Language barriers

A good command of German is still important in many areas for anyone starting up in business here in Germany. How else can you use all of the information that is so important when preparing to go into business? How can you get to know your market if you are not able to understand information provided in German? How can you explain your concept to the bank? Check whether your command of German is sufficient and, if not, attend a German course (German for foreigners) [Deutsch für Ausländer], e.g. at an adult education centre www.vhs.de.

Personal qualifications

Are you able to work independently, to make your own decisions, to assume responsibility? Can you lead and manage employees? Will your family support you in your endeavour? Not every entrepreneur will be able to meet all of these requirements.

Professional background

The key to the success of your going into business is mostly your skills and what you have learnt, i.e. your professional qualifications and ability. Check whether your qualifications are recognised in Germany. To find out more, go to: Recognition in Germany

Commercial skills

Being an expert who has a good idea or new product will not automatically make you a good entrepreneur. That's why you should make use of the courses and training programmes for people starting out in business which are on offer, for instance, from the Chambers of Industry and Commerce [Industrie- und Handelskammern (IHK)] and the Chambers of Skilled Crafts [Handwerkskammern (HWK)].