26 June 2026
Obtain German Investment Visa
Please contact our immigration lawyer in Germany if you want to obtain a visa addressed to foreign investors starting a business here.
Foreign investors have the possibility of applying for an investment visa program or for an entrepreneur visa program in Germany. Below, we have presented the main characteristics of these programs, but additional information and support can be obtained from our German immigration lawyers.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | Non-EU citizens can apply for the German investment visa program |
| Business investment option (YES/NO) | YES |
Real estate investment option (YES/NO) | NO, buying real estate does not lead to a German residence permit |
| Other investment options (if available) | NO |
| Minimum investment | No statutory minimum since 2012; the business must serve an economic interest or regional need and be fully financed |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | Residency is available through an investment visa in Germany |
| Direct immigration with family mmebers (YES/NO) | YES, the spouse and minor children can join the investor |
| Family members allowed to join the program | YES, it is possible to relocate with family members to Germany |
| Residence visa/citizenship | After 3 years of living in Germany |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | YES, sufficient means of subsistence and adequate housing must be shown for the family members |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | Settlement permit after 3 years of successful self-employment; naturalisation after 5 years of residence (no citizenship by investment) |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | YES, dual citizenship is permitted |
| Reasons to choose Germany | The most advanced and powerful economy in Europe, the leading engine of the European Union, access to great business and labor markets |
| Personal income tax rate | 0% to 45% |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | Approx. 185 countries (German passport) |
What is the entrepreneur visa program in Germany?
The entrepreneur visa in Germany is addressed to businessmen who want to set up their own company in this country or to invest in a business venture that is already active.
What are the conditions to get an investor visa in Germany in 2026?
The German investment visa can be obtained if one provides a business plan that shows the benefits of the respective business for the German economy.
The entrepreneur must also create jobs in the local market, and this type of visa allows the right to bring the person’s family in Germany.
When making an application for German migration, the foreign entrepreneur must satisfy basic legal requirements; he or she must have an age of at least 18 years old and must have a clean criminal record. If the applicant has a family, he can include on the application the spouse and the child/children with an age below 18 years old, but more details concerning this procedure can be offered by our immigration lawyer in Germany.
Who can apply for an investment visa in Germany?
The Business Investor Visa addresses non-EU citizens. Specifically, the following categories of persons can apply for it:
- international business owners seeking to expand in Germany;
- executives or investors in charge of business relocation projects;
- employers hiring non-EU skilled personnel.
Our immigration services also include assistance in moving to Germany from Canada.
The procedure of obtaining an investment visa in Germany is also explained in the infographic below:
What are the conditions for obtaining an investment visa in Germany in 2026?
Apart from starting a business, the approval of the visa that can lead to German residency by investment in 2026 depends on a few other aspects. Among these:
- there must be an economic interest or a regional need for the business in which the company operates;
- the applicant must also prove he or she has gathered the funds to create a company;
- he or she must declare that the business requires his/her presence in Germany;
- as an investor, it is imperative to secure financing for your business either through equity capital or a loan commitment;
- additionally, applicants over 45 must show adequate provision for old age.
Is there a minimum amount to invest to get this type of German visa?
No, the law does not impose a minimum investment amount; however, our German immigration lawyers advise clients, especially those interested in launching/expanding a business, to inject EUR 250,000 – EUR 300,000.
It is important to note that in terms of employment, specific salary thresholds apply.
What is the minimum salary to provide to an employee hired under the German investor visa?
The EU Blue Card is the visa that enables German employers to hire skilled non-EU citizens under the investment visa, and for this purpose, they must ensure:
- a minimum annual gross salary of EUR 50,700 at the level of 2026;
- a minimum of EUR 45,934 as an annual salary when hiring skill shortage employees.
What are the main aspects to consider if I want to apply for a German investment visa in 2026?
The main procedural aspects are the following:
- qualifying executive investors who own shares in the companies they work for can combine shareholding with the management roles they have and apply for a residence permit for self-employment (there is no 'unified residence card');
- the immigration authority decides after consulting the competent local bodies (such as the chamber of commerce and the trade authority), which have flexible evaluation criteria in terms of capital, focusing more on long-term viability.
If you decide to apply for an investor visa for Germany and need guidance or information, you can direct your questions to our immigration specialists who will answer them as soon as possible. We also invite you to watch our video below:
How long does it take to obtain an investor visa in Germany?
Since the business plan is reviewed by regional Chamber of Commerce offices, the decision timeframe usually ranges from several weeks to a few months; no maximum period is set by law.
How long does it take to obtain a permanent residence permit for Germany under the investor visa?
3 years instead of the general 5-year requirement (Section 21(4) of the Residence Act).
Is the living requirement the only condition to obtain a German permanent residence card under this visa?
No, successful candidates must also:
- prove that their businesses are stable, have ongoing operations, and are tax-compliant (for business owners);
- they have sufficient income to sustain themselves and cover their social security (for employees);
- there are no public-security objections (no specific German level is required by Section 21(4)) and they have lived continuously in Germany for the 3 required years (for both categories of applicants).
We invite foreign businessmen to contact our immigration lawyer in Germany for more information on the process of entering one of the programs for investment mentioned above.