Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Bremen

1. About Golden Visa Law in Bremen, Germany

In Bremen, as across Germany, there is no separate, fixed “Golden Visa” program with a single investment threshold. The common path for investors and self-employed entrants is a residence permit issued under the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthG). The key route used for investment and business activity is the self-employed permit under § 21 AufenthG. Local authorities in Bremen, namely the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners authority), assess each case on its own merits based on economic viability and potential local benefits.

Practically, Bremen authorities look for a credible business concept, sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family, and evidence that the activity will have a positive economic impact, such as job creation or retention. There is no codified minimum investment amount in federal law; instead the focus is on the business plan, source of funds, and sustainability. This means that two similar proposals can yield different outcomes depending on the presented evidence and local economic considerations.

For residents and potential investors in Bremen, it is important to understand that processing times and requirements can vary by case and by the local authority. Working with a qualified solicitor or attorney who understands Bremen’s specific procedures can help align your plan with the expectations of the Ausländerbehörde and the local economic context.

Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit is granted under § 21 AufenthG when the business concept is viable and contributes to the economy.

Key background sources for this overview include the German Residence Act and official guidance from federal authorities. See the official text of the AufenthG and related regulations for precise language and current provisions.

• Source text: Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - § 21 Selbständige Tätigkeit
• General guidance on immigration and work in Germany: BAMF - Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Bremen, securing a residence permit for self-employment or investment involves detailed documentation and careful navigation of local practice. A lawyer or solicitor can help you structure your case to meet Bremen’s expectations and avoid common pitfalls.

• You plan to found a tech startup in Bremen and apply under § 21 AufenthG. A legal counsel can help with the business plan, market study, and proof of viability, increasing the chance of a successful decision by the Ausländerbehörde.

• You have significant funds and want to structure ownership or corporate arrangements to satisfy residency requirements. A lawyer can optimize corporate form, shareholding, and transfer documents to satisfy due diligence and source of funds checks.

• You need to demonstrate the economic benefit to Bremen, such as job creation for locals. An attorney can help quantify impact, prepare employment projections, and address German tax and compliance issues.

• You have a family unit that seeks residence for dependents or spouses. A lawyer can coordinate family reunification options and ensure all family members’ documentation aligns with local rules.

• You face a prior immigration problem, such as a previous visa refusal or a lapse in status. A solicitor can assess waivers, appeal routes, and remedial steps under local practice.

• You must respond to a request for supplementary evidence (ER) from the Ausländerbehörde. A lawyer can prepare precise, timely submissions and manage deadlines to avoid adverse outcomes.

• You are navigating anti-money-laundering or source-of-funds checks. A legal counsel can help document legitimate funding and provide a clear audit trail for authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Golden Visa pathway in Bremen is governed by federal law, with local administration playing a key role in processing. The following laws and regulations are central to understanding the framework for self-employed residency and investment related immigration in Bremen:

• Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - the German Residence Act that provides the legal basis for residence permits including those for self employment under § 21. The act outlines eligibility, documentation, and renewal rules for residence permits. Effective since 2005, it has been amended several times to reflect changing migration patterns and economic needs.

  The residence permit for the purpose of self employment is issued when the concept is viable and serves the economic interest of the country.

• Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) - the implementing regulations that detail procedural rules for granting and renewing residence permits under the AufenthG. It covers documentation standards, processing timelines, and local authority responsibilities. The AufenthV provides the procedural spine that Bremen Ausländerbehörde follows in practice.

  Note: The AufenthV is periodically updated; applicants should verify the most recent version when preparing a submission.

• Geldwäs­chgesetz (GwG) - the Money Laundering Act that governs financial transparency, beneficial ownership and funds provenance for large investments and business activity. Compliance with GwG is routinely assessed in investment-based residency matters to ensure funds originate from legitimate sources.

  Recent amendments to GwG strengthen verification procedures for high value transfers and corporate structures used to finance entrepreneurship in Germany.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa pathway in Bremen and how does it work?

The Golden Visa concept in Bremen uses the self-employed residence route under § 21 AufenthG. A credible business plan, proof of funds, and evidence of economic benefit are required. Each application is reviewed by the local Ausländerbehörde with input from Bremen’s economic development bodies.

