Germany Business Investor Residency Program

Conditions that must be satisfied for the application and thereafter are as follows:

• Business Investment 
  The main applicant must invest in an own or majority-owned business in Germany. This business must be beneficial to the German economy. In a detailed business plan, the business must be described. There is no minimum investment threshold specified in the law. Nevertheless, and depending on the industry and business case we advise to invest at least EUR 200,000 - EUR 500,000. In cases where it is aimed to invest less, the chances of approval are reduced; nevertheless, it depends on the business case and strong cases might be successful even with substantial lower investments. The creation of jobs is an advantage (although there is no requirement to employ a certain number of employees), as well as, investments in research and development, but are not mandatory.
  
  

• Stable & Regular Income 
  The company must pay a regular salary which is high enough to cover housing and other costs of living; this shall be at least EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 per month. 
  
  

• Valid Travel Documents 
  
  

• Health and Sickness Insurance Policy
  The insurance policy must cover the main applicant and their dependants in respect of all risks according to German law. The health insurance cover must be procured by a company licensed in Germany. 

• Pension Funds

  Entrepreneurs over the age of 44 have to provide proof of a sufficient pension or other savings to cater for their retirement age. 
  

• Language skills are not required.
  

• Due Diligence 
  A due diligence exercise will be undertaken on the main applicant and dependants.

Creating and presenting a viable business plan is an important part of the process. Together with a dedicated industry consultant, we develop the business plan in a way that does not only fit economical and managerial aspects but will also have the highest chances of being approved by the involved authorities. Aspects such as the entrepreneur’s education and experience, investment amount, and employment targets are all considered when authorities make their decision. The authorities make their final decision based on how beneficial they deem the investor’s business for the German economy. It is necessary to employ the employees the company requires to fulfill its business operations and to invest the investment amount as outlined in the business plan. We will then discuss the business plan in detail with the investor and begin the negotiating process with the authorities in Germany, which usually takes at least several weeks but can take up to a few months.

Once the business plan is complete, we will arrange meetings at a notary public and a bank in order to set up the company and prepare the payment of the share capital. Finally, the application will be lodged with the authorities. The investor will then receive a short term visa to enter Germany, within the validity of this visa he/she needs to register as a resident and provide proof of certain documents. The whole process is guided by a Citizen Lane relationship manager and lawyer.

After three years of residency in Germany, the investor or entrepreneur can apply for a permanent residence permit if the business can be realized successfully. This means the business must be:

• Well-financed;

• Has paid its taxes and social contributions to the state;

• Provides a salary that is high enough to support the applicant and his/her family.

Moreover, the applicant needs a clean criminal background. After six to eight years of residency, one can apply for German citizenship.

As a Swiss-German firm, Citizen Lane is uniquely qualified to help entrepreneurs make their case and secure residency in Germany through this program.