Although Germany does not have a Golden Visa program, you can still obtain German citizenship by investing if you start a business that meets an economic interest or need. Through this route, you can obtain a residence permit and become a German citizen after six to eight years.
To invest in Germany, you must apply for a self-employed visa (also known as a “business visa” or “visa to start a business”), as stated in Article 21 of the German Residence Act. This visa allows you to enter Germany to start a business or business.
How to obtain German citizenship by investment?
To become a German citizen by investment, you must apply for a self-employment (entrepreneur) visa and start a business that will make a significant contribution to the German economy – including hiring at least five new employees. You must also live and integrate into German society for at least six years before submitting a citizenship application.
Although it is not a direct path to citizenship, through the entrepreneurial visa you can expect to become a permanent resident of Germany after just three years and a citizen after six years. This is an expedited process, as most expats only obtain permanent residency after four to five years.
Requirements for Germany Self-Employment Visa
To apply for a self-employment visa and start a business in Germany, you must meet the following requirements:
- You need to create a comprehensive business plan, outlining your goals.
- You must have relevant business experience.
- Your company or business must have a positive impact on the German economy and meet regional or economic demand.
- Your business or company must hire at least five new people in Germany.
- You must obtain the necessary financing for the business via equity or a loan commitment.
- You must not have a criminal history.
When planning an investment abroad, you should seek professional advice. The team of experts La Vida – Golden Visas have years of experience in international investments, finance and immigration. They can advise you on areas where you can get the most out of your investment, to increase your chances of success.
Minimum investment
There is no minimum amount required for a German entrepreneur visa. However, an unofficial recommendation is that you should plan to invest at least €360,000. This sum shows that your investment will meet all the requirements set by the German government.
How quickly can I obtain German citizenship after starting a business?
After setting up a business in Germany, you can obtain German citizenship after six to eight years. The step-by-step process is as follows:
| Create a business plan | You must work with legal, financial and immigration experts to create a business plan that meets Germany’s investment requirements, such as advisors from the life or lawyers to Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte.
The plan should be comprehensive, detailing every aspect of your idea and explaining why it will have a positive impact on the economy. It will be examined by the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Germany. |
| Apply for a self-employment visa at the German Embassy | If the Chamber of Commerce approves your business plan, you must request a self-employment visa for entrepreneurial activities at the German embassy in your country.
This visa allows you to enter Germany with the intention of starting a business. |
| Obtain a temporary residence permit | When you enter Germany, you receive a temporary residence permit from the foreigners authority. This is issued for three years and is renewable.
The temporary residence permit allows you to live and run your business in Germany. |
| Obtain a German settlement permit | After three years of uninterrupted residence in Germany, you can become an established (permanent) resident.
With a German settlement permit, you benefit from greater security regarding your residence status. |
| Apply for German citizenship | Once you have lived in Germany continuously for a total of eight yearsyou can apply for naturalization as a German citizen.
If you are highly integrated into German society and speak the German language fluently, you can apply for citizenship after only six years of uninterrupted residence. |
Time lapse
Here is an overview of the deadlines for obtaining German citizenship via business investment:
- It takes four to six months to obtain a visa and have your business plan approved.
- It takes three years temporary residence in Germany to become a permanent (settled) resident.
- We need another one three to five years to become eligible for naturalization as a German citizen.
Can I bring my family members?
Yes, if you invest/start a business in Germany, you And Your immediate family members can apply for a German visa. After a few years, you can all apply for permanent resident status or German citizenship. You can include the following family members in your application:
- Your spouse or partner.
- Your dependent children under 18 years old.
- Any adult child who is dependent on you or your spouse, either financially or due to a health problem.
Your family members can work or study in Germany and can apply for permanent residency after five years.
Documents required for a German entrepreneur visa
When applying for a German entrepreneur (self-employment) visa, you need the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- Passport size photo.
- Complete business plan.
- Overall financing plan.
- Proof that you have the funds necessary for the investment.
- A document proving the origin of your funds.
- Registration in the German commercial register.
- A document proving that your university education is relevant to your business idea.
- Your CV. It must include your professional and educational qualifications, certificates and any references.
- Proof of residence in Germany. You must provide a rental agreement or proof of ownership to prove that you have accommodation in Germany.
- Health insurance certificate. You must prove that you and your family all have German health insurance, either public or private.
- If you are over 45: Proof of a retirement plan, such as savings, pension, private pension or life insurer, etc.
Note: The exact documents required differ depending on your nationality, your investment type, and whether your family is joining you.
If you would like professional legal assistance when applying for German citizenship by investment, call upon the expert services of Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte. The advantage of professional legal advice is that they can advise you based on their experience of the process and ensure that your application meets exactly the requirements required by the German authorities.
Advantages of investing in Germany
The advantages of investing in Germany are:
- Germany is one of the strongest economies in the world. Germany’s strong economy, central location, open market (and being very welcoming to new investors) make it one of the best countries to invest in.
- You can bring your immediate family members with you. Your spouse/partner and children can accompany you to Germany. They will have the same rights as you in terms of education, work, health care and residence.
- The quality of life in Germany is one of the best in the world. This includes social security, education, employment opportunities as well as health care.
- This leads to a German passport. After six to eight years, you become eligible for a German passport, which means you will have visa-free access to more than 145 countries around the world.
- You will have access to the EU. As a permanent resident of Germany, you can visit all EU countries without visa. And if you end up getting German citizenshipyou can freely move, work and invest in any EU country.
- Germany is simply a great place to live. From the universal health care system to world-renowned universities, seamless infrastructure, and beautiful, historic sites across the country, Germany is a great place to live and raise a family.
Can I get a German visa by investing in real estate?
Technically, you cannot obtain German citizenship or permanent residency simply by investing in real estate. However, if you can live in Germany relying solely on your own funds, then you can obtain a temporary residence permit if you purchase real estate. With a residence permit granted for this purpose, you are not authorized to carry out any economic activity.
It is not certain whether you will become eligible for German citizenship or permanent residency through this route.
Can I have dual citizenship in Germany?
Usually, Germany does not allow dual citizenship, so you will most likely have to renounce your current citizenship. However, in certain very specific cases, the German authorities may authorize you to keep both nationalities. For example, if your home country makes it particularly difficult to renounce citizenship. For more information, read Dual German nationality And Dual German/American citizenship.
Other ways to obtain citizenship in Germany
Other alternatives to obtain a residence permit/EU citizenship through investments
Did you find this page useful?
Yes No
