Starting Up in Germany: Your First Steps through Bureaucracy

This workshop helps you navigate the German bureaucracy step by step. You will learn which legal requirements apply to you, how to choose the right business structure, and what administrative steps are necessary to get your startup officially off the ground. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls and where to find support as a non-German entrepreneur.
 

Workshop Agenda

1. Introduction

• Overview of the German startup landscape
• Typical challenges for international founders
• Goals and structure of the workshop

2. Legal Framework & Residence Permits

• Who is allowed to start a business in Germany?
• Residence titles for entrepreneurs and freelancers
• Required documents and application processes

3. Choosing the Right Legal Form

• Differences between Freiberufler, Einzelunternehmen, Personengeselschaft, UG (haftungsbeschränkt), and GmbH
• Liability, taxation, and administrative complexity

4. Registration and Bureaucratic Steps

• Business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung)
• Tax registration and obtaining a tax number
• Health insurance, social security, and other obligations

5. Financing and Support Structures

• Overview of public funding programs and startup grants
• University and local support networks for founders
• Tips for finding advisors and mentors

6. Q&A

• Open discussion and case-specific questions
• Wrap-up and feedback

Organizational Details:

Time: November 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM 
Location: StartUpLab 04.00.21
Instructor: Christian Pertack, Michael Cherkaskyy (SAXEED - TU Chemnitz)

Target Group: International students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Germany

Workshop language: English

Registration via the registration form

Questions? Write to startuplab@eah-jena.de!