Germany Investment Immigration
Investment immigration is where a ‘foreign investor’ invests a specific amount of money into a country’s economy in return for a permanent residency permit. Each jurisdiction has different requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify for permanent residency, however the investor will typically be required to benefit the economy. The conditions for investment immigration in Germany are outlined below:
Why Immigrate to Germany
Germany is a member of the European Union and is considered a prominent location for foreigners to reside in due to its strong and stable economic infrastructure and respected legal framework. Germany offers attractive working conditions and a high standard of living in comparison to its comparatively low living expenses.
German Immigration Law Requirements
There are many conditions which must be satisfied for an applicant to successfully gain a permanent residency visa in Germany by investment. As of the 1stJanuary 2005, Germany introduced a newly reformed Immigration Act in a bid to regulate foreign residency permits. The new law enforces the requirement that all foreigners must obtain a German Residence Permit, which also entitles them to the right to work in Germany.
Who is eligible to apply for a German Residency Visa
Nationals of the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Israel and Japan have the right to apply for a permanent residency visa while remaining as a ‘visitor’ in Germany, however while they incur a visitor status they are not entitled to work in Germany. To contrast, nationals of most other countries (excluding the above-mentioned) are required to apply for and obtain a residency permit prior to entering Germany.
Investor Visa
Applicants seeking permanent residency in Germany by means of investment immigration have to meet certain conditions to be eligible for application under this category:
- The applicant must have the financial means and capability to invest a sum of 1 million EURO into a German project
- The applicant’s investment must also result in the creation of ten new German job opportunities.
-If the applicant is self employed the same requirements are applicable to him. He too must put 1 million EURO as a down payment and create 10 new jobs as a result of his entrepreneurial business plan.
Benefits of seeking Residency under an Investment Visa
- On approval of the investment plan, the applicant will be entitled to the same rights as German citizens
- The applicant has the right to decide the type of company to invest into, which can be either a new business start up or an existing company in Germany.
- The applicant does not need to acquire the backing of a German guarantor or associate for his investment applicant
- Where the applicant’s investment or new business start up has been maintained profitably for a minimum of 3 years, the applicant and his dependants are eligible to receive an unlimited permanent residence permit.
- Receipt of the permanent residence permit will enable the applicant and his family the right to enter and leave Germany as they see fit
- The process is fairly simple and can be completed relatively quickly (6-8 months) in comparison to other EU investment immigration states
Documentation required for an Investor Visa application
- Valid passport (this must have a minimum of 3 months remaining after leaving Germany)
- Relevant documents detailing your intent to reside in Germany
- A medical and health insurance policy certificate which must cover you to a value of at least 30,000 EURO
- Certified documentation demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while residing in Germany
- 2 x passport photos
- Relevant birth and marriage certificates of your spouse and dependants where applicable
- Inclusion of applicable visa administration fee
Settlement Permit
In order for the applicant to receive a settlement permit (enabling him/her to reside in Germany on a permanent basis) there are some conditions which must be satisfied:
- The applicant must own a residency permit in Germany for a minimum of 5 years
- Must prove he/she has a secure livelihood
- Must provide evidence of sufficient accommodation
- Must have sufficient knowledge of the German language
- Must show basic knowledge of the German social and legal systems
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