How do I apply for a self-employed residence permit in Bremen?

Prepare a detailed business plan, financial projections, and evidence of funds. Submit these through the Bremen Ausländerbehörde along with identity documents and legal documents for your business entity. A solicitor can coordinate the process and serve as your representative.

Do I need a fixed minimum investment to qualify in Germany?

Germany does not set a fixed investment threshold in federal law. The decision depends on the viability of the business concept, the financial plan, and the ability to sustain the applicant and dependents. Local authorities assess the overall economic impact.

How long does the Bremen residency process typically take?

Processing times vary by case. In practice, initial decisions often take several months, and late-stage requests may extend the timeline. A well-prepared application can reduce back-and-forth with the authorities.

Can my family join me on a Bremen investment residency?

Yes, dependents such as spouses and minor children can usually apply for residence in Bremen as part of the family reunification process. Documentation for dependents must align with the main applicant’s permit.

Should I hire a lawyer to assist with the application?

Yes. A lawyer or solicitor with immigration and investment experience in Bremen can help tailor your business plan, prepare evidence for funds and source of funds, and manage communications with the Ausländerbehörde.

Do I need to show my funds come from legitimate sources?

Yes. The funds used for the investment or business must be traceable and legitimate. The Geldwäschegesetz governs these checks, and authorities may request bank statements and transfer histories.

What documents are typically required for self-employment in Bremen?

Common documents include a full business plan, corporate registration, financial projections, proof of funds, personal identification, and CVs. Additional documents may be requested based on the sector and business model.

Is there a difference between an EU Blue Card and a Bremen residence permit for self-employment?

Yes. The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled employees and requires a salary threshold and job offer, while the self-employed permit under § 21 AufenthG is designed for business activity and investment proposals in Bremen.

Can I invest through a corporate entity rather than personally?

Investing through a corporate structure is often possible, but it requires careful documentation of ownership, control, and funds. A lawyer can help ensure the structure complies with money-laundering rules and residency criteria.

What happens if my business plan fails after obtaining the permit?

Residence permits are conditional on ongoing viability. If the business fails to meet the required standards, the authorities may reduce the permit or request a revised plan. Seek timely legal advice to adjust strategy.

What is the difference between a temporary permit and permanent residence in this context?

A temporary permit is usually issued for a defined period tied to the business plan and its renewal prospects. Permanent residency in Germany typically follows after long-term residence, often with language and integration requirements, depending on the path taken.

5. Additional Resources

These sources provide authoritative, government or official guidance related to Golden Visa and immigration in Germany and Bremen. They can help you verify legal requirements and access official information.

• Make It in Germany - Official portal for immigration and work in Germany, including self-employment and visa guidance: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/
• BAMF - Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, general information on residence titles and integration: https://www.bamf.de/EN/Home/home_node.html
• Gesetze-im-Internet - Official repository for German laws, including AufenthG: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/
• WFB Bremen - Bremen’s public development agency providing information on business creation and relocation in Bremen: https://www.wfb-bremen.de/en/

6. Next Steps

1. Define your objective and select the visa path you will pursue in Bremen (self-employment vs other residency routes). This helps tailor the documents you prepare. Expect a 1-2 week planning phase.
2. Consult a Bremen-based solicitor with immigration and investment experience to assess your case. Schedule an initial consultation within 2-4 weeks.
3. Prepare a robust business plan, financial model and proof of funds. Your attorney can help gather and organize these documents for submission. Anticipate 2-6 weeks for document preparation.
4. Submit the application to the Bremen Ausländerbehörde and coordinate any early requests for additional information. Plan for a 3-8 month decision window, depending on case complexity.
5. Respond promptly to any requests for clarification or additional evidence from authorities. Timely responses can significantly affect processing time.
6. Plan your relocation logistics if the permit is granted, including residency registration and family immigration steps. This can take several weeks after approval.
7. Maintain ongoing compliance with German laws, including business reporting, tax obligations, and anti-money-laundering requirements. Schedule annual reviews with your legal counsel.