Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Kitzingen

About Golden Visa Law in Kitzingen, Germany

Germany does not have a traditional Golden Visa that grants residence in exchange for passive investment such as buying real estate. Instead, Germany offers residence permits for self employed entrepreneurs and freelancers under the Residence Act. In practice, many investors refer to the self employment residence permit as the German Golden Visa. Eligibility is based on the economic value of a proposed business or freelance activity, solid financing, and positive impact in the region. For someone planning to live and operate a business in Kitzingen, the key pathway is the residence permit for self employment, complemented by other options such as the EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment, the skilled worker routes introduced and expanded under the Skilled Immigration Act, and the opportunity card for job seekers.

Kitzingen is a district in Bavaria with an active regional economy that includes wine production, manufacturing, logistics, crafts, and services. Applications are assessed locally with input from Bavarian authorities and economic bodies, so a business plan that meets regional needs can significantly improve the chances of success.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Applicants often benefit from legal counsel because the German self employment route is based on a discretionary assessment. A lawyer can help position your case to satisfy legal criteria and local expectations in Kitzingen and Bavaria. Common situations where legal help is useful include preparing a business plan that addresses regional economic interest, coordinating opinions from the Chamber of Commerce and professional bodies, choosing the right legal form for your company such as GmbH or UG, structuring financing to show secure funding, and compiling compliant documentation for the consulate and the local foreigners authority.

Legal support is also valuable when navigating company formation with a notary, opening a business bank account, obtaining municipal business registration, registering your residential address, enrolling in health insurance, and coordinating tax registrations. A lawyer can manage timing and dependencies so that proof of premises, insurance, and funding are available when needed. If your initial application is refused or delayed, counsel can handle objections or appeals, address concerns raised by authorities, and help you remain compliant for permit renewal and the path to permanent residence and citizenship. Specialized advice is particularly important for complex family situations, applicants over 45 who must show adequate pension provision, and those with cross border tax or asset structures.

Local Laws Overview

German residence for entrepreneurs and freelancers is governed by the Residence Act. The key standards for self employment include a sustainable business concept, an economic interest or regional need, positive effects on the regional economy such as job creation or knowledge transfer, and secured financing through equity or a bank commitment. There is no fixed minimum investment, but the scale of investment and the quality of the plan must match the business model and local market conditions in Kitzingen and the wider Mainfranken region.

For founders who will employ themselves as managing directors, authorities examine whether the business requires local presence and whether the role is substantive. Passive real estate investment does not qualify. Real estate can be part of an active business such as development or operations if you demonstrate genuine entrepreneurial activity. Freelancers such as IT consultants, architects, and artists can apply under the freelance track. Workers with a German job offer may consider the EU Blue Card or skilled worker permits if the business plan route is not appropriate.

Locally, the District Office Kitzingen foreigners authority assesses applications. Economic opinions may be requested from the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Würzburg Schweinfurt Mainfranken and from sector bodies such as the Chamber of Crafts for Mainfranken. You will also interact with the Kitzingen municipal registration office for address registration and the trade office for business registration. Company formation is notarized under German corporate law. After incorporation, you register with the tax office and obtain a tax number.

General requirements include a valid passport, clean criminal record certificate with apostille and translation, proof of comprehensive health insurance, proof of secure livelihood and accommodation, and a detailed business plan with market analysis and financial projections. Applicants over 45 typically must show adequate pension provision under federal guidelines, for example through pension rights or assets sufficient to avoid future dependence on social assistance. After a qualifying period and continued compliance, many entrepreneurs can apply for a settlement permit and later for naturalization if residence and integration requirements are met.

With a German residence permit you may travel within the Schengen Area for short stays. You must maintain your main residence in Germany and comply with registration, tax, and insurance obligations. Absences that are too long can endanger your permit. Renewal depends on ongoing business activity, economic viability, and continued compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Golden Visa in Germany and in Kitzingen

Germany does not offer a passive investment Golden Visa. The closest path is the residence permit for self employment or freelance activity. Your plan must show economic relevance to the Kitzingen region, secured financing, and realistic operations. Passive real estate investment is not sufficient.

What is the minimum investment amount

There is no statutory minimum. Authorities look at whether your investment is adequate for the proposed business. A small consultancy may need modest startup capital while a manufacturing venture will require significantly more. The strength of the plan, market need, and financing are decisive.

