Step 1
Assess your business idea, experience and financing against the Section 21 test.
Germany Residency — Investor & Self-Employment Residence Permit
The route in Germany
Pick one to see its full rulesAbout Germany
About Germany
Germany does not sell residence. There is no golden visa, and buying property, funds or bonds does not lead to a residence permit. What Germany offers investors and founders is the residence permit for self-employment under Section 21 of the Residence Act, for people who will live in Germany and actively run a business there. The permit has no fixed investment amount. The authorities test whether the business has an economic interest or a regional need, whether it is expected to benefit the economy, and whether its financing is secured. It is issued for up to three years, and a successful business owner can apply for a settlement permit after three years. Spouses can join without German and can work. We deliver this route with our Berlin partner, Nexus-Europe GmbH.
Capital:BerlinLanguage:GermanCurrency:Euro (EUR)
- Population
- 84 million
- Capital
- Berlin
- Language
- German
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+01:00)
- Climate
- Temperate seasonal climate
Why Germany
Why Germany?
Residence permit for up to three years, renewable while the business runs.
Settlement permit after three years if the business is successful and the family is supported by it.
Spouse joins without German and can work; minor children can join.
Citizenship after five years with German at B1; India does not allow dual citizenship.
Applicants over 45 must show provision for old age.
Process
How it works
Step 2
Build a business plan with financing plan and a three-year revenue forecast.
Step 3
Form the German company if the plan needs one.
Step 4
Apply for the national visa at the German mission responsible for where you live.
Step 5
Register your address in Germany and collect the residence permit from the foreigners authority.
Step 6
Bring your family, run the business and renew; apply for settlement after three years.
Eligibility — Requirements
Requirements
The following list outlines the core eligibility requirements for this program.
A business with an economic interest or regional need in Germany.
An expected positive effect on the German economy.
Financing secured through own capital or a loan commitment.
Living costs covered and health insurance.
Over 45: adequate provision for old age.
Frequently asked questions
No. Germany does not grant residence for passive investment. Investors and founders use the residence permit for self-employment, which requires actively running a business in Germany.
There is no fixed amount. The old guideline of €250,000 and job creation was removed in 2012; the authorities now judge whether your capital fits your plan.
Yes. Your spouse can join without German and can work, and minor children can join too.
After five years of residence, with German at B1 and other conditions. Taking German citizenship ends Indian citizenship, because India does not allow dual citizenship.
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