How can I, as a foreign investor, obtain a residence permit in Germany?
May 15, 2023 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
My name is Babette Blumberg and I am a foreign investor who has been operating in Germany for some time. I have founded my company here and now I would like to apply for a permanent residence permit in order to stay in Germany long-term and expand my business activities.
Currently, I hold a temporary residence permit, but I would like to settle in Germany permanently. My concern is that without a permanent residence permit, I may encounter difficulties in continuing to successfully operate my business and make long-term investments.
I have already done some research and found that the requirements for a permanent residence permit include establishing residence in Germany, having sufficient financial means, and knowledge of the German language. Since I have been living and working here for some time, I already fulfill some of these requirements. However, I am unsure if I have submitted all the necessary documents and evidence correctly and if there are any additional steps I should be aware of.
Therefore, my question to you is: How can I, as a foreign investor, obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany? Are there any specific requirements that I need to consider as an investor? What documents are required and how can I ensure that my application is successful?
I would greatly appreciate your support and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Babette Blumberg
Dear Mrs. Blumberg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the application for a settlement permit as a foreign investor in Germany. I am pleased that you have founded your company here and wish to be active in Germany in the long term. I would like to explain in detail the steps and requirements you should consider for obtaining a settlement permit as an investor.
First and foremost, it is important to know that the requirements for a settlement permit as an investor in Germany are generally similar to those for other foreign nationals. These include, among others, taking up residence in Germany, having sufficient financial means to secure a livelihood, and knowledge of the German language at a certain level. Since you have been active in Germany for some time, you probably already fulfill some of these requirements.
As an investor, however, you should also be able to demonstrate that your company contributes to the economy and employment in Germany. This can be proven, for example, by creating jobs, increasing revenue, or investing in new projects. It is important that you can provide evidence such as business reports, tax returns, or business plans to demonstrate your entrepreneurial activities in Germany.
To ensure that your application for a settlement permit as an investor is successful, it is advisable to seek early and comprehensive advice. An experienced immigration lawyer can assist you in compiling the necessary documents, identify possible obstacles, and help you communicate with the authorities.
The specific documents usually required for the application for a settlement permit include your passport, current passport photos, evidence of sufficient financial means, a lease agreement or housing certificate, health insurance documents, and evidence of your entrepreneurial activities in Germany.
I strongly recommend that you contact an immigration lawyer promptly to review your documents for completeness and accuracy and ensure the success of your application for a settlement permit as an investor.
I hope this information has been helpful to you and I am available for further questions. I wish you success in your endeavor to settle in Germany.
Sincerely,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Immigration Lawyer
