What is a Germany Golden Visa & How to Apply in 2025?
Germany is one of the most highly developed countries in the world. Internships and work opportunities in the country have made it a preferred destination for international students for quite some time now.
Germany's structure and stability have attracted the attention of investors. The well-developed infrastructure is an added advantage. Though there is no Golden Visa in Germany, there's an equivalent investment program which offers German citizenship in less than 6 years.
Read on to know important details.
What is a Golden Visa in Germany?
If an individual purchases a house or makes investments in a foreign country, he/she will be eligible for a Golden Visa. It is a residence permit that leads to permanent citizenship.
Germany doesn't have a golden visa scheme. It doesn't have an exclusive citizenship by investment program. However, it has a residency by investment program. Many people refer to this Germany Investment Visa as the Golden Visa in Germany.
Suppose an investor wishes to start a business in Germany, has a business plan, or makes specified investments. In that case, he/she will become eligible to apply for an equivalent permit of the Golden Visa in the country under a Germany Golden Visa Programme.
Eligibility Criteria for Germany Golden Visa from India
The eligibility requirements for qualifying for a Germany Investment Visa are as follows:
The applicant needs to be at least 18 years old.
He/she shouldn't have any criminal record.
The applicant for the visa programme needs to have a proper business plan and adequate experience for starting a new venture in Germany.
The business establishment in Germany needs to hire a minimum of 5 people.
The applicant needs to raise the requisite cash via loan or equity financing.
He/she needs to confirm that the business will have a positive effect on the German economy.
Documents Required to Apply for an Investor Visa in Germany
The list of the required documents for a German Investor Visa is as follows:
- Proof of employment
- Evidence of having a clean criminal record
- Proof of financial resources for the requisite investment
- Valid Passport
- Passport size photograph
- Resume detailing academic and professional qualifications, testimonials and references
- Birth and marriage certificate
- Business plan
- Complete and signed application form
- Proof of application fee payment
- Evidence of residency in Germany – proof of homeownership/rental agreement
- Health Insurance Certificate issued by a German insurer
What are the Investment Requirements to Obtain a Golden Visa in Germany?
If you wish to invest in Germany and ultimately gain permanent citizenship, you must set up a business there. Moreover, the venture needs to create employment opportunities for a minimum of five people in Germany.
Given below is a list of the important sectors where people mostly invest in:
- Shipping and maritime
- Automotive and Aviation
- Chemicals and Materials
- Electronics and Micro-technology
- Financial Services, including banking and insurance sectors
- Digital Economy
- IT Industry (data and consulting, software)
- Logistics
- Consumer Industries
- Life Sciences
- Green Energy
- Demographic Change
- Machinery and Equipment
How to Apply for a Germany Golden Visa?
Given below are the steps to apply for an investment visa in Germany:
Step 1: Come Up With a Business Plan
You need to develop a concrete business plan that illustrates your business's impact on the German economy. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry will examine the plan.
Step 2: Visit the German Embassy to Apply for Self-Employment Visa
After the business plan is approved, you must visit your country's German embassy and start the application procedure for the self-employment visa. This visa will permit you to visit Germany and start a business.
Step 3: You'll Get Your Temporary Residence Permit Once You Visit Germany
When you arrive in Germany, you will receive a temporary residence permit. Its validity period is 3 years, after which it can be renewed. This residence permit allows you to live and run a business in Germany.
Step 4: You'll Receive Permanent Residentship
If you have lived in Germany continuously for 3 years, you will automatically become eligible for permanent residency.
Step 5: Finally, Apply for Citizenship
You can apply for permanent citizenship if you have lived in Germany for 8 years. However, suppose you have become well-versed in German and have a well-internalised German culture. In that case, you can apply for citizenship after living in the country for 6 years.
Fees for Golden Visa in Germany
Officials haven't specified the minimum investment amount that would qualify a person for an Investment Visa in Germany. However, experts recommend an investment of at least €360,000 (₹3,35,79,000 as of March 21, 2025) as this proves that the investor can meet the investment criteria.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory to Apply for a German Golden Visa?
