residence Permit for Self-Employment, §21 Residence Act (AufenthG)

Program category

Starting an innovative company / Purchasing or operating a business / Transferring as founder or executive

Current status

Active and accepting applications

Best suited for

Non-EU nationals founding or operating a commercial business (§21(1)), or freelancers (§21(5))

Overview

Germany removed its fixed investment minimum in a 2012 reform. Eligibility is now assessed on economic interest, regional need, and secured financing rather than a set threshold — though roughly €250,000+ is often informally cited for a GmbH, this is not a statutory requirement. Assessment involves the local Chamber of Commerce (IHK). Applicants over 45 must additionally show adequate retirement provision.

Minimum investment

No fixed statutory minimum since 2012; assessed case-by-case on economic interest and financing

Active involvement required

Yes

Residence status granted

Residence permit, up to 3 years, renewable

Family inclusion

Yes — spouse and children under 18 via family reunification

Spouse work rights

Yes

Permanent residence pathway

Conditional — settlement permit after 3 years for successful entrepreneurs (requires B1 German); citizenship after 5 years under the June 2024 nationality reform

Additional requirement

Applicants over 45 must show adequate retirement provision

Official source

make-it-in-germany.com; auswaertiges-amt.de

Directional guidance only, not immigration advice. Confirm current IHK assessment standards and financing expectations with the relevant German authority. Last verified September 15, 2026.