Hello, new to the board!

I was wondering if anyone out there can offer me any info on opening up a company in Germany....what the necessary steps are, a checklist of sorts! Also if anybody has any useful information regarding residency and work permits for canadians in Germany, would be greatly appreciated! Greetings to all from sunny Spain!

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