Starting a Business in Berlin

10 11 Starting a Business in Berlin A Beginner’s Guide here at present and this figure is still on the rise. Berlin is en- tirely surrounded by the neighbouring state of Brandenburg, which means that actually around four million people live in the wider Berlin area. There are 12 districts that function as independent administrative bodies. Each of these districts has developed in its own distinct way, offering flair and charm in abundance. But just as in every city, searching for accommo- dation is no mean feat. Fortunately, the city’s dedicated online search portal for apartments to rent or buy offers a great overview of what’s available. This independent site includes a whole host of properties currently listed on the market. Administrative structure (bodies, districts) Berlin is an independent federal state within Germany. Each district operates as an independent administrative unit with its own administrative bodies and authorities. This means that each district has a: ls Regulatory agency ls Tax office ls Commerce/Trade office If you want to have something regulated or approved for your company, the relevant office is often in the district where your company is based. On the other hand, if you need documents for personal use, the relevant office can be found in the area where you live. Miscellaneous (accounts and banking) This section explains key terms that are likely to crop up in everyday life in Germany, such as bank account, tax ID num- ber, health insurance and national insurance number. Finding an apartment berlin.de/en Keyword: „apartment“ tially treated no differently to German citizens with regard to employment. EU and EEA citizens can therefore travel to Ger- many for work without a visa or any other special residence permit. All they have to do is notify the relevant registration authorities. Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland within the meaning of Section 1 (2) No. 6 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU and the United States of America may also enter and stay in the federal territory without a visa for a stay that is not a short stay. A re- quired residence title can be obtained in the federal territory. Foreign nationals from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland require the appropriate residency documentation (such as a visa, residence permit or settlement permit) to undertake any kind of employment or self-employment within Germany. A tourist or business visa will not suffice. Company founders and employees who do not yet have an appropriate residence permit must have successfully applied for one before taking up their employment. The application for a residence permit is to be submitted either to the German foreign representation agency (embassy, consulate) or – if the applicant already has another residence permit for Germany – to the responsible immigration authority. Only nationals of what are known as “preferential countries” (USA, Canada, Israel, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand) can apply directly from within Germany under any circumstances for a residence permit that allows them to go about their work. Living in Berlin (discovering the city, finding somewhere to live, registering your accommodation) As well as being the capital of Germany, Berlin is also the country’s largest city. More than three million people live Information about residence permits ihk-berlin.de/ non-eu-entrepreneurs CHAPTER 1