German business visa · Section 21 Residence Act

Start your business in Germany. Get your residence permit.

A German attorney guides you from company formation to your visa: one fixed fee, one point of contact, everything in English.

  • Licensed German attorney
    Admitted to the bar in 1999
  • Fixed-fee structure
    Paid in milestones, agreed before you commit
  • Direct attorney access
    No call centre, no middlemen

How I can help

Three routes to living and working in Germany. In the strategy session we find out which one fits you.

Most requested

Business visa

For founders and entrepreneurs who want to run their own company in Germany. Company formation, business plan and your residence permits as founder.

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Self-employed

Freelancer visa

For professionals who want to work self-employed in Germany: consultants, IT specialists, creatives and other liberal professions.

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Employees

Skilled workers

For professionals with a job offer from a German employer: EU Blue Card, recognition of qualifications and the experience route. I can also support your employer.

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The roadmap to your business visa

Four stages, one attorney who accompanies you through all of them. Typical duration: 6 – 8 months.

01

Corporate structure & strategy

The right legal form and setup for your plans.

02

Authority-compliant business plan

A plan that meets what German authorities expect.

03

Evaluation by the authorities

Your project is assessed by the relevant bodies.

04

Visa approval

From the application to your residence permit.

Every case is different. In a free strategy session I assess your situation and show you the best route.

Holger Hembach, Attorney at law

Your legal counsel

Holger Hembach, Attorney at law

Admitted to the German bar in 1999. I have lived and worked in North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Tanzania, so I know first-hand what it means to build a life in a foreign legal system.

Today I combine that experience with German corporate and immigration law to guide founders and professionals safely to Germany.

  • Member of the Cologne bar association (Rechtsanwaltskammer Köln)
  • Listed in the official German lawyers’ register (BRAV) ·
  • Author of publications on European and international law

What clients say

“Reliable and responsive at every step of the way”

Aarav Sharma, Delhi, India

“His legal guidance made my visa process seamless”

Muhammad Khan, Faisalabad, Pakistan

“High quality of advice and fast responses to questions.”

Nikola P., Skopje, North Macedonia

Frequently asked questions

How much capital do I need?

It depends on your business. There is no fixed minimum for the visa, but your plan must be realistically financed. We assess this together in the strategy session.

How long does the process take?

Typically six to eight months from the first step to the visa decision, depending on the authorities and the embassy in your country.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, spouses and children can usually join you under certain conditions. We clarify the details for your case in the strategy session.

Do I need to speak German?

You do not have to speak German to obtain your business visa and start a business. But it is advisable to learn German if you would like to live in Germany. All communication with me is in English.

What does it cost?

A fixed fee, paid in milestones and agreed before you commit. I give you details in the strategy session.

Free guides

Read up before we talk.

E-book

Your guide to the GmbH in Germany

Formation, capital, notary, taxes: the complete overview.

Article

Understanding the freelancer visa

Who qualifies and what the authorities look for.

Article

Germany’s recognition partnership visa

Work in Germany while your qualification is recognised.

Find out if your plan qualifies

Answer a few short questions. If your plan is a fit, you can book a free strategy session right away.