Can I qualify by buying property

Buying property alone does not lead to residence. Real estate may support an active business such as a hospitality operation or development company if you can demonstrate genuine entrepreneurship, operational presence, and regional benefit.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary. From abroad, expect several weeks to a few months for visa processing after submitting a complete application to a German mission. After arrival, the residence permit is issued by the Kitzingen foreigners authority, which can add several weeks. Incomplete files or complex business models extend timelines.

Can my spouse and children join me

Yes, family reunification is generally possible for spouses and minor children if you can provide adequate living space, secure livelihood, and health insurance. Spouses typically receive work authorization. Family members submit their own applications and documentation.

Do I need health insurance and an address before applying

Yes, comprehensive health insurance is mandatory. Private or public coverage must meet German standards. You will also need accommodation documentation. For local registration, you must register your residential address after arrival. Plan for these items early because they are foundational to the permit.

Is German language proficiency required

There is no formal language test for initial self employment residence permits. However, day to day operations, banking, and official procedures are easier with basic German. Language ability becomes more relevant for permanent residence and naturalization, which include language and integration requirements.

What is the path to permanent residence and citizenship

Entrepreneurs may qualify for a settlement permit after a period of lawful residence if the business is successful and funds your livelihood, and if you meet integration, insurance, and pension contribution conditions. After longer lawful residence and with integration, naturalization may be possible. Exact timelines depend on current federal law and individual circumstances.

What taxes apply to my business in Kitzingen

Corporate profits are subject to corporate income tax and solidarity surcharge, and most local businesses also pay trade tax set by the municipality. Partnerships and sole proprietors pay personal income tax on profits plus trade tax. VAT may apply. A tax advisor can help optimize structure and compliance.

How is my application evaluated locally

The foreigners authority reviews your file and may seek input from the Chamber of Commerce or sector bodies on the viability of your plan and regional need. Factors include your experience, the business model, market analysis, financing, job creation, and alignment with Kitzingen and Mainfranken economic priorities.

Additional Resources

Residence Act and Skilled Immigration Act guidance from the Federal Government and the State of Bavaria can provide authoritative criteria and procedures. The District Office Kitzingen foreigners authority is the primary local body for residence matters. The City of Kitzingen registration office handles address registration and business registration for trades. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Würzburg Schweinfurt Mainfranken offers opinions on business plans and regional economic interest. The Chamber of Crafts for Mainfranken supports craft sector applications. The Kitzingen tax office provides tax registrations and guidance. German embassies and consulates handle national visa applications abroad. Reputable notaries, tax advisors, and certified translators in the region can assist with formation and documentation.

Next Steps

Define your goal and choose the right route. Decide whether self employment or freelance status fits your profile, or whether a skilled worker or EU Blue Card path is more suitable. Consider family needs and long term plans for permanent residence and naturalization.

Develop a regional business plan. Prepare a detailed plan with market research focused on Kitzingen and Mainfranken, a realistic financial model, job creation or knowledge transfer aspects, premises strategy, and evidence of secured financing. Obtain support letters where possible from local partners or potential clients.

Organize documents early. Collect passports, civil status certificates with apostille and certified translations, CV and credentials, proof of funds, draft lease or property use agreements, health insurance quotes, and pension provision evidence if you are over 45. Keep copies consistent and well indexed.

Form the company and register. With legal guidance, choose a suitable legal form, arrange notarization, open a business bank account, register with the trade office, obtain a tax number, and register your address after arrival. Coordinate timing so immigration and corporate steps align.

Submit a complete application. If applying from abroad, file a national visa application at the German mission with your plan and supporting evidence. If switching status in Germany is permitted for your case, file with the Kitzingen foreigners authority. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Plan for compliance and renewal. Maintain health insurance, proper bookkeeping, tax filings, and active business operations. Monitor travel so you keep your main residence in Germany. Prepare renewal files with updated financials and proof of economic activity.

Engage professional help when needed. Consult a lawyer experienced in German business immigration, a tax advisor familiar with Bavarian municipal tax rules, and a notary for company formation. Local counsel can coordinate with the Kitzingen authorities and chambers to smooth the process and address any concerns early.

This guide is general information. For personalized advice in Kitzingen, consult a qualified lawyer who can assess your specific plan, documents, and timeline under current German and Bavarian regulations.