Investor visa, residency by investment and citizenship-by-investment programmes across Europe.
Filter by specialisation
We're actively expanding our directory. In the meantime, use the lawyer wizard — it'll match you to the best available firm for your situation.
Use the Lawyer Wizard → Suggest a FirmTop-tier German law firm with strong international presence
International law firm with substantial Hamburg office
Mid-size firm with strong tax and employment practice
Top international law firm with Cologne presence
Boutique firm specializing in IP and data protection
Thresholds vary by country — typically €250,000–€500,000 for real estate, or lower amounts via investment funds. Requirements change regularly; always verify with a lawyer.
In most countries, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after 5–10 years of residence. Requirements include language tests and clean criminal records.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Germany's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsGermany has no "Golden Visa" (unlike Portugal or Spain). Instead it offers: Freiberufler visa (freelancers), Niederlassungserlaubnis for self-employed (§ 21 AufenthG), and investor routes via existing Blue Card or skilled worker frameworks. The § 21 self-employment permit requires proof of economic benefit and €2,360/month income. Germany prioritises skilled labour over passive investment.
| Permit | Legal basis | Key requirements | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employment (§ 21(1) AufenthG) | § 21 AufenthG | Business plan, €2,360/mo income, economic benefit, adequate insurance | €100 |
| Freelancer (Freiberufler) visa | § 21(5) AufenthG | Recognised liberal profession (artist, journalist, doctor, lawyer, engineer); Finanzamt registration | €100 |
| Digital nomad / remote worker | § 21 AufenthG (case-by-case) | Germany evaluates each application individually; no dedicated digital nomad visa | €100 |
| Niederlassungserlaubnis (self-employed) | § 21(4) AufenthG | 3+ years self-employment permit + tax compliance + 48 months pension contributions | €113 |
| Route | Min. residence | Key requirements (StAG reform 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard naturalisation | 5 years | B1 German, financial self-sufficiency, no criminal record, dual citizenship now permitted (since June 2024) |
| Exceptional (special achievements) | 3 years | Outstanding academic, cultural, or economic contribution |
| EU Blue Card holder | 33 months (21 with B1) | Via Niederlassungserlaubnis → then 5 years to Einbürgerung (or 3 if exceptional) |
Key 2024 reform: Germany now allows dual citizenship (Mehrstaatigkeit) under the reformed StAG (June 2024). Previously, applicants had to renounce their original nationality. This significantly increases naturalisation applications.
