Business in Germany for Russians: advantages, features, ideas, registration

Germany is a European country considered the standard of stability. That is why this state attracts not only tourists, but also entrepreneurs who are going to start their own business. The attractiveness of doing business in Germany is due to the fact that the country's government fully supports the development of entrepreneurial activity, creating the most comfortable conditions for businessmen. This applies not only to young enterprises, but also to the purchase of an existing business.

At the same time, the state does not focus on the mandatory acquisition of citizenship. The main thing is to develop the country's economy.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing business in Germany

• Relatively low interest rates. In particular, you can take out a loan for the development of your business at 4% per annum.
• Highly qualified employees. Here, even salespeople and cashiers cannot start work without receiving specialized education. The average term of study is 2-3 years.
• Hourly pay. In Germany, there is no such thing as a minimum wage. This means that the business owner pays the employee only for the work actually done.
• Grace period. For the first 3 years, the entrepreneur is not bothered by visits from the tax and fire service employees, and other supervisory authorities.
• Branding. The fact that the product is made by a German company is a good advertisement in itself. This guarantees increased demand in the consumer market.
• Legal cleanliness. There are no gray business schemes, kickbacks and other negative aspects inherent in Russian realities in the country. It follows that an entrepreneur can develop, open branches and auxiliary production, without spending most of the capital on bribes to officials and officials.
• Government support. This is reflected in subsidizing businesses, providing commercial risk insurance services at preferential rates.

Of course, opening a business in Germany also has drawbacks that our compatriots need to know about:

• First, there is a difference in mentality. A German worker cannot be forced to stay overtime by promising a day off or a thank you. If a person is delayed at work at the request of the employer, he is paid a bonus or hourly rate.
• Secondly, there is very tough competition in the country, so not every project is guaranteed a successful start.

Promising areas of activity

• Real estate. There are two options here: resale or rent. In the first case, it is better to start construction from scratch or invest in houses under construction. In the second, the guarantee of success is the location of the object, and the attractiveness of the area for tourists or guest workers.
• Cosmetic services. The Germans are very scrupulous about their appearance, therefore, hairdressing salons, spa salons, fitness rooms, and massage parlors are developing well in the country. However, here you need to know that such activities are subject to compulsory licensing, and there is no place for specialists with dubious qualifications.
• Catering establishments. It is noteworthy, but in order to develop in this direction, you do not need to reinvent the wheel and attract customers with exotic dishes and loud names. Germans prefer simple but tasty food. Therefore, small cafes are in demand, offering visitors grilled chicken, sandwiches, pancakes and fried sausages. The main thing is not to forget to include beer in the assortment - this is a favorite drink of burghers.
• Handicrafts. Products from the handmade category are in demand in Germany. Therefore, you can open a small workshop, offering clients paintings, woodcarving, weaving from a vine, etc. There will be demand for such goods, but the number of clients and cost depend solely on the talent of the master.

Forms of legal ownership in Germany

• Aktiengesellschaft. This is the Russian analogue of a joint stock company established by individuals or organizations. Such a company can be created by one or several participants, while the authorized capital is formed in the form of shares, which are divided between the members of the JSC. According to the current law, the par value of a security cannot be less than 1 euro. If this requirement is not met, the issue of shares is considered invalid.
• GmbH. In its full version, it sounds like Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, and in fact, this form of enterprise is a limited liability company. The founders can be private and legal entities who are property liable. To set up such an enterprise will require 25,000 euros at a minimum.
• OffeneHandelsgesellschaft. This is the name of a partnership with unlimited liability. In theory, an unlimited number of participants can be the founders of such enterprises. The form of ownership itself does not belong to a legal entity, although it enjoys all the benefits and privileges relevant to this legal status. The organization is jointly managed - all founders have the right to vote and participate in decision-making.
• Kommanditgesellschaft. This is a limited partnership or a limited partnership. The organization belongs to the mixed type of management, the responsibility of the participants is limited. To register such a partnership, you will need an authorized capital of 50,000 euros.

Obtaining a business visa to Germany

This will require the following documents:

• Foreign passport and a photocopy of the first page. The validity of the document must exceed the time spent in the country by at least 3 months.
• Profile. You can get it at the office of the visa service or the diplomatic mission of Germany. Filled in with your own hand, certified with a personal signature.
• Medical insurance. Must meet the requirements of the Schengen area, be valid for the entire period of stay, have a minimum insurance coverage of 30,000 euros.
• Russian passport or notarized photocopy of all completed pages.
• Photos. Needed in an amount of 3 pieces, format 3.5 * 4.5 cm. / Ul>

  Opening a private enterprise on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany can result in the solution of a difficult task for a Russian expat, namely, resettlement to the European Union.

