Germany

Unlike most European countries, Germany does not offer a typical Golden Visa immigration program. However, similar to Belgium, France, and the UK, it does offer a residency program called the Entrepreneur Visa Program.

Germany typically does not offer a typical Golden Visa immigration program, unlike most other European countries. However, like Belgium, France, and the UK, it does offer a residency program called the Entrepreneur Visa Program.

This program is designed to boost investment in the various industries that operate in Germany. The program is inherently very different to the typical Golden Visa program. For instance, there are no requirements in terms of minimum stay with the host country.

There are many benefits to this program. Let’s take a look at some of them. 

• Right to live and work in Germany: The Germany Investment Visa grants you and your family the right to live and work anywhere in Germany. This includes the right to start your own business or invest in existing businesses.
• Access to the European Union: As a German resident, you and your family will have visa-free access to all other countries in the European Union.
• High standard of living: Germany offers a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

In addition to these general benefits, the Germany Investment Visa also offers a number of specific benefits to investors, such as:

• Tax benefits: German investors are eligible for a number of tax benefits, such as a reduced corporate income tax rate and a tax exemption on capital gains from the sale of shares in German companies.
• Access to government support: German investors have access to a number of government support programs, such as grants and loans.
• Favorable business environment: Germany has a favorable business environment, with a strong economy and a skilled workforce.
•    The program allows you to establish a business in Germany or opt for self-employment. 
•    Your family is eligible to take part in the program.
•    There are no threshold investments required. 
•    Dependents (family) are allowed to live and work in the country. 
•    You are provided with a residence permit, which qualifies you for permanent residency after 3 years. After 5 years of permanent residency, you qualify for citizenship.  
•    Germany is a major player in the global economic and political spheres. It is home to one of the largest national economies and is the 4th largest in the world with regard to Nominal GDP. 
•    It is home to one of the largest import and export sectors. 
•    It offers a very high standard of living on par with most other European countries.

To be eligible for a self-employment visa and start a business in Germany, there are some criteria that you’ll need to meet:

• You’re at least 18 years old
• You have enough experience in the business you want to start in Germany
• You’re able to provide that your business will positively impact the German economy and satisfy the local or economic interest
• To be recognized as a German-based company, your firm or organization will hire at least five people in Germany
• You’ll raise the cash required for the firm through equity financing or a loan commitment
• You don’t have a criminal record
•    You are required to submit a detailed and well-written business plan that also boasts a healthy economic motive. 
•    Along with a strong business plan, you are required to offer the minimum investment. Investors with entrepreneurial experience and success will be prioritized, though it is not necessary. 
•    The business plan must be innovative, meaning it should introduce a new product/service into the market of Germany.

There are two ways to invest in Germany

• Investment in an applicable investment project

A certain variety of investment opportunities offer the chance to successfully apply for German residency and to generate a return on investment. Therefore, it is important to choose the right investment opportunity for your particular situation. We recommend investors attempt to create local jobs through their investment, invest at least €300,000 to €1,000,000. Higher investment amounts always increase the chances of a successful application.

• Investment in an own business

Germany’s Business Investor Residence Program involves multiple government authorities focused on ascertaining the viability of the businesses immigrating entrepreneurs plan to create. Creating and presenting a viable business plan is an important part of the process. Aspects such as the entrepreneur’s education and experience, investment amount, and employment targets are all considered when authorities make their decision. The authorities make their final decision based on how beneficial they deem the investor’s business for the German economy. We recommend investors attempt to create local jobs, invest at least €350,000 to €500,000, and learn conversational German. Higher investment amounts always increase the chances of a successful application. Our dedicated industry consultants can help structure the business plan in a way that increases the chances of success for the application.

Make Germany your second home 

Visa-Free Countries

83,166,711
POPULATION
US$56,956
GDP (per capita)
US$4.743 trillion
GDP (purchasing power parity)

CAPITAL CITY
Berlin
TIME ZONE
CET (UTC+1)
TOTAL AREA
357,168 km2
LANGUAGES
German
CURRENCY
Euro €
MAIN INDUSTRY
Automotive manufacturing, electrical
SCHENGEN/ EU
Member

KEY ADVANTAGES

• Largest economy in Europe
• Europe’s most populous and industrialized nation
• World renowned for its recognizable brands, precision engineering, and high-tech products

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Disclaimer
The materials contained in this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.