You're starting a business in Germany. We handle the residence permit.

You're starting a business in Germany. We handle the residence permit.

For founders and entrepreneurs who want to build in Germany — not fight paperwork.

Self-Employment Residence Permit

Self-Employment Residence Permit

The residence permit for starting or running a business in Germany.

Overview

Overview

Germany wants founders, but the residence permit process doesn't make it easy.

You'll need a business plan that passes scrutiny, a financial plan, and evidence your company benefits the German economy.

One weak section and you're rejected. We help you build an application that holds up.

What's included

What's included

  • Application preparation

Optional add-ons : Business plan review, Financial plan review

  • Application submission

  • Follow-ups

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

The exact application types, fields, and situations.

All nationalities

All nationalities

Whether you're from India, Nigeria, Brazil, or anywhere else! Your nationality doesn't limit our ability to help.

Startup founders

Startup founders

You're launching a new company and need residency to operate in Germany.

Established business owners

Established business owners

You already run a business abroad and want to expand or relocate to Germany.

For all needs

For all needs

Application from scratch, Follow-ups, inaction lawsuit

Requirements

Requirements

Viable business concept with a clear plan

Sufficient capital or financing secured

Company registration

Positive impact (of the business) on the economy

Process & Timelines

Process & Timelines

Here's exactly what happens when you start with Drift.

1

You prepare your business description

You prepare your business description

And other supporting docs

2

We build your business plan and financial plan

We build your business plan and financial plan

We build your business plan and financial plan

We build your business plan and financial plan

3

We submit your application to the Immigration Office

We submit your application to the Immigration Office

Present your case at the Ausländerbehörde. We prep you on tough questions they might ask.

4

You attend your appointment

You attend your appointment

After approval, your electronic residence permit is ready for pickup.

5

Your permit is issued

Your permit is issued

You're officially approved. Pick up your residence permit and start your next chapter in Germany.

What it costs

What it costs

Drift Plans start at only €199, you can also split into a payment plan over 12 months starting at only €19/month.

We charge you one flat fee, Always

We charge you one flat fee, Always

You know the full cost upfront. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices. Lawyers only step in when necessary.

Higher Efficiency, Lower cost

Higher Efficiency, Lower cost

When lawyers are needed, We handle the admin and prep so they focus on review which keeps costs down for you.

Your exact price

depends on your case

Application type, responsible authority, and
level of legal support all affect the final quote.

Still hesitant ? Book a free intro call to get a clear number before you commit.

3 Reasons to apply with Drift.

3 Reasons to apply with Drift.

Every case is different, but these three things stay the same.

You end up paying less

One flat fee, no hourly billing. We automate the admin work so lawyers focus on review which keeps costs down for you.

99% of Applications with Drift get approved, on the first try!

99% of Applications with Drift get approved, on the first try!

We check every document and form before submission. Mistakes that cause rejections don't make it past our review.

You always stay on track

You always stay on track

You'll know what's happening at every step. No chasing, no radio silence. We update you before you have to ask.

By the people, for the people.

Inspired, Created and Driven by people like you

We’re driven by the people we serve: Immigrants, families, and founders whose journeys define the solutions we deliver.

"…I am so happy you are working to solve this …"

German bureaucracy is such a big issue here. I am so happy you are working to solve this problem; there is a lot of scope for improvement. I will sign up for sure. Wishing you lots of success. I hope this post reaches other immigrants as well

"Great first discussion"

Great first discussion, the team took their time to listen and understand what we wanted. Well done!

"This is amazing! Excellent work…"

This is amazing! Excellent work, especially in the times we are living in. I am an immigrant myself, which would be helpful before. Congratulations again!

"An outstanding experience"

My naturalization process had been stuck for months, but they were able to unblock it. Even if they hadn’t reached the final goal, the progress made was already an achievement because I hadn’t heard anything back from the LEA since the very beginning.

Drift asked me to submit my documents at the end of October, and just two months later after a little back and forth with the LEA, I received my citizenship appointment on December 23rd. The team is super responsive, professional, and clearly very competent. I couldn’t recommend them more. Getting the process completed in less than two months was totally worth it.