Yes, suppose you are applying for a self-employment visa or any other long-term residence permit in Germany. In that case, you must have valid travel insurance for Germany that meets visa requirements.
Travel insurance is mandatory for short-term visas (Schengen Visa), covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, including emergencies and repatriation.
What are the Benefits of a German Golden Visa?
The benefits of having a Golden Visa in Germany are enumerated below:
Germany Investment Visa comes with studying and working rights in Germany.
If one avails of this visa, one can benefit from visa-free travel across 145 countries worldwide.
This particular residence by investment programme leads to permanent residence after 3 years for the main investor and 5 years for the family members.
With this visa, one can also become a permanent citizen after residing in Germany for 8 years.
Investments in Germany's strong economy will lead to easy access to the European Union's open market.
What is the Validity Period of a Golden Visa in Germany?
If the business plan proposal receives approval from German authorities, you will become eligible for a German self-employment visa. This visa will permit you to enter and live in Germany and establish a new venture.
This particular visa comes with 3 years of temporary residence permit. After completion of 3 years, you can apply for a German settlement permit, which permits you to live in Germany permanently.
This blog has enumerated the important details related to the permit equivalent to a Golden Visa in Germany. The country is an attractive destination for students and investors alike. If a wealthy person decides to establish a business and generate employment in the country, he/she must create a proper business plan. After approval, the investor can enter, live and run his venture in Germany.
List of German Embassy and Consulate in India
List of Indian Embassy and Consulate in Germany
Can my German Golden Visa be cancelled?
Yes, even with residency permits obtained through investment-like activities in Germany, there are circumstances where they can be revoked. Here's a breakdown of general principles:
Providing False Information:
If you obtained your residency permit by providing false or misleading information, it can be revoked.
Failure to Meet Requirements:
If you no longer meet the requirements that were the basis for your residency permit (e.g., your business fails, or you no longer have sufficient financial resources), it can be revoked.
Criminal Activity:
Committing serious criminal offences can lead to the revocation of your residency permit and deportation.
Threat to Public Security:
If you are deemed a threat to public security or order, your residency permit can be revoked.
Extended Absence:
If you spend an extended period outside of Germany, your residency permit may become invalid. The specific duration varies depending on the type of permit.
Changes in Law:
Though less common, changes in German immigration law could potentially affect existing residency permits.
Why Should You Buy Travel Insurance for Germany?
As travel insurance is required for obtaining a German visa and citizenship for Indian nationals, here are the reasons behind its importance:
Visa & Residency Requirements:
Travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage is mandatory for Schengen visas.
Medical Protection Until You Get German Health Insurance:
Germany has a strict health insurance system. Travel insurance acts as temporary coverage if you're new and haven’t enrolled yet. Covers emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and doctor visits until you switch to statutory or private health insurance in Germany.
Protection Against Unexpected Travel Issues:
Travel insurance provides financial protection against flight delays and cancellations, reimbursing non-refundable costs. It also covers expenses for lost or delayed luggage and lost passports, ensuring compensation for stolen or misplaced belongings.
Covers Medical Expenses:
In case of a serious medical emergency, it includes emergency evacuation and repatriation, covering the cost of returning to India if necessary.
Personal Liability & Legal Assistance:
If you accidentally cause harm or damage property, travel insurance helps cover legal expenses.
Smooth Transition to German Residency & Citizenship:
Having proper insurance ensures a hassle-free stay while fulfilling all visa and residency requirements on your journey to German citizenship.
Why Choose Digit?
Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance to Germany:
Adventure Activities Covered:
Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and more (provided the duration is one day).
Smartphone-enabled claims process:
With a smartphone-enabled claims process, it’s all smart. There's no paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.
Missed Call Facility:
Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges!
Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays:
If your flight is delayed, we give you monetary compensation to ease your inconvenience.
Worldwide Support:
We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*
FAQs for Golden Visa in Germany
Why is a Golden Visa in Germany Required?
The golden visa in Germany allows foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and family members to live and work in the country freely. Once they have made the necessary investment, they are eligible to run a business on the ground. More benefits are mentioned below.
