Entrepreneurs, freelancers and investors come to Germany to set up and invest, or to expand their existing business or transfer it to Germany. As a rule, companies are founded in a jurisdiction that is unfamiliar to the entrepreneur. Just as specialised lawyers and tax advisors are hired, a specialised insurance broker should also be hired by the entrepreneurs to take over the risk management. In this context, the spheres of protection of the corporate client are very far-reaching and deal not only with insurance issues but also with contractual issues, powers of attorney, legal issues and much more. As a specialised commercial insurance broker, we advise you on all these topics and often inform the insurers about new industries, job titles and business fields that do not yet exist in Germany.
Business immigration- Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Procedure for entrepreneurs and freelancers
1. Preparation of the business plan
The German business development institutions must write an opinion for the immigration authorities as to whether the business has a chance of success. Time should be invested in the business plan in advance.
2. Visa application
One of the first steps is to apply for a D visa at the relevant German mission abroad. Here, an incoming insurance policy must be presented to the German mission abroad.
- Incoming insurance
3. Preparation of the documents for the company formation
If the entrepreneur wishes to establish a corporation in Germany, the relevant documents should already be prepared at a German notary so that the company can be established during the stay through the visa.
4. Establishing the company
As a rule, a personal appearance before a German notary is a prerequisite for the legally binding formation of a company. The shareholders' agreement is drawn up and the order for entry in the commercial register is sent to the local court.
5. Open a business account
To set up a company, a business account must be opened in the name of the company, as the payment of the nominal capital is a mandatory requirement for entry in the commercial register.
6. Business registration
In addition, in the case of a non-freelance activity, the business must be registered with the competent trade office. This is usually the time when the insurance policies should have their start date.
- Liability insurance (business liability, property damage liability, product liability, environmental liability)
- Directors & Officers - Insurance
- Legal protection insurance (company legal protection, labor legal protection, criminal law protection)
- Property insurance (content insurance, electronics insurance, machine insurance)
7. Registration of an apartment
The entrepreneur must also live somewhere and be registered. He needs a confirmation of registration and a tax identification number. The landlord usually requires the following insurances:
8. Application for a residence permit
The visa must be converted into a valid residence title. Depending on the title, the validity is 1-4 years. The German Aliens' Registration Office requires comprehensive health insurance cover that meets certain conditions.
9. Extension / Settlement permit
After expiry of the duration, the title can usually be extended or an unlimited residence permit can be applied for. In this case, the Foreigners' Registration Office requires appropriate old-age provision and employment insurance.
- Old-age provision (private pension insurance, company pension insurance, fund policies)
- Manpower protection (occupational disability, dread disease, basic skills)
What insurance do I need?
Incoming Insurance
Incoming insurance is taken out for (first) entry into Germany and is a prerequisite for the granting of a visa. It is limited in time and does not represent complete comprehensive health insurance cover! As soon as the legally required comprehensive health insurance cover takes effect, this insurance can be cancelled or does not have to be renewed.
We cooperate with Care Concept AG, among others, as a solid and reliable partner in this area!
Personal liability and household contents insurance
In Germany, it is obligatory to register when moving into a flat. The registration is done by means of a landlord's confirmation from the landlord or the property management. Landlords usually require private liability and household insurance so that damages in the flat can be paid without major problems. Talk to us!
Private comprehensive health insurance
The substitutive health insurance is required for the issuance of the residence permit. This can either be the private comprehensive health insurance (mostly for self-employed persons) or the statutory health insurance (mostly for employees). Both are accepted by the Aliens' Registration Office as health insurance for long-term residence and must be proven when the residence title is issued.
We cooperate with Hallesche Versicherung a.G., among others, as a solid and reliable partner in this area!
Statutory health insurance
Statutory health insurance is the main insurance provider in Germany and is compulsory for employees. Self-employed persons can only join if they have certain periods of prior insurance or if they were previously employed in Germany. Contact us for a check.
Among others, we cooperate with Techniker Krankenkasse K. ö. R. as a solid and reliable partner in this area!
Business insurance
When setting up a business (registration in the commercial register and/or business registration), various insurances such as liability, contents and legal protection insurance must be taken out. Compulsory insurance exists for some industries. If you are setting up a company, please contact us!
Pension insurance / worker protection
When extending or applying for a permanent residence permit, proof of sufficient old-age provision and employment insurance is usually required. This can be in the form of assets, a pension insurance policy privately or via your own company (bAV) or also via proof of payments into the statutory pension insurance. Contact us!
Among others, we cooperate with the Allianz Insurance Group as a solid and reliable partner!