  With the right set of tools, tips and tricks - this can be easily wrapped up in no time.

  I personally know that Germany is a great place to do business. Therefore, I will briefly and informatively explain how the process takes place and how much money is required.

  You will be allowed to open a business in Germany, but only the one that the country needs at the present time. A business plan can prove attractiveness.

  The German economy will happily provide a favorable business environment for foreigners and will in no way limit growth and the search for new avenues of expansion - provided that this does not interfere with the domestic employment market.

  However, with the advantages one should expect difficulties, and also inevitably be prepared for fierce competition.

  In order not to disturb local traders, the Bundestag regulates the list of all activities open to foreign investment by the German Chamber of Commerce

  There are limitations among it. For example, strictly regulated:

  • medical ;
  • engineering ;
  • construction ;

  or other professional activity requiring certain educational degrees and special permits - Gewerbeerlaubnis - from departmental institutions at the local level.

  registration stage

  These are vital steps you need to take to start your business. They consist of solving 3 key questions:

  Germany is generally considered one of the most highly developed and prosperous countries in the European Union. Therefore, many Russians seek to open their own business here. After all, for this there are all the conditions and prerequisites for the success of the future enterprise. Let's take a closer look at which business in Germany is the easiest to open? And what is needed for this?

  Business in Germany: the pros

  There are more advantages of starting a business in Germany than disadvantages.

  So, the main advantages:

  Cons of doing business in Germany

  But just as there is a fly in the ointment in every barrel of honey, there are also pitfalls and disadvantages here. Which ones?

  • High competition;
  • Different mentality;
  • Tough sanctions in case of violation of the law.

  As you can see, there are much fewer minuses, and the pluses outweigh them. Therefore, the choice is yours.

  How to start a business in Germany

  What do you need to start your own business in this country?

  You have three options. The first is to find a reliable business partner in the country. The second is to buy a ready-made business. The third way is to take a loan from a German bank on favorable terms. The last option is the most optimal and simple. The interest rate is minimal, and the debt can be repaid within two decades.

  Basic steps to start your own business in Germany:

  Benefits of doing business in Germany

  Compared to other EU countries, Germany's political and economic systems are the most stable. Thanks to this, the country is considered one of the best in the European Union for small and medium-sized businesses.

  Modern Germany is interesting for domestic entrepreneurs who are looking for a way to open a company in another country. Germany attracts businessmen from all over the world for a variety of reasons. There are no restrictions on foreign capital, except for the company's obligation to record all financial transactions with banks.

  Why Germany?

  Any person with capital and skills can open their own company in Germany. The country is attractive for its favorable climate for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, state support, and the stability of the political and economic systems. Earnings in Germany are much higher than in other EU countries or Russia.

  Low loan rates

  If you have a positive credit history, you can count on getting loans from German banks. The average rate here is 4%, which is much more profitable than in domestic credit and financial institutions. Obtaining borrowed funds for a Russian business is usually impractical due to the additional rates of Russian banks.

  In Germany today you can get a loan for almost any type of business, including the service sector.

  Highly qualified staff

  The main feature of Germany is that it is customary to learn a profession here. Germans cannot imagine that a shop assistant can be without specialized education. An employee spends several years learning how to sell, studying the basics of legislation and even the psychology of sales.

  So you've decided to open a company. First, you need to consider the types of business in Germany, and choose the most suitable option for you. For late settlers, there are favorable conditions for the formation of the initial capital. But, further - your company will function the same as any other German company. Let's talk briefly about the possibilities.

  From this article you will learn:

  Let's start from the beginning

  You will most likely start with an IP. This is the simplest and most common form of business in Germany. Their activities are regulated by:

  Why is the IP status still convenient? You can have your own company, and work in parallel, for example.

  There are two types of individual entrepreneurs:

  • an entrepreneur doing business;
  • a free worker.

  Who is a free worker? Not everyone can be assigned this status. For example, doctors, architects, lawyers ... They have specialized education and they work in accordance with their profession. A doctor can open a private practice, for example.

  Programmers - that's interesting here. He can get the status of a free worker, but if he will simultaneously teach programming, and not write programs for clients.

  Here's another thing that interested me personally. A blog writer that generates income through advertising can also become a free worker. It is due to the fact that he receives his income through the channels of advertising in the blog. You see, a completely progressive approach to new professions!