Perhaps it’s the famous German aversion to risk but foreigners have found a unique niche in Berlin setting up small businesses. It’s hard to find a new bar or restaurant that wasn’t launched by someone from outside the country. The German government has set a steep hurdle for entrepreneurs looking for a permanent residency permit, but authorities are sometimes willing to grant limited residency visas to people starting a new business – after all, you’ll be paying taxes on all that loot. The key is to create a viable business plan and get it approved by the German chamber of commerce (known as the Industrie und Handelskammer or IHK; see www.berlin.ihk24.de). An approved business plan together with proof you’ll be able to finance the venture can convince authorities to grant you permission but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.