Germany’s Long-Term Residence Permit

While no specific minimum level of capital investment is established by regulators, Sununu recommends capitalizing a business with at least €500,000, and investors may choose to form their business with assets such as cash, listed securities, local real estate or commodities. Furthermore, investors must demonstrate to the regulators that the underlying business model is sustainable.

The process of obtaining the long-term residency can take up to eight months and is determined on a case by case basis. However, the investor is not required to deploy any capital until preliminary approval has been granted by the authorities based on the viability of the business plan.

Once residency is granted, investors are not required to adhere to a rigid physical presence schedule to maintain their status. After three years of obtaining long-term residence, investors and their families can apply for permanent residence and ultimately citizenship following five years of permanent residency provided they demonstrate a command of German and meet minimum physical presence requirements.

Sununu offers a full-service solution which includes providing legal advice, assistance with the development of a business plan and strategy, and access to German capital markets through its network of banking partners.