Residency by investment program in Germany offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to settle in the most populous and industrialized nation in Europe. With its unmatched cultural and economic clout, Germany is an attractive destination for those seeking a high standard of living, investment opportunities, or a fresh start.
Obtaining a Residency by investment in Germany comes with various benefits, including:
1. Freedom of movement within the Schengen area: With a German residence permit, you can travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area.
2. Access to German education and healthcare systems: Germany has one of the world’s best education systems and healthcare systems, and a residence permit allows you to take advantage of these facilities.
3. Employment opportunities: Holding a German residence permit allows you to work and start a business in Germany.
4. Family reunification: You can bring your family members to join you in Germany, provided you meet the requirements.
5. Social benefits: You are eligible for various social benefits, including child benefits, housing assistance, and unemployment benefits.
6. Permanent residency: After living in Germany for a specific period and meeting certain criteria, you can apply for permanent residency or even German citizenship.
7. Access to the EU job market: Germany has a strong economy, and a German residence permit provides access to the EU job market, giving you a competitive advantage in job searches.
With a Residency by investment in Germany, individuals are granted the privilege of unrestricted movement within the Schengen Area, which encompasses 26 European countries.
This benefit is particularly valuable for frequent travelers, as it eliminates the need for visas and additional documentation. Additionally, this provides greater flexibility for work and study opportunities, enabling individuals to relocate easily to other European countries without any restrictions.
Overall, the right to unrestricted movement that comes with a German residency offers greater convenience and freedom for individuals and their families.
If applicants have been residents for five years, they are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany.
This permit can be granted if they can demonstrate sufficient financial means, have intermediate language skills (B1), and have no criminal record.
To be eligible for German citizenship, individuals must have legally resided in Germany for 8 years. However, completion of an approved integration course with a certificate can reduce the requirement to 7 years. Additionally, holding a German language certificate of B2 level or higher can further reduce the requirement to 6 years.
The process of applying for a German residence permit is unique to each local authority, with varying requirements and investment amounts for personal assets.
Major cities typically demand higher investments to avoid displacing local residents and families from lower and middle-priced living spaces. Negotiation and preparation phases typically take between two to six months with both local authorities and realtors, while government processing times take around two to four months. Additionally, each resident must have a German health insurance policy, but language skills are not a requirement.
Residency by investment programs in Germany provide an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking to settle in Europe’s largest economy, known for its recognizable brands, precision engineering, and high-tech products.
With its 16 states and unique cultural identity, Germany offers an attractive blend of work and play, from Bavaria’s alpine culture to Berlin’s vibrant nightlife. Germany’s pragmatic immigration and residency programs, including the Germany Blue Card for highly-skilled workers, investment, or independent means, welcome top talent from around the world.
Berlin
83.2 million (2021)
German
Democratic and federal parliamentary republic
Euro(EUR)
German law mandates that individuals holding a residence permit cannot leave the country for more than six consecutive months. While there is no minimum time requirement for staying in Germany, it is advisable to spend a significant amount of time in the country.
It is important to note that this program does not provide a work permit, which means that the applicant cannot work for any German employer.
However, they may work for companies outside of Germany, such as managing their own company abroad, or hold a share in a company based in Germany. Applicants can apply for a regular German work permit or a work permit for self-employed individuals in a separate application at any time in the future.
The process of applying for a German residence permit is unique to each local authority, with varying requirements and investment amounts for personal assets.
Major cities typically demand higher investments to avoid displacing local residents and families from lower and middle-priced living spaces.
Negotiation and preparation phases typically take between two to six months with both local authorities and realtors, while government processing times take around two to four months. Additionally, each resident must have a German health insurance policy, but language skills are not a requirement.
The Residency by investment in Germany for persons of independent means program grants rights to the following individuals, provided they meet the eligibility criteria:
The main applicant;
The spouse of the main applicant and their minor children, if they choose to establish their primary residence in Germany;
The parents and siblings of the main applicant*;
The parents and siblings of the main applicant’s spouse*.
The term “children” includes adopted children of the main applicant. Minor dependents of the main applicant will only receive a residence permit if they establish their primary residence in Germany, such as attending compulsory school for children who are legal residents of Germany aged 16/17 or below.
*Subject to individual circumstances and negotiations with the authorities.
Costs and Taxes
In addition to our service fee, the following charges apply for the process:
Visa Fee: €75. Registration Fees at Municipality: €0-20
Taxation:
Successful applicants who relocate to Germany will be liable for taxes on their worldwide income in Germany. However, if they spend less than 183 days in Germany and have no family members in the country, they may choose to be taxed in another country, provided they can provide evidence.
Income tax rates on employment income range from 0 to 45%, with an average tax rate of 35% for single individuals earning €100,000 and 25% for married couples. Deductions for children and other expenses are also available.
Dividend and interest income is subject to a preferred tax rate of 26.375%, including the solidarity surcharge on income tax.
