I moved to Berlin almost three years ago, and extended/expanded my company here. I am not a start-up, though I am developing a product, but more of a one-man consulting shop.
Getting a self-employed VISA is not easy unless you have some serious credentials. My partner has three degrees, two post-graduate, from highly regarded US universities; an extensive profile of speaking engagements; a very, very solid financial standing; and a solid business plan. The IHK (who reviews all business plans for self-employed applications) still said "No" but begrudgingly gave the green-light when presented with a book contract from a well known technical publisher.
I have no degrees, but a financially viable consulting business of some years, and a lengthy professional background. Three years later, over 12 foreigners office appointments, a UG (affectionately known as the mini-GmbH) with over 12K founding capital, a high-priced lawyer, over a 120K in USDEUR transfers, and a visit from the police to confiscate my passport over Christmas, my self-employment visa is no further along than the day I first submitted it.
Still, incomparably better than US immigrations. I'm certainly stuck in some weird, exceptional state that has confused even my lawyer.
Consider Berlin. It is wonderful here, definitely. Rents are rising, however, and (sadly, in my opinion) you do not need to learn German. I know of far too many people who have spent numerous years here without speaking more than a phrase or two of deutsche.
If you want to start a company/be self-employed DO NOT follow the (typische amerikanische) DIY process. Factor in costs for tax advisers and lawyers.
If you recently graduated or are still in school: Irish working holiday
I'm sure there are others, but those are what come to mind if you're an American who wants to live/work and Europe and you don't have a sponsor and aren't funded (if you have capital, you have far more options, of course).
Also, note that if you _do_ get a Blue Card it lets you work in most of the EU
"..The Blue Card is an approved EU-wide work permit (Council Directive 2009/50/EC)[1] allowing high-skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in any country within the European Union, excluding Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom.."
Though that is subject to change depending on the political climate.
Getting a self-employed VISA is not easy unless you have some serious credentials. My partner has three degrees, two post-graduate, from highly regarded US universities; an extensive profile of speaking engagements; a very, very solid financial standing; and a solid business plan. The IHK (who reviews all business plans for self-employed applications) still said "No" but begrudgingly gave the green-light when presented with a book contract from a well known technical publisher.
I have no degrees, but a financially viable consulting business of some years, and a lengthy professional background. Three years later, over 12 foreigners office appointments, a UG (affectionately known as the mini-GmbH) with over 12K founding capital, a high-priced lawyer, over a 120K in USDEUR transfers, and a visit from the police to confiscate my passport over Christmas, my self-employment visa is no further along than the day I first submitted it.
Still, incomparably better than US immigrations. I'm certainly stuck in some weird, exceptional state that has confused even my lawyer.
Consider Berlin. It is wonderful here, definitely. Rents are rising, however, and (sadly, in my opinion) you do not need to learn German. I know of far too many people who have spent numerous years here without speaking more than a phrase or two of deutsche.
If you want to start a company/be self-employed DO NOT follow the (typische amerikanische) DIY process. Factor in costs for tax advisers and lawyers.