Munich's Business Startup Office

Start-up advice from the City of Munich

We offer support in the following areas to help you go self-employed:

Start-up formalities
Business plan
Choice of legal form and tax overview
Social and company insurance
Subsidies and financial aid
Seminars and events
Office space and start-up centers

Our services are free of charge. Please note that we cannot advise on insurance, tax, or legal issues.

The City of Munich offers its services to entrepreneurs as a partner of Munich’s Business Startup Office (MEB), a joint initiative with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) for Munich and Upper Bavaria.

Find the right point of contact quickly:

The Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK) offers advice on starting a skilled crafts business.
If you want to start a business in agriculture and forestry or hunting and fishing, you will find your point of contact here.
For start-ups from abroad your point of contact is here.
For non-EU citizens planning to set up a commercial / freelancing activity in Munich and who are going to apply for a visa for self-employment your point of contact is here.

Startup assistance by phone and email

We provide basic knowledge about starting a business or working in the liberal professions, and help you take the first steps towards self-employment.

To arrange an appointment for consultation please send us the completed appointment form (PDF, 35 KB) and note our information on data protection (PDF, 88 KB).

FAQ

Start-ups from abroad // How to open a branch office in Munich

Do you have a start-up and are you planning to settle in Munich?
Do you live abroad and are planning to open a business in Munich?

Finding the right contact person

Point of Single Contact (PSC) of the City of Munich

The Point of Single Contact for corporate services covers a broad spectrum. Frequently asked questions include forms of opening a office in Munich, licenses from the Immigration Authority or specific requirements to exercise a profession. PSC will guide and advise you through the local administration. Consulting services are offered in German and English and are free of charge. Visit the PSC website
Tel. +49 89 233-22070 | E-Mail: psc@muenchen.de

CCI – Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria (IHK für München und Oberbayern)

Information on company law:
Ms Petra Busse | Tel. +49 89 5116 1313 | E-Mail: Busse@muenchen.ihk.de
Ms Lidya Pfeffer | Tel. +49 89 5116 1427 | E-Mail: Pfeffer@muenchen.ihk.de
Informationen on foreigners law:
Herr Steffen Pollmer | Telefon +49 89 5116 1204 | E-Mail: Pollmer@muenchen.ihk.de
Information on employment law:
Frau Franziska Edlin | Telefon +49 89 5116 1490 | E-Mail: Edlin@muenchen.ihk.de

Invest in Bavaria – the Business Promotion Agency of the State of Bavaria

Invest in Bavaria supports companies from Germany and abroad and from a wide range of sectors. From location search to getting access to relevant partners and networks for your business. Their cross cultural teams provide you with all the important information, valuable contacts and customized support for your expansion project. The “Ois Easy” – a programme for start-ups from abroad is specifically designed for start-ups from abroad who want to open a new branch or a new office in Germany and establish themselves on the German market in the long term. Visit the website and find your contact person here

Germany Trade and Invest – Investment Guide to Germany

Germany Trade & Invest is the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. With more than 50 offices in Germany and abroad, and its network of partners throughout the world, GTAI supports German companies setting up in foreign markets, promotes Germany as a business location and assists foreign companies setting up in Germany. For initial information on entry regulations, company set up, corporation taxation, employees and social security and incentive programs please see the GTAI “Investment Guide to Germany”.

Need help to find a tax adviser or lawyer?

We have listed several options to help you with your search.

Do you you own a valid residence permit for the purpose of self-employed activity in Germany?

More information on the residence permit is available here