Can I Start a Business in Germany on a Student Visa?

Yes, it is possible to establish a startup business in Germany while on a student visa, but there are important conditions and limitations:

1. Legal Basis

• Student visas in Germany allow limited self-employment or freelance work, but primarily you are expected to focus on your studies.

• To run a startup legally, you may need permission from the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

2. Steps and Considerations

1. Check visa conditions – Many student visas explicitly limit working hours (usually 120 full days or 240 half days per year) and may restrict self-employment.

2. Permission for self-employment – You must request authorization from the Ausländerbehörde to operate your business legally.

3. Business registration – You must register your business with the local trade office (Gewerbeamt) or, if freelance, with the tax office (Finanzamt).

4. Financing & viability – Authorities may ask for a business plan, financial proof, and explanation of how it won’t interfere with your studies.

3. Limitations

• You cannot automatically switch to unlimited residence rights; you remain on a student visa until graduation.

• Full-time business management may be restricted; authorities expect your main activity to remain studies.

• After graduation, you can switch to a residence permit for self-employment if the business is viable and meets financial and legal requirements.

Summary:

• Yes, you can start a business as a student, but only with permission and within visa restrictions.

• To grow the startup full-time or long-term, you may need to switch to a self-employment visa after graduation.