German Citizenship by Investment

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Although Germany does not have a Golden Visa programme, you can still obtain German citizenship by investment if you start a business that fulfils an economic interest or need. Through this pathway, you can get a residency permit and become a German citizen after six to eight years.

To invest in Germany, you have to apply for a self-employment visa (also known as an “Entrepreneurial Visa” or “Visa for Setting Up a Business”), as outlined in Article 21 of the German Residence Act. This visa allows you to enter Germany to establish a company or business.

How to Obtain German Citizenship by Investment?

To become a German citizen by investment, you have to apply for a self-employment (entrepreneurial) visa and start a business that will make a significant contribution to the German economy – including hiring at least five new employees. You also have to live and become integrated into German society for at least six years before submitting a citizenship application.

Although it is not a direct citizenship pathway, through the entrepreneurial visa, you can expect to become a permanent resident of Germany after only three years, and a citizen after six years. This is an expedited process, as most expatriates only obtain permanent residence after four to five years.

Requirements for Germany’s Self-Employment Visa

To apply for a self-employment visa and set up a business in Germany, you have to fulfil the following requirements:

You must create a comprehensive business plan, outlining your goals.
You must have relevant business experience.
Your business or company 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 have to secure the financing required for the business via equity capital or a loan commitment.
You must not have a criminal background.

Minimum Investment

There is no minimum required amount for a German entrepreneurial 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 Get German Citizenship After Setting Up a Business?

After you set up a business in Germany, you can get German citizenship after six to eight years. The step-by-step process is as follows:

Create a business plan	You have to work with legal, financial, and immigration experts to create a business plan that meets the investment requirements of Germany, such as lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte. The plan has to be thorough, detailing all aspects of your idea and explaining why it will have a positive impact on the economy. It will be reviewed 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 have to apply for 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 setting up a business.
Get a temporary residency permit	When you enter Germany, you will receive a temporary residence permit from the immigration authority. This is issued for three years and is renewable. The temporary residence permit allows you to live and run your company in Germany.
Get a German settlement permit	After three years of uninterrupted residency in Germany, you can become a settled (permanent) resident. With a German settlement permit, you have more security in regard to your residence status.
Apply for German citizenship	Once you have lived in Germany uninterruptedly for a total of eight years, you can apply for naturalization as a German citizen. If you are very integrated into German society and speak the German language proficiently, you may apply for citizenship after only six years of uninterrupted residence.

Timeframe

Here’s a breakdown of the timeframe for getting German citizenship via business investment:

It takes four to six months to receive a visa and have your business plan approved.
It takes three years of temporary residency in Germany to become a permanent (settled) resident.
It takes another three to five years to become eligible for naturalization as a German citizen.

Can I Bring My Family Members?

Yes, if you invest/set up a business in Germany, you and your immediate family members can apply for German visas. After a few years, you can all apply for permanent residence or German citizenship as well. You can include the following family members in your application:

Your spouse or partner.
Your dependent children under the age of 18.
Any adult children who are dependent on you or your spouse, either financially or due to a health problem.

Your family members can work or study in Germany and are eligible to apply for permanent residence after five years.

Required Documents for a German Entrepreneurial Visa

When applying for a German entrepreneurial (self-employment) visa, you need the following documents:

Valid passport.
Passport-size picture.
Comprehensive business plan.
Comprehensive financing plan.
Proof you have the necessary funds for the investment.
A document proving the source of your funds.
Registration with the German Trade Register.
A document proving 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 need to provide a rental agreement or proof of homeownership to prove you have a place to stay in Germany.
Health insurance certificate. You should prove that you and your family all have German health insurance, either public or private.
If you are over the age of 45, provide proof of a retirement plan, such as savings, pension, private pension, or life insurance, etc.

Note: The exact required documents will differ depending on your nationality, investment type, and whether your family is joining you.

If you would like to receive professional legal assistance when applying for German citizenship by Investment, consider the expert services of Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte. The benefit of professional legal guidance is that they can advise you based on their experience of the process and ensure that your application follows the exact requirements demanded by the authorities in Germany.

Benefits of Investing in Germany

The benefits of investing in Germany are:

Germany is one of the strongest economies in the world. Germany’s strong economy, central location, open market (and the fact it is very welcoming to new investors), make it one of the best countries to invest in.
You can bring your close family members with you. Your spouse/partner and children can come with you to Germany. They will enjoy the same rights in terms of education, work, healthcare, and residency as you.
The quality of life in Germany is one of the best in the world. This includes social security, education, employment opportunities, as well as healthcare.
It leads to a German passport. After six to eight years, you become eligible for a German passport, which means you’ll have visa-free access to more than 145 countries worldwide.
You will have access to the EU. As a permanent resident of Germany, you can visit all countries in the EU without a visa. And, if you eventually obtain German citizenship, you can freely move to, work, and invest in any EU country.
Germany is simply a great place to live in. From the universal healthcare system to the world-renowned universities, to the seamless infrastructure, and just beautiful and historical sites throughout 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 get 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 may be granted a temporary residence permit if you purchase real estate. With a residence permit granted for this purpose, you are not allowed to engage in any economic activity.

It is not certain that you will become eligible for German citizenship or permanent residence through this pathway.

Can I Have Dual Citizenship in Germany?

Usually, Germany does not allow dual citizenship, so you will probably have to give up on your current nationality. However, in some very specific cases, German authorities may allow you to keep both nationalities. For example, if your country of origin makes it especially difficult to renounce citizenship. For more information, read German Dual Citizenship and German/US Dual Citizenship.

Other Ways of Obtaining Citizenship in Germany

German Citizenship by Descent

Other Alternatives on Getting an EU Residence Permit/Citizenship Through Investments

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