Investor visa, residency by investment and citizenship-by-investment programmes across Europe.
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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.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer about your situation.
