Germany Golden Visa | Do I Qualify for a Germany Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa scheme guarantees foreign investors a second passport in exchange for a substantial investment. These schemes are typically very expedited, and many countries offer citizenship after only a few days in the country.
In this regard, Germany does not have a Golden Visa program. Germany, on the other hand, has an investment program that can lead to German citizenship in as little as six years of residency. To take advantage of this program, you must apply for a self-employment visa to enter the country and establish your business investment.
Do I Qualify for a Golden Visa to Germany?
You must have a business plan that meets the following criteria to be eligible for Germany's so-called "Golden Visa."
- Positive economic impact in Germany.
- Satisfies an economic or regional need
- At least five full-time, permanent job positions are created.
Furthermore, you (the investor) must meet the following requirements:
- You must be of legal drinking age.
- You must not have a criminal history.
- You must have prior experience in the field of business you intend to start.
- You must secure the funds with either equity or a loan commitment.
Before you begin the investment process, you should consult with industry experts. La Vida - Golden Visas' financial, legal, and immigration advisors can help you determine whether your planned investment meets the criteria for Germany's scheme.
How Much Should You Invest in German Citizenship?
Unlike traditional Golden Visas, there is no minimum investment required to qualify for a German investment visa. It is recommended, however, that you invest at least €360,000. This demonstrates to German authorities that you can meet the investment criteria outlined (positive impact, economic need, job positions, etc).
A German entrepreneurial visa has no minimum requirement. However, an unofficial recommendation is that you invest at least €360,000. This amount indicates that your investment will meet all of the German government's requirements.
Permanent Residency in Germany through Investment
After three years, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany. To be eligible for permanent residency, you must live in Germany continuously (at least half the year) and demonstrate that Germany is your primary residence.
In contrast to typical Golden Visa schemes, in Germany you must actually integrate into society in order to qualify for settlement. Germany does not have a Golden Visa program or direct citizenship by investment. However, if you establish a qualifying business in Germany, you may be eligible for German residency. After three years, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
German Citizenship through Investment
After eight years of investment, you are eligible for a German passport. After six years, if you have completed an integration course and speak German fluently, you may apply for citizenship. You must have lived in Germany continuously during those years in both cases. The German passport allows you to travel visa-free to over 145 countries and to live, work, and invest anywhere in the European Union. After eight years, your family members can apply for naturalization as German citizens.
Germany does not have a Golden Visa program or direct citizenship by investment. However, if you establish a qualifying business in Germany, you may be eligible for German residency. After three years, you may be eligible for permanent residency. You may be eligible for German citizenship after spending a total of six to eight years in Germany.
If you want to go this route, you must demonstrate that your new business will significantly contribute to the German economy, such as by hiring at least five new employees. After completing your investment, you can expect to obtain permanent residency in Germany in three years. You must also have lived in Germany for an uninterrupted period of at least six years before applying for citizenship.
How To Get German Citizenship by Investment
After starting a business in Germany, you may apply for citizenship after six to eight years. We’ve drafted the below steps to give you an overview.
Step 1: Create a Business Plan
The first step for getting an investor visa in Germany is to have a comprehensive business plan. Your plan must cover all details of your concept and explain why and how the German economy will benefit from your business. Your business plan will be evaluated by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Step 2: Apply for a Self-Employment Visa at the German Embassy
Once your business plan has been approved, you can start your application for a self-employment visa for entrepreneurial activities at the German embassy in your country of residence. This visa will give you the right to enter Germany to start a business.
Step 3: Arrive in Germany and Get Your Temporary Residence Permit
The immigration authorities will give you a three-year temporary residence permit when you arrive in Germany. This is valid for three years and can be renewed. You can live and run your firm in Germany with this temporary German residence permit.
Step 4: Become a Permanent Resident
You can become a permanent resident after three years of continuous residency in Germany. This is a huge step as becoming a permanent resident gives you bigger security regarding your residency status in the country.
