fromEUR 25,000
Business founder permit (§21)
A GmbH with the usual share capital, a viable business plan, secured financing and an economic interest for the region; permanent residence after three years if the business succeeds.
[ Europe ]
Germany
A residence permit in Europe’s largest economy for founders, professionals and their families.
- Route
- Residency & migration
- Minimum investment
- No fixed minimum; GmbH share capital from EUR 25,000
- Time to residency
- Around 3–6 months from the visa application, depending on the embassy
- Presence required
- Live in Germany; an absence of more than 6 months ends the permit
- Citizenship
- After 5 years (3 with exceptional integration), with B1 German
- Travel
- Schengen area with the residence permit
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed since June 2024
- Reach status
- Advisory & filing
Figures indicative as of September 2026. Amounts, fees and processing times change with each government’s rules. A consultant confirms the current terms for your family before anything is signed.
Germany does not sell residency, but it is one of the most open countries in Europe to anyone who brings a business or a qualification. A founder with a viable plan, a professional with a recognised degree or a job seeker with enough points can each obtain a residence permit that leads to permanent residency and, since the 2024 reform, to citizenship without giving up the original passport.
We advise most Arab business owners on the self-employment permit through a German GmbH, and professionals on the EU Blue Card. Both give the family Schengen travel, tuition-free public universities and the security of the German legal system.
Why families choose it
- 01
Dual citizenship allowed
Since June 2024 you can take German citizenship and keep your original nationality.
- 02
Permanent residency in 21–36 months
Blue Card holders after 27 months, or 21 with B1 German; founders after three years.
- 03
Your spouse can work
The partner receives full work rights on arrival under family reunification.
- 04
Tuition-free universities
Public universities charge little or no tuition, so the children’s education costs a fraction of the UK or the US.
- 05
Schengen and a stable economy
Visa-free movement across the Schengen area, a strong labour market and a legal system you can rely on.
Investment routes
fromEUR 48,300
EU Blue Card
For graduates with a job offer at or above the annual salary threshold (around EUR 43,760 in shortage occupations); permanent residence after 27 months, or 21 with B1 German.
Opportunity Card
A one-year, points-based job-seeker visa scored on qualifications, experience, language and age, with the right to work part time while you search.
Skilled Worker visa
A recognised qualification and a job offer from a German employer, with the family joining at once.
Study
Children enrol at public universities with little or no tuition and can stay on to work after graduation.
Figures indicative as of September 2026. Amounts, fees and processing times change with each government’s rules. A consultant confirms the current terms for your family before anything is signed.
How it works
Who can be included
Spouse and minor children join under family reunification; the spouse receives full work rights, and children attend public schools free of charge.
- A consultant assesses your profile, qualifications or business idea and picks the strongest route.
- Professionals have their degree recognised; founders prepare the business plan, incorporate the GmbH and deposit its capital.
- We collect the evidence: proof of financing, health insurance, accommodation and, where needed, the chamber of commerce opinion.
- The national visa application is filed at the German embassy in your country and biometrics are taken.
- You enter Germany, register your address and receive the residence permit from the foreigners’ authority.
- We handle renewals, then permanent residence and, in due course, citizenship.
Questions people ask
Talk to a consultant: Assess my case
Do I need German?
Not for the founder permit or the Blue Card. B1 shortens the path to permanent residence and is required for citizenship, so we recommend starting early.
Is EUR 25,000 enough?
That is the legal share capital for a GmbH, not the size of investment expected. The business plan is judged on real financing and prospects, and most ventures need more.
Can my spouse work?
Yes. The partner receives full work rights with the family reunification permit, without needing a job offer first.
How soon can I get permanent residence?
After three years for founders whose business is succeeding, and after 27 months for Blue Card holders, or 21 months with B1 German.
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