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Investor Visa
How to apply for an investor visa (residence permit for investors and traders).
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what the investor visa is
when an investor visa can be applied for in Germany
how high the chances are for an investor visa
how to apply for an investor visa
Table of Contents
1. What is an investor visa?
2. Requirements for the investor visa in Germany
3. Visa to purchase real estate
4. Opportunities Investor Visa
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
1. What is an investor visa in Germany?
The investor visa is a special type of residence permit that can be issued to third-country nationals under Section 21, Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act . It is aimed at entrepreneurs who wish to undertake economically relevant activities in Germany. This includes both establishing a business and investing in existing companies or real estate . The goal is to contribute to the German economy through the investment and create innovations or jobs.
Unlike a conventional self-employed visa, the investor visa is not aimed at small, individual businesses without substance. Rather, it requires genuine entrepreneurial commitment with a relevant investment amount (approximately €250,000) , a viable business model, and economic added value. Although rigid thresholds have been eliminated since 2012, applicants must still demonstrate that their activities have a positive impact on regional or overall economic development.
2. Requirements for the investor visa in Germany
To grant an investor visa, the immigration authorities examine various criteria. Key requirements include the existence of an economic interest or regional need, the positive impact of the project on the labor or innovation market, and secured financing. For an investment visa, this will usually be the case with the invested capital, as long as a relevant investment amount is reached.
In addition, a convincing plan demonstrating the applicant's activity as an investor is required. The applicant's qualifications, the sustainability of the investment, and the expected job creation are also considered in the assessment. To ensure the quality of the decision, expert bodies such as chambers of commerce and industry or industry associations are often consulted.
3. Visa to purchase real estate
The question is often asked whether the purchase of a property in Germany alone is sufficient to obtain an investor visa. However, simply purchasing residential or commercial real estate generally does not meet the requirements unless the property purchase is placed in a certain context. What is crucial is that the investment is associated with an entrepreneurial activity that goes beyond a mere capital investment . Ultimately, however, this is simply a matter of presentation to the authorities.
An investor visa may be considered if the acquisition of real estate is part of a business model, such as the establishment of a hotel business, a start-up with office space, or the renovation and commercial use of larger properties. However, a mere purchase without active business activity or without creating economic added value is not sufficient to meet the requirements of Section 21 Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act. Nevertheless, the acquisition of private real estate and apartments, for example, may also be sufficient for Section 21 of the Residence Act if it can be sufficiently plausibly demonstrated that these activities will create profit and economic added value for the German state.
4. Opportunities Investor Visa
The chances of success for an investor visa depend heavily on the quality of the project . The more the business model is focused on sustainable investment, job creation, innovation, or strengthening a specific region, the higher the chances of approval. It is also important that applicants can demonstrate that they have the necessary entrepreneurial experience and qualifications.
When applying for an investor visa or a real estate visa for Germany, it should be noted that the granting of a visa is generally at the discretion of the immigration authorities. There is therefore no entitlement to the granting of an investor visa, which is why legal assistance is strongly recommended. Those who submit a clearly structured business plan, demonstrate sufficient financial resources, and pursue a project with demonstrable added value for the German economy have a good chance of obtaining an investor visa.
5. FAQ investor visa Germany
Can I get an investor visa without starting a business?
Yes, but an investor visa always requires entrepreneurial activity. Pure capital investments without business activity are not sufficient unless a correspondingly active representation is made to the authorities.
What role does the amount of investment play?
There is no longer a fixed minimum amount, but an investment amount of €100,000–€250,000 is recommended. The decisive factor is whether the investment creates economic added value and has a substantial impact on the region.
Do I automatically get a visa if I buy property?
No, only if the property is part of a viable business model, such as a hotel or commercial operation. The purchase of private real estate is generally sufficient for an investor visa if there is a business context.
6. Conclusion
The investor visa, pursuant to Section 21, Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act, is an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and traders to gain a foothold in Germany. It offers residency prospects for those who make a recognizable contribution to the German economy with substantial projects. Purely small businesses or mere real estate purchases without a business model do not meet the requirements. However, those who come to Germany with a clear strategy, secured financing, and innovative approaches have a good chance of obtaining an investor visa.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Regarding the amount of investment required for an investor visa, see VG Saarlouis, decision of 17.11.2015 - 6 L 834/15
[2] Regarding the degree of financial trading activities required for an investor visa, see VG Berlin, judgment of 25 May 2022 - VG 12 K 215/21 V