Step 5: Apply for Citizenship
After you’ve resided in Germany lawfully for a total of eight years, you may apply to become a German citizen. If you are well integrated into German society and can communicate in German fluently, you may apply for citizenship after six years of continuous residence.
Germany Investment Visa Document Checklist
The documents you have to submit when applying for a Germany investment (self-employment) permit include:
- Passport, with a validity of at least three months.
- Pictures, following Schengen photo requirements.
- Business and financing plan.
- Proof of investment funds. You must provide a document proving you have the necessary funds for your investment.
- Proof of the source of your funds. You must provide proof that the means of obtaining your funds were legal.
- Document of registration with the German Trade Register.
- Academic and business qualifications. You should provide proof that you have the necessary background for the business you want to create in Germany.
- Resume. Your resume should list your professional and educational qualifications along with references.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany. You must submit a rental agreement or lease to prove you have accommodation in Germany.
- Health insurance certificate. You and your family have to register for German health insurance.
- Proof of a retirement plan. If you are over the age of 45, you should provide proof you have a valid retirement plan, such as savings or a pension.
Can I bring my family with me if I invest in Germany?
Yes, if you start a business, your immediate family members can join you in Germany. Members of the immediate family include:
- Your partner or spouse.
- Dependent minor children
- Dependent adult children You can include a child over the age of 18 who is unmarried and financially or physically dependent on you or your spouse/partner in your application.
Your family members may apply for a visa alongside you, or they may join you later after you have settled your investment via a German family reunification visa.
FAQs
Is a golden visa available in Germany?
Despite the fact that Germany does not have a Golden Visa program, you can still obtain German citizenship through investment if you start a business that serves an economic interest or need. You can obtain a residency permit and become a German citizen after six to eight years if you follow this path.
Can I obtain PR if I purchase property in Germany?
Germany does not grant visas or residence permits solely based on real estate investment. As a result, foreign investors have no access to this option. As a business investors, holders of a residence permit may freely purchase real estate in Germany.
How much money should be spent on public relations in Germany?
In order to become a permanent resident, the country invites entrepreneurial foreign nationals to invest in a regional development fund. The total investment, including all fees, is as low as €360,000.
Which country offers the best Golden visa opportunities?
In Greece and Spain, he says, you must spend more than half the year there for several years before you can apply for citizenship. According to Coskun, these three countries have the most popular golden visa programs on Get Golden Visa.
Can I live in Germany if I purchase a home?
Unlike in other countries such as Denmark and Switzerland, foreigners are not restricted from purchasing real estate in Germany. Many foreign buyers are currently purchasing property in major German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.
How can I obtain German citizenship in six years?
A person must have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and have the appropriate residence permit to be eligible for naturalization. After seven years, foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization.
Can I buy a house in Germany without having German citizenship?
Foreigners can buy property in Germany regardless of whether they live in Germany or elsewhere. As a result, you can buy property as a non-resident with the express intention of renting it out, or you can choose to rent out your own home if you leave Germany.
How do I make money in Germany?
- Invest in German savings accounts.
- Invest in German private pension plans.
- Invest in the German stock market.
- Invest in Germany through social trading.
- Invest in Germany through peer-to-peer lending.
- Invest in German real estate.
How can I get public recognition in Germany?
You must have lived in Germany for at least five years to be eligible for this permit (or three years if you are married to a German citizen). You must also show proof of employment, financial resources, and German language skills. You can stay in Germany indefinitely if you have this permit.
Are houses in Germany cheap?
Housing costs vary greatly depending on location and whether you want your own place or are willing to share with others. However, in comparison to most other European countries, you can rest assured that rental prices in Germany are relatively low.
What exactly is the Germany Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is the primary residence permit for international university graduates. It is a straightforward and unbureaucratic procedure aimed at third-country nationals eager to apply their skills in Germany.
(Summary) Is There a Real Estate Option to German Citizenship?
No, you cannot obtain German citizenship or residence simply by investing in real estate (i.e. purchasing a property.) To qualify for a visa, your investment in Germany has to create a real difference in the economy. In other words, you must set up a business or a company that completes a regional need.
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