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Business Immigration Service (BIS)

Foreign companies, managers, highly qualified specialists and their families can find answers to all questions relating to residence status through the Business Immigration Service (BIS).
The service began on March 7, 2007 following an agreement signed by representatives from the IHK and Berlin’s foreigner office. This company-friendly administrative service aims to improve the conditions in Berlin as a business location.

„We need more investors in Berlin for growth and jobs,“ noted IHK managing director Jan Eder at the opening. „Berlin, financially relatively weak, does not have the money to entice companies to come to the city. It is that much more important to offer excellent service and to have a company-friendly administrative structure. That is the only way for us to succeed in the competition between European regions.

What is the BIS?

The BIS is a unique collaboration of the relevant players from business and administration for answering visa questions.

The goal is to make the start in Berlin as easy as possible for investors, companies and qualified employees.

What are the BIS’s advantages?

Competent advisors and set, individual contacts
Close cooperation of all involved parties and knowledge of procedures
An employee from the foreigner office conveniently arranges appointments
The application process is expedited

Which services does the BIS offer?

Information about becoming self employed or starting a business in Berlin (§ 21 Aufenthaltsgesetz, the law governing foreign residents)
Advice for employers on hiring foreign workers
First applications and renewals for residence permits (Aufenthalts- und Niederlassungserlaubnis) – there is a fee for permits
Request for the employment office to approve the work permit

Who profits from the BIS?

Investors and companies from specific branches
Highly qualified specialists and executives from globally active companies
College and university graduates (not students)

Berlin Partner and the IHK arrange for the first appointment.

For investors and companies:

Berlin Partner’s areas of expertise

Services
Manufacturing Industries, Mobility and Clean Technologies
Life Sciences
Media, ICT and Creative Industries

For entrepreneurs and companies:

IHK branches

Banks and Insurance Companies
Construction and Real Estate Industry
General Services
Health Industry
Trade
Industry
IT Industry
Creative Industry
Tourism
Transport

Who is active in the BIS?

Normally, foreign citizens require a visa to enter and reside in Germany. Citizens of certain countries are exempt if they wish to reside in Germany for up to three months as a tourist/visitor without employment.

Following are general instructions and forms for the application. If you have questions, please call one of the service partners; we are pleased to be of assistance.