Germany has no Golden Visa program. Germany, on the other hand, has an investment scheme that can lead to German citizenship in as short as six years of residency.
To invest in Germany, you must first apply for a self-employment visa (also known as a “Entrepreneurial Visa” or “Visa for Setting Up a Business”), as stipulated in Article 21 of the German Residence Act. This visa allows you to enter Germany to start a business or establish a firm.
The Advantages of Germany’s Investment “Golden” Visa
The biggest advantage of investing in Germany is that you will be doing business in one of the world’s most powerful economies.
With your investment you can gain German citizenship and hence access to the EU’s open market, as well as visa-free travel to over 190 countries worldwide.
Other advantages of investing in Germany include:
- Germany has one of the world’s strongest economies. Germany is one of the greatest countries to invest in due to its robust economy, central location, free market (and openness to new investors).
- You are welcome to bring close family members with you. Your spouse/partner and children are welcome to accompany you to Germany. They will have the same educational, employment, healthcare, and residency rights as you.
- Germany has one of the highest standards of living in the world. This encompasses social security, education, job prospects, and health care.
- It leads to the acquisition of a German passport. After six to eight years, you will be eligible for a German passport, which will grant you visa-free access to more than 145 countries around the world.
- You will be able to travel to the EU. You can visit all EU countries without a visa if you are a permanent resident of Germany. Furthermore, if you eventually obtain German citizenship, you will be able to freely move to, work in, and invest in any EU country.
- Germany is simply a wonderful place to live. Germany is a wonderful destination to live and raise a family, with its universal healthcare system, world-renowned universities, flawless infrastructure, and simply stunning and historical sites all around the country.
Self-Employment Visa Requirements in Germany
To apply for a self-employment visa and start a business in Germany, you must meet the following requirements:
- Create a detailed business plan explaining your objectives.
- Relevant business experience is required.
- Your company’s or business’s impact on the German economy must be good, and it must match regional or economic demand.
- In Germany, your company or business must hire at least five new employees.
- You must get the necessary money for the business, either through equity or a loan commitment.
- You must not have a criminal history.
The Lowest Possible Investment
A German entrepreneurial visa has no minimal 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 standards.
Do I Qualify for a Golden Visa to Germany?
To be eligible for Germany’s prestigious “Golden Visa,” you must have a business plan that fits the following requirements:
- Beneficial effect on the German economy.
- Meets an economic or regional need.
- Provides at least five full-time, permanent career opportunities.
Furthermore, you (the investor) must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not have a criminal history.
- You must have prior experience in the field of business you intend to start.
- The money must be secured by either stock or a loan commitment.
