Strategy & eligibility review
We assess your entrepreneurial experience, project, financing framework and the most suitable route into Germany.
↗ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN GERMANY
Build your company
in Germany.
We guide international entrepreneurs from a viable business idea and a German company to the structured preparation of a residence permit under Section 21 of the German Residence Act.
GermanyEstablish your company
§21Prepare your residence
360°On-the-ground support
Your path to Germany
One company. One family.
One future.
A successful Section 21 strategy is not built around a single form. It brings together entrepreneurial substance, credible financing and professional implementation in Germany.
3 years§21 (4)
A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE
A potential path to permanent residence
A managing director who lives and works in Germany as a self-employed entrepreneur under Section 21(1) may apply for a German settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis—sometimes informally called a “German green card”) after three years. This is possible when the business has been successfully established, further sustainable development can be expected and the applicant’s and dependent family members’ living costs are secured.
Eligibility is assessed individually by the competent immigration authority; permanent residence is not automatic.What we do for you
From the first idea to
your operational launch.
GG&C combines strategic advice, practical company-formation support and structured residence-application preparation.
Company formation or acquisition
From legal form and notary coordination to the Commercial Register, trade registration and preparation for a business bank account.
↗Business plan & financial model
A robust concept including market and competitor analysis, capital requirements and a realistic three-year forecast.
↗Section 21 application preparation
We structure the documentation, coordinate the parties involved and prepare a coherent package for the competent authorities.
↗Market entry & compliance
Support with registrations, ongoing administration, evidence and an organised start to business operations in Germany.
↗Family & long-term perspective
Planning for family reunification, residence renewal and the long-term development of your business in Germany.
↗GG&CGERMANY BUSINESS
Who is Section 21 suitable for?
Substance matters more
than promises.
Your project should match your experience, demonstrate credible economic value and have a sound financial basis.
- ✓Relevant business experienceEntrepreneurial, management or industry experience relevant to the planned company
- ✓English or GermanAble to communicate effectively in English or German
- ✓Bachelor’s degreeNot mandatory, but an advantage when it supports the business concept
- ✓Viable business & financingA realistic concept and sufficient capital for the company and living costs
The process
Clearly structured.
Step by step.
The exact sequence is tailored to your individual case, nationality and chosen business model.
Initial review
Goals, experience, capital and business idea
Strategy
Formation, investment or company acquisition
Foundation
Business plan, forecast and financing
Implementation
Notary, register, account and application package
Launch
Entry, registrations and business operations
Questions & answers
Practical answers.
Before you begin.
These answers provide general orientation. The competent German authorities assess every residence case individually.
01Can I bring my family to Germany?+
In principle, your spouse and unmarried minor children can apply for family reunification. The specific requirements—such as valid passports, sufficient living costs, health insurance and, depending on the case, accommodation or language evidence—are assessed individually.
02Do I have to stay in Germany all the time?+
You may travel, but a Section 21 residence permit is intended for genuinely living in Germany and actively managing the German business. A residence title can expire if you leave Germany for a reason that is not temporary or if you do not return within six months, unless the foreigners authority has set a longer period in advance.
03Is there a fixed minimum investment?+
No generally fixed minimum amount applies to every Section 21 project. The authorities consider the viability of the business idea, financing, economic interest or regional need and the expected positive effects of the project.
04Do I need a bachelor’s degree?+
A bachelor’s degree is not a general statutory requirement for a Section 21 self-employment application. Relevant entrepreneurial, management or industry experience and a credible business concept are central; a suitable degree can strengthen the profile.
05Is permanent residence guaranteed after three years?+
No. A self-employed person may qualify to apply after three years if the business has been successfully established, sustainable development is expected and the living costs of the applicant and dependent family members are secured. The authority decides each case individually.
“
We translate an international business idea into a credible German venture — strategic, understandable and close to implementation.
YS
Yanan ShangguanFounder & Managing Director · GG&C GmbH
Your next step
Is your project
ready for Germany?
Begin with a structured initial assessment. We review your profile, business idea and the next realistic steps.
Every case is assessed individually under Section 21 of the German Residence Act. There is no generally fixed minimum investment and no guarantee that a visa or residence permit will be granted. Final decisions rest with the competent German authorities.
Legal notice
Imprint
Tübingerstraße 26
72202 Nagold
Germany
Managing Director: Yanan Shangguan
Responsible for editorial content pursuant to § 18(2) MStVYanan Shangguan
Tübingerstraße 26 · 72202 Nagold
Registered at Stuttgart Local Court · HRB 783483
Contactinfo@gg-c.org
+49 1575 9357260
Information on this website is general and does not constitute legal advice. GG&C GmbH does not guarantee the granting of a visa or residence permit.