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XIPHIAS Immigration
Germany Investor & Self-Employment Residence Permit (Section 21)
Typical timeline
3 months
Family
spouse, children to 18
Route
Entrepreneur / self-employment

Is this for you?

  • A business with an economic interest or a regional need in Germany.
  • An expected positive effect on the German economy (for example jobs, training, innovation or investment).
  • Financing secured through your own capital or a loan commitment.
  • A detailed business plan with financing plan, capital needs and a three-year revenue forecast.
  • Living costs covered for the first year, and health insurance.

Not for you if

  • Passive investment only, such as buying property or fund units: Germany has no golden visa.
  • A business plan with no clear benefit to the German economy.
  • Financing that is not secured or cannot be evidenced.

Not a match? Other routes in Germany

At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 3 months; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: EUR
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • Germany investor visa
  • self-employment residence permit
  • business residence
Program

Program specifics

Route type
Entrepreneur / Self Employment
Eligible residency pathway
Last updated
Subject to regulatory change

Information is indicative and may change; confirm current terms with an advisor.

Program overview

People often search for a "Germany investor visa". In law it is the residence permit for self-employment under Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). It is for founders and business owners who will live in Germany and actively run a business there. Germany has no golden visa: buying property, funds or bonds does not lead to residence.

There is no fixed investment amount. What the authorities test is whether your business has an economic interest or a regional need, whether it is expected to have a positive effect on the economy, and whether its financing is secured. A strong, realistic business plan is the heart of the application.

The Three Tests

TestWhat the authorities look at
Economic interest or regional needIs there demand for this business in Germany, or in the region where you will set up?
Positive effect on the economyJobs and training places, investment, innovation, research, new services or exports
Secured financingYour own capital or a loan commitment, enough for the plan you present

The authorities also weigh your business and professional experience. They can ask the Chamber of Commerce (IHK), trade bodies and licensing authorities for an opinion before they decide.

Freelancers

Freelancers (for example consultants, IT freelancers, designers or doctors in private practice) can apply under Section 21(5). The economic-interest test does not apply to them, but any required professional licence, secured financing and, over 45, provision for old age still do.

What You Receive

Germany self-employment permit
Investment amountNo fixed minimum
Permit lengthUp to 3 years, renewable
Settlement permitAfter 3 years for a successful business
SpouseCan join without German and can work
ChildrenMinor children can join
Visa fee€75 (children €37.50)
Processing in IndiaAbout 12 weeks for self-employment files
CitizenshipAfter 5 years, with German at B1

Over 45 Provision For Old Age

Applicants over 45 must show adequate provision for old age, either through a future pension or through assets. The German missions publish the current figures; we check them at the start of your file.

Where To Apply From India

Apply at the German Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General covering where you live (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Bengaluru). Some posts take self-employment files directly rather than through the visa centre. The national visa fee is €75, paid in rupees, and the standard processing time for self-employment and freelance files is about 12 weeks from the day the file reaches the mission. After arrival, you register your address within two weeks and collect the residence permit from the local foreigners authority.

Settlement And Citizenship

After three years, a business owner can apply for a settlement permit (permanent residence) if the business is successful, is expected to keep developing, and the family's living costs are covered by its income. German citizenship is possible after five years of residence with German at B1; the three-year fast track was abolished on 30 October 2025.

Germany has allowed dual citizenship since 27 June 2024, but India does not: taking German citizenship would end Indian citizenship under Section 9 of the Citizenship Act 1955. German residence and settlement do not.

With Our Berlin Partner Nexus Europe Gmbh

This route is delivered with our partner Nexus-Europe GmbH, a Berlin firm that works on business development and investment in Germany. Their team of business consultants, economists and lawyers works on the German side: the business concept and financing plan in the form German authorities expect, company formation and the questions from authorities. XIPHIAS works on your side from India: assessing your profile, preparing your personal and family documents, and the visa application.

Start With A Business Immigration Audit

Nexus's Business Immigration Audit is a 50-minute online session, prepared in advance by their expert. It explains how German immigration authorities decide, assesses your chances through business immigration and compares your options, suggests the legal form and structure, and gives a step-by-step roadmap that balances the company and the residence application. XIPHIAS clients get a partner discount on the audit. Ask us for your code and we will send it to you with its conditions.

Talk To Our Germany Residency Consultants In Bangalore

XIPHIAS Immigration has advised Indian families and businesses since 2009, from our office in Koramangala, Bangalore. We were named Best Immigration Consultant by The Times of India in 2022. Our immigration consultants in Bangalore will take you through the requirements, costs and timeline for your specific case.

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