Germany investment visa: Get citizenship through economic contributions, but with these conditions

 

Germany has long been one of the most sought-after destinations for business and innovation. While the country does not have a “Golden Visa” program like some other European nations, it offers a distinct path to residency and citizenship for foreign investors who are willing to contribute to the local economy.

How the German Investment Visa Works

If you are interested in establishing a business or making a significant investment in Germany, you may be eligible for a residence permit, which could lead to German citizenship. The process requires investors to meet several conditions, ensuring that their investment will have a tangible impact on the country’s economy and create jobs for its citizens. The investment must fulfil a critical economic need and lead to the creation of at least five full-time, permanent job positions.

Conditions for Investors

To qualify for a German investment visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Make a positive impact on the German economy

• Fulfill an economic or regional need

• Create at least five full-time, permanent job positions in Germany

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In addition, you must:

• Be an adult

• Have a clean criminal record

• Have relevant experience in the field of business you are creating

• Secure the funds through equity capital or a loan commitment

• Live in Germany for at least five years to qualify for citizenship

Investors can hire professionals, like lawyers or consultants, to help navigate the process, such as the legal team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, who specialise in German immigration law and support potential investors in setting up businesses in Germany.

The Investment Amount

The recommended minimum investment amount for a German investment visa is €360,000. This sum is typically used to demonstrate that the investor can meet the required criteria for positive economic impact, job creation, and more. Unlike typical Golden Visas, there is no fixed minimum investment set by the German government.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Once your investment is made, you can apply for permanent residency after three years. To qualify for permanent residency, you must live in Germany for at least half of each year and prove that Germany is your primary residence.

Unlike other Golden Visa programs, where residency can often be attained through passive investment (such as purchasing property), Germany’s program demands active participation in the country’s economy.

As for citizenship, you can apply for German naturalisation after five years of residence, provided you meet the language proficiency and integration requirements. However, you may also be eligible for citizenship after just three years if you complete an integration course and demonstrate proficiency in the German language.

Benefits of the German Investment Visa

There are numerous benefits to investing in Germany. Key advantages include:

• Permanent residency after three years (for the investor) and five years (for family members)

• Citizenship after five years

• The right to work and study in Germany

• Visa-free travel to the EU

• High standard of living with world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and social services

• Dual citizenship is allowed under German law

No Real Estate Option

It is important to note that real estate investments do not qualify for the German investment visa. To gain residency or citizenship, your investment must create an actual impact on the economy, such as launching a business or creating job opportunities.

Step-by-Step Process to German Citizenship by Investment

1. Consult with Professionals: Seek advice from experts familiar with German law and finances.

2. Get Business Plan Approved: Submit a comprehensive business plan to the German Chamber of Commerce for approval.

3. Apply for Self-Employment Visa: Apply for a visa to enter Germany and start your business.

4. Permanent Residency: After three years, you can apply for permanent residency.

5. Citizenship: After five years of continuous residence in Germany, you can apply for German citizenship.

What Documents Are Needed?

To apply for the German investment visa, you will need the following:

• Passport with a validity of at least three months

• Business and financing plan

• Proof of investment funds and source of funds

• Proof of accommodation in Germany

• Health insurance certificate

• Proof of retirement plan (for those over 45)