Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 1:36 pm-
Hello Kaju:
I am from Vancouver and currently live in German. Opening a business here depends a little on what type of business. I have my own business here but I work at home and have no employees (yet).
Actually getting a business license is not that difficult, just a fee etc.
Visas are a little tricky. If you are living with someone and they can support you till your on your feet, then you can apply for a resident visa which enables you to stay and live without a citizen status or work visa status. Otherwise, if you wish to arrive here because you have a job offer from a company here, usually the company will work out most of the details, (it takes time to ensure you are not taking a job from a German), and if that passes plus some other details then you can get a "working visa" relatively soon ... 1.5 - 3 months later - worst case.
You can always arrive here on your reg. travel visa which lasts 3 month and find work that way, but be prepared to wait for the paper work / red tape which Germany and the EU is famous for!
hope this helps
Monique