Start your business as an international student
Many students of Rhine-Waal University come up with business ideas during their studies. We support all students, alumni and employees from EU and non-EU countries in their entrepreneurial activities.
Students from the European Union, European Economic Area countries or Switzerland are free to establish a business in Germany. International students from non-EU countries, who would like to become self-employed in Germany need a residence permission for self-employment first.
Information for non-EU students
The way to your own business should be properly planned. International students from non-EU countries should be aware of the following regulations, when starting up a business in Germany:
Quick facts
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Visa for self-employment
As an international student of Rhine-Waal University, you have a residence permission only for your studies. You are legally able to start a self-employment activity in Germany, only when your visa states "Erwebstätigkeit gestattet".
You can apply for the authorization of your self-employment (Erlaubnis zur Ausübung einer Selbstständigkeit) at foreigners´authority (Ausländerbehörde).
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Self-employment and success of your studies
When applying for the self-employment visa, you will be asked for a written provement that the self-employment activity will not hinder the success of your studies at our university and for a written business plan.
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Part-time business
International students from non-EU countries who successfully gained visa for self-employment are allowed to work only part-time in their business, as their focus should be on studies.
More information about the whole process of becoming self-employed in Germany for international students, alumni and university employees can be found here:
https://www.wir-gruenden-in-deutschland.de/en/start-a-business-in-germany/
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