Germany does not have a Golden Visa program. However, when you invest or set up a business in Germany, you will obtain a residence permit, which will ultimately enable you to become a German citizen. The investment should fulfil an economic need, and you must reside in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Eligibility for Citizenship in Germany by Investment
You can acquire German citizenship provided that you invest significantly in Germany and that this investment meets the following requirements:
- Good contribution to the German economy.
- Meets an economic or regional need.
- Creates at least five full-time permanent employment opportunities.
Moreover, you (as an investor) have to comply with the following conditions:
- Be an adult.
- Be of a clean criminal record.
- You will be able to create experience in the sphere of business.
- Raise the capital by way of equity or a loan commitment.
- Reside in Germany, at least five years.
Investors and entrepreneurs are able to pay specialists to manage their way towards German citizenship.
How to Invest to Obtain German Citizenship
You are advised to invest not less than 360,000 Euros. There is no set investment amount required in order to get a German investment visa, unlike most other Golden Visas.
Germany’s Permanent Residency by Investment
After three years of your investment, you have the potential of becoming a permanent resident in Germany. To become a permanent resident, you must reside in Germany (at least 6 months a year) and demonstrate that it is your primary residence.
Unlike most Golden Visa programs, in Germany, you are required to integrate into the society before you can be granted settlement.
Investment in a passport to Germany (German Passport)
Five years after the investment, you are eligible for a German passport. You can also start a process toward citizenship after three years, with a complete integration course and a good command of German. In both instances, you are required to have lived in Germany throughout the years.
Your family members will also have the right to apply as naturalised citizens of Germany after five years.
The Procedure of Obtaining German Citizenship by Investment
The German citizenship by investment procedure is:
Seek the advice of Experts about your investment
As you are opening a new business in a foreign country, you must seek the help of specialists who have the relevant information on the German law and finances.
Get approvals for your business plan
You will need to develop a business plan which can be submitted to the German Chamber of Commerce (AHK) in your home country.
Self-Employment Visa and Enter Germany
Once your business plan has been accepted, you must apply to be granted a German self-employment visa (Visum zur Selbstständigkeit). Together with the visa, you will be issued a three-year temporary residence permit, which will enable you to live in Germany and manage your business as well as your investment.
Obtain permanent residency
You have an opportunity to get the German settlement permit after living in Germany for three years. The biggest advantage of the German settlement permit is that you have indefinite residence in Germany. You do not have to renew your residence permit every three years.
Acquire German Citizenship
After five years of residence in Germany, you are allowed to apply for German citizenship. In case you have passed the German integration exam and can speak German well enough, you become eligible to apply for citizenship after just three years.
Germany Investment Visa Document Checklist
Investment (self-employment) permit documents required are:
- A passport with a validity of not less than three months.
- Photos that are in compliance with German visa picture requirements.
- Business and financing plan.
- Proof of business funds. You will need to present a document that shows that you have sufficient finances to invest.
- Evidence of the source of funds. You will be required to show evidence that the means through which you sourced your funds were legal.
- Resume. Your resume must contain your professional and academic qualifications accompanied by references.
- The accommodation in Germany is guaranteed. You are also required to provide a rental agreement or lease to show that you have accommodation in Germany.
Processing time for the German Investment Visa
A German investment visa can take four to six months. This incorporates the time that it takes to have your business plan approved by the German Chamber of Commerce and to get a verdict on your visa application.
Advantages of Golden Visa investment in Germany
The key advantage of investing in Germany is that you will be doing business in one of the strongest economies in the world. Investment entitles you to German citizenship, and consequently, access to the EU open market, and visa-free travelling to over 190 destinations across the globe.
Moving to Germany will see you in a country with one of the best standards of living in the world. Germany boasts of a superior social security system, universal healthcare, a clean environment, and low crime rates. Cultural and natural attractions and well-developed infrastructure.
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