Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Parchim

About Golden Visa Law in Parchim, Germany

Germany does not offer a classic Golden Visa that grants residence solely in exchange for a passive investment or property purchase. What many people refer to as a Golden Visa in Germany is usually a residence permit for self-employment, entrepreneurship, or freelancing under the German Residence Act. If you plan to start or expand a business, manage a German company, or work as a freelancer, you may qualify for a residence permit based on economic activity. Parchim is part of the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and local authorities apply federal immigration law while assessing the regional economic interest of your project.

Typical routes include the self-employment permit for entrepreneurs, the freelance permit for liberal professions, and skilled worker permits such as the EU Blue Card if you qualify through employment rather than investment. Buying real estate in Parchim by itself does not create any residence rights.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Investment-based residence in Germany hinges on a credible business or freelance plan, lawful company setup, and compliance with residence and tax rules. A local lawyer helps you tailor your strategy to the region and avoid costly delays or refusals. You may need a lawyer if you are preparing a business plan for an entrepreneurial permit, determining whether your activity counts as self-employment or a liberal profession, forming a German company such as a GmbH, opening a business bank account and drafting corporate governance documents, confirming that your project meets regional economic interest criteria in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, purchasing or leasing commercial premises and negotiating contracts, securing sector-specific licenses or craft approvals where required, preparing family reunion applications for your spouse and children, planning taxes and social security with a Steuerberater to align your immigration and fiscal strategy, responding to document requests, handling renewals, or filing objections