Ukrainians in Germany who cannot find a job or want to return to professional activity are increasingly considering the possibility of officially opening a business. In 2025, this remains a complex but realistic procedure that requires legal training, financial discipline and consideration of the specifics of German law.
After the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians arrived in Germany as refugees. Some of them received temporary protection, some received permission to stay on other grounds. During the first months of stay, the issues of security, housing, access to medicine and education were prioritized. But later the key question of a long-term stay arose: employment. In conditions where it is difficult to find work in German companies due to the language barrier, unrecognized diplomas or family circumstances, some Ukrainians began to consider business registration as a tool for returning to economic independence.
Germany allows foreigners to open a business, but only if they have the appropriate permit. The first thing a Ukrainian should check is whether he has the official right to self-employment (Selbständigkeit). Its presence is indicated in the document confirming the residence permit. If there is no such mark, business registration is prohibited. In this case, it is necessary to submit an application to the Ausländerbehörde, add a business plan, justify the benefits for the German economy, provide information on sources of funding, and also confirm expertise in the declared field.
Next, the Ukrainian should choose the legal form of the business. The easiest way is to register as an Einzelunternehmen — that is, an individual entrepreneur. This option is suitable for self-employed persons who work without employees and do not need a complex structure. Registration takes place at the local Gewerbeamt office. Required documents: passport, residence permit, description of type of activity. The cost is from 15 to 50 euros, depending on the region. After that, the person receives a Gewerbeanmeldung – a document confirming the right to conduct business activities.
After registration with the Gewerbeamt, the data is automatically transferred to the tax office (Finanzamt), which sends the entrepreneur a special form. Based on the submitted data, a person is given a tax number, tax payment obligations are determined, and also registered in the VAT system, if provided.
If a person has a specialty in a so-called liberal profession – for example, a journalist, translator, programmer, architect, psychologist, designer – he can claim the status of Freiberufler. This means that its activities are not subject to mandatory registration at the Gewerbeamt, but must be declared at the Finanzamt. The tax assesses whether the activity really meets the criteria of a free profession. This status simplifies the administrative burden — in particular, the specialist does not pay trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) and does not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
For those Ukrainians who have a business idea that involves hiring employees, cooperation with partners or plans to expand, a more appropriate option is the registration of a legal entity – in particular, UG (Unternehmergesellschaft haftungsbeschränkt) or GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung). UG is a simplified form of GmbH that can be registered with a capital of €1 or more. However, the company’s profits are partially reserved until the company has accumulated €25,000, which meets the requirements for a GmbH. Registration of a UG or GmbH takes place through a notary, requires drawing up articles of association, opening an account, entering data into the Trade Register (Handelsregister). The cost is from 300 to 800 euros for a UG, and from 750 to 2,000 euros for a GmbH plus the authorized capital.
In addition, legal entities are required to submit annual financial statements, keep accounts, pay income tax (Körperschaftsteuer), trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) and VAT (Umsatzsteuer) if the company is registered as a payer. In many cases, the services of a tax consultant (Steuerberater) are required, especially if the entrepreneur has no experience in keeping financial records in Germany.
It should be borne in mind that after registering a business, an entrepreneur must independently submit tax returns, keep primary documentation, declare income, register employees (if any), draw up contracts for liability insurance and health insurance. Membership in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK or HWK) is mandatory for most forms of business, with the exception of certain liberal professions.
Separately, it should be emphasized that the presence of a business permit does not automatically grant the right to permanent residence or extension of temporary protection. If a person has opened a business and applies for a change of migration status (for example, from temporary protection to an entrepreneur visa), this application is considered separately and does not guarantee a positive decision. Much depends on the financial viability of the business, taxes paid and prospects for the future.
For Ukrainians who are still in Ukraine and plan to open a business in Germany, there is an opportunity to apply for a visa for self-employed persons (Selbständigkeit or Unternehmer-Visa). This is a long-term procedure that requires a detailed business plan, financial guarantees, justification of economic benefits for the region and confirmation of professional experience. But for those who really intend to work, it is a real tool for legal entry into the German market.
In general, the German system supports the initiative, but does not make exceptions. Those who follow the procedure have rights. For Ukrainian refugees, this is a challenge, because the war has put many in a position where there is little time for bureaucracy, and the vital need to earn money is urgent. And that is why many people try to start independent work without full legal registration, which carries the risk of both fines and loss of right of residence.
Business registration for a Ukrainian in Germany is not a gesture of trust in the system, but a response to necessity. This is not only an economic step, but also a way of integration into a society where the rules work but are not flexible. And that is why this path requires not an idea, but preparation. Not only motivation, but also patience. Not declarations, but evidence.
