Can a single entry business visa to visit Germany be modified to make it multiple entry? How do you set up a business in Germany? And what if you are pregnant with a German's child and you want to move here? Expatica's resident lawyer Csilla Ivanyi answers your questions.

Vicki writes:

Is it possible for a Greek citizen to set up a self-employed business in Germany and pay taxes in Germany - assuming that they live in Germany for over 1 year - in order to avoid declaring the income in Greece? What would I need to start out?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Dear Vicki,

As an EU citizen you are, of course, entitled to settle in Germany and work here or establish your own business. As soon as your business is based in Germany you will have to pay taxes in Germany as well. If you don't live in Germany already, you would have to register with the police after moving here, then you will be allowed to work or found your company here without any further work or residence permit. Depending on what type of business you establish, there might be other permissions you have to obtain, though. Please don't forget to do a so-called "Gewerbeanzeige", which is a simple announcement to the authorities that you have started your own firm, and also to make such an announcement at the local tax authority.

Best regards,
Csilla Iványi
Attorney-at-law

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Swapnali writes:

I am from India. I have a question regarding business visas for Germany.

My friend had a business visa and he was here in Germany. It was a multiple entry visa. Then he extended it for 3 months and now it is single entry.

Can it be modified to multiple entry?

If it cannot be done, is there any other way for him to come here for a business trip immediately?

Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks.

Dear Swapnali,

Unfortunately the information provided is not sufficient to answer your question properly. On the homepage of the German foreign ministry (www.auswaertiges-amt.de) you will find a description of the different types of visa. If a Schengen visa, which is valid in all Schengen states, is being extended for more than a total of three months, by international law it has to be turned into a national visa without permission to enter other states. Usually at the same time also the right to enter more than once will be restricted. If you need more detailed information or special advice for a quick solution please contact me directly, because then you should provide me with much more information.

Best regards,

Csilla Iványi
Attorney-at-law

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Just what nationality is that unborn child anyway?

My partner is a German citizen and I am a Dominican citizen. He has asked me to marry him and move to Germany with him. I am afraid because I can't speak the language, and going through the long frustration in getting a visa, also I am 2 months pregnant and he is pushing me to have the baby in Germany. Please can I have some advice on this matter.

PS I would like to know how long it takes to get a visa for Germany after you get married to a German citizen and how long does it take to become a German citizen. I also would like to complete my teaching degree. Please help.

Dear Richie,

If you have a child with a German citizen, the child is automatically German too. It might be a lengthy procedure to get it acknowledged, but if you go to the Consulate together and have the father make an official statement about his fatherhood, it should be possible to get a German passport for the child. You will then be able to claim a visa for yourself.

You can also marry your German boyfriend, and if you want to move over to Germany you will also be able to claim a visa. With German relatives you are able to work in Germany or study, just as you like. With a German spouse you have to live in Germany for three years together, then you are entitled to apply for German citizenship.

Best regards,
Csilla Iványi
Attorney-at-law

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7 April 2006

Send a question to Csilla Iványi at germany@expatica.com

This article contains information of a general nature and should not be considered as legal advice.

Although the greatest care has been taken in drafting this article, it is possible that certain information may have become outdated or inaccurate since its publication.

Copyright Expatica 2006

Subject: Life in Germany, legal advice, ask our lawyer