"Helpful, Patient, Prompt and Informative…"

The Drift Team was extremely helpful and provided great advice from the intro call and right through till the process was successfully completed.


Nouran, the head of immigration, was patient and prompt with all the information we asked and the follow ups with the LEA.


I would highly recommend reaching out to them if you face roadblocks in your immigration process.

"An outstanding experience"

My naturalization process had been stuck for months, but they were able to unblock it. Even if they hadn’t reached the final goal, the progress made was already an achievement because I hadn’t heard anything back from the LEA since the very beginning.

Drift asked me to submit my documents at the end of October, and just two months later after a little back and forth with the LEA, I received my citizenship appointment on December 23rd. The team is super responsive, professional, and clearly very competent. I couldn’t recommend them more. Getting the process completed in less than two months was totally worth it.

"…No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone…"

This hits home. I applied for German citizenship in 2022, finally got it in 2023—and even with all the privilege of stability and resources, the process was brutal.


So much waiting, so much paperwork, and so many moments of 'Did I mess this up?' I love what you're building with Drift. No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone. Making the process accessible? That's a game- changer. Cheering you on!

"…I am so happy you are working to solve this …"

German bureaucracy is such a big issue here. I am so happy you are working to solve this problem; there is a lot of scope for improvement. I will sign up for sure. Wishing you lots of success. I hope this post reaches other immigrants as well

"Helpful, Patient, Prompt and Informative…"

The Drift Team was extremely helpful and provided great advice from the intro call and right through till the process was successfully completed.


Nouran, the head of immigration, was patient and prompt with all the information we asked and the follow ups with the LEA.


I would highly recommend reaching out to them if you face roadblocks in your immigration process.

"Great first discussion"

Great first discussion, the team took their time to listen and understand what we wanted. Well done!

"An outstanding experience"

My naturalization process had been stuck for months, but they were able to unblock it. Even if they hadn’t reached the final goal, the progress made was already an achievement because I hadn’t heard anything back from the LEA since the very beginning.

Drift asked me to submit my documents at the end of October, and just two months later after a little back and forth with the LEA, I received my citizenship appointment on December 23rd. The team is super responsive, professional, and clearly very competent. I couldn’t recommend them more. Getting the process completed in less than two months was totally worth it.

"This is amazing! Excellent work…"

This is amazing! Excellent work, especially in the times we are living in. I am an immigrant myself, which would be helpful before. Congratulations again!

"…No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone…"

This hits home. I applied for German citizenship in 2022, finally got it in 2023—and even with all the privilege of stability and resources, the process was brutal.


So much waiting, so much paperwork, and so many moments of 'Did I mess this up?' I love what you're building with Drift. No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone. Making the process accessible? That's a game- changer. Cheering you on!

"An outstanding experience"

My naturalization process had been stuck for months, but they were able to unblock it. Even if they hadn’t reached the final goal, the progress made was already an achievement because I hadn’t heard anything back from the LEA since the very beginning.

Drift asked me to submit my documents at the end of October, and just two months later after a little back and forth with the LEA, I received my citizenship appointment on December 23rd. The team is super responsive, professional, and clearly very competent. I couldn’t recommend them more. Getting the process completed in less than two months was totally worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know Drift is legitimate?

Drift is legit. We’re a real German company, working with licensed immigration lawyers, built by immigrants who wanted something simpler, clearer, and actually helpful.

Why should I use Drift instead of going directly to a lawyer?

What makes Drift different from immigration agencies?

Do you actually work with the Ausländerbehörde?

How do I know Drift is legitimate?

Drift is legit. We’re a real German company, working with licensed immigration lawyers, built by immigrants who wanted something simpler, clearer, and actually helpful.

Why should I use Drift instead of going directly to a lawyer?

What makes Drift different from immigration agencies?

Do you actually work with the Ausländerbehörde?

How do I know Drift is legitimate?

Drift is legit. We’re a real German company, working with licensed immigration lawyers, built by immigrants who wanted something simpler, clearer, and actually helpful.

Why should I use Drift instead of going directly to a lawyer?

What makes Drift different from immigration agencies?

Do you actually work with the Ausländerbehörde?