Can the investor's family accompany him to Germany?
The applicant's family members can join him if he sets up a business in Germany. Family members include spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent wards (children above 18 years and dependent on the applicant either financially or because of some disability).
Can I invest in real estate to gain German citizenship?
No, you cannot simply invest in real estate to obtain citizenship in Germany. If you wish to qualify for a visa, your investment needs to create a difference in the German economy. In simpler words, you need to establish a business which would generate employment for at least 5 people.
How can I obtain a German Golden Visa?
To obtain a German Golden Visa, you need to invest in the German economy by starting a business that creates at least five full-time jobs and has a positive economic impact. You must also meet other requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, having no criminal record, and having relevant business experience.
What is the fastest way to get German citizenship?
You can get German citizenship faster if you match the criteria below:
Highly Skilled Workers: 5 years, or 3 years with an integration course.
Entrepreneurs & Investors: Similar timeframe if the business benefits the economy.
Family Reunification: 3 years for spouses of German citizens.
Standard Process: 8 years, reduced to 6 with strong integration.
How can an Indian citizen become a German citizen?
Indian nationals can obtain German citizenship through the same pathways as other non-EU citizens:
Employment-based residency: Blue Card, EU Skilled Worker Visa.
Business investment: Starting a job-creating company.
Family reunification: Marriage to a German citizen.
Naturalization: 8 years, or 6 with advanced integration.
Note: Dual citizenship is generally not allowed; Indian passport may need to be renounced.
Is it possible to become a German citizen in just five years?
Yes, it is possible to become a German citizen in just five years under certain conditions. Highly skilled workers who integrate well, including language proficiency, may qualify for citizenship after five years. Entrepreneurs and business investors who significantly contribute to the German economy can also be eligible within a similar timeframe.
Does Germany have an official Golden Visa program?
No, Germany does not have an official Golden Visa program. Instead, it provides residency through investment in business or real estate.
What are the main benefits of the Golden Visa in Germany?
The benefits of the Golden visa in Germany include the right to live, work, and study in Germany, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and the potential to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
What types of investments qualify for the German Golden Visa?
To qualify for the German Golden visa, the investments must have a positive impact on the German economy, meet an economic or regional demand, and create at least five full-time, permanent job positions.
How much do I need to invest to qualify for the Golden Visa in Germany?
It is recommended to invest at least €360,000 to qualify for the Golden visa for Germany, although there is no official minimum investment amount.
Can I include my family members in my Germany Golden Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 in your application for Germany Golden visa.
What is the process for applying for the Germany Golden Visa?
The process involves consulting with professionals, getting your business plan approved by the German Chamber of Commerce, applying for a self-employment visa, and then applying for permanent residence.
How long does it take to get the Germany Golden Visa?
The processing time for the Germany Golden Visa is typically 4 to 6 months, including the approval of your business plan and visa application.
What are the residency requirements for the Germany Golden Visa?
The residency requirement for the Germany Golden Visa is that you must live in Germany continuously (at least half of the year) and prove that Germany is your main residence.
Can I work in Germany with a Golden Visa?
Yes, you can work in Germany with the Germany investment visa, as it allows you to start and operate a business.
What are the tax implications of the Germany Golden Visa?
Tax implications of the German Golden visa vary based on individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand your specific situation.
Can I renew my Germany Golden Visa?
Yes, you can renew your residence permit in Germany, provided you continue to meet the investment and residency requirements.
What are the requirements for obtaining permanent residency through the Germany Golden Visa?
You can apply for permanent residency after three years of continuous residence in Germany, provided you meet the investment and integration requirements.
What are the language requirements for the Germany Golden Visa?
There are no specific language requirements for the initial visa, but proficiency in German is required for citizenship.
Can I travel within the Schengen Area with the Germany Golden Visa?
Yes, the Germany Golden visa allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Where can I find more information or assistance with my Germany Golden Visa application?
You can consult with immigration lawyers or professional advisors who specialise in German immigration law for detailed guidance and support.