Golden Visa Germany
All information from the expert on the Golden Visa and Golden Passport through investments in Germany.
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Here you learn ...
what a Golden Visa program is
whether there is a Golden Visa in Germany
what alternatives to Golden Visa exist in Germany
whether the Golden Passport exists in Germany and Europe
Table of contents
1. What is a Golden Visa?
2. No Golden Visa in Germany
3. Alternatives to the Golden Visa Germany
4. Golden Citizenship Germany
5. FAQ Golden Visa
6. Conclusion Golden Visa & Golden Passport Germany
1. What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residence permit granted by some countries in exchange for certain investments —for example, in real estate, companies, or government bonds. A Golden Visa grants foreign investors and their family members the opportunity to legally live, work, and study in a European or non-European country without the need for traditional immigration through employment or family reasons. Programs are particularly popular in countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Greece, as they not only grant the right of residence but also allow visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
The Golden Visa program is particularly attractive to wealthy individuals seeking a second residence permit in the EU – whether for reasons of quality of life, future security, or tax advantages. The requirements and investment amounts vary by country, but are usually in the six-figure euro range. Anyone wishing to apply for a Golden Visa should seek legal advice early on, as the legal framework in many countries changes regularly.
2. No Golden Visa in Germany
Germany currently does not have an official "Golden Visa" program , as is the case in Portugal, Spain, or Greece. The Federal Republic pursues a more integration-oriented approach, in which residency status is tied to specific requirements such as employment, family ties, or humanitarian reasons. However, in practice, these requirements are not enforced as strictly as the law sometimes prescribes, which is why there are models comparable to the Golden Visa.
In Germany, there are certainly legal alternatives to the classic Golden Visa . For example, anyone who wishes to spend their retirement in Germany can, under certain conditions, apply for a so-called pensioner's visa under Section 7 of the Residence Act . Furthermore , the EU Permanent Residence Permit offers an attractive opportunity for third-country nationals to live in Germany long-term – provided they meet certain requirements such as secure income, housing, and proof of integration.
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Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
3. Alternatives to the Golden Visa Germany
The most practical alternative to the Golden Visa is the investor visa . In this case, the path to legal residency involves establishing a business in accordance with Section 21 of the Residence Act . Foreign investors can start their own business if they have a viable business plan, relevant professional experience, and sufficient financial resources (recommended: €250,000–360,000 ). Furthermore, the company should create at least five full-time positions and have a positive impact on the German economy. How you achieve these business goals is irrelevant. Therefore, even purchasing real estate can meet the criteria for an investor visa.
Applying for an investor visa in Germany involves numerous legal hurdles , which is why legal representation is recommended. The application process includes submitting a detailed business plan for review, applying for a visa in the country of origin, and providing all required documentation. Processing time is approximately four to six months. Upon successful business development and integration—including a stay in Germany of at least six months per year—there is the possibility of a permanent settlement permit .
4. Golden Citizenship Germany
There is no so-called "Golden Citizenship" program in Germany. Unlike in some other countries, where foreign investors can obtain citizenship directly through large sums of money or real estate purchases, Germany requires clear requirements for naturalization —such as several years of legal residence, language skills, and integration into society. Acquiring German citizenship is thus tied to integration criteria and not to financial means.
Programs that promise citizenship in exchange for money – so-called "Golden Passport" models – also contravene EU law . The European Commission has repeatedly emphasized that such programs undermine European citizenship and pose security risks because they are awarded without a genuine connection to an EU country. Member States that offer such models have already been warned or subjected to infringement proceedings for violating the spirit of European integration and the Union's legal framework. This interpretation of the European treaties was recently confirmed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in a court case against the EU member state of Malta .
Contact us
Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ
What is a Golden Visa?
A "Golden Visa" is a residence permit granted by some countries in exchange for investments—e.g., in real estate or businesses. It allows investors and their families to legally live, work, and study in the respective country. Programs are particularly well-known in Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
Is there a Golden Visa program in Germany?
No. Germany does not offer a traditional Golden Visa program like other EU countries. However, the Golden Visa does exist in Germany in similar forms, such as the investment visa.
Are there alternatives to the Golden Visa in Germany?
Yes. The most common alternative is the investor visa under Section 21 of the Residence Act. Anyone who establishes a business and pursues economically relevant goals (e.g., creating jobs) can obtain a visa under certain conditions. A so-called pensioner visa (Section 7 of the Residence Act) may also be possible under certain circumstances.
What are the requirements for an investor visa in Germany?
An application for an investor visa can be made under the following conditions:
Viable business plan
Relevant professional experience
Financial resources (recommended: €250,000 – €360,000)
Economic benefits for Germany
The application should definitely be prepared with legal advice, as the investor visa is partly at the discretion of the authorities.
Is there a Golden Passport program in Germany?
No. Germany does not offer "citizenship for money." Naturalization is tied to clear integration criteria such as language skills, legal residence for several years, and social participation.
6. Conclusion
Even though Germany doesn't offer a traditional Golden Visa program like other EU countries, there are certainly legal ways for foreign investors to obtain a residence permit – particularly through establishing a company under Section 21 of the Residence Act. However, this option requires more than just capital: A viable business concept, economic benefit for Germany, and a personal willingness to integrate are crucial. The same applies to citizenship: "Golden Citizenship" through monetary payment is not possible in Germany and also contradicts the European legal framework. Anyone considering Germany as their new home should therefore plan early and seek legal assistance in a timely manner.
List of sources
[1] Regarding the requirements for an investment visa within the meaning of Section 21 of the Residence Act, see VG Berlin, judgment of 25 May 2022 - VG 12 K 215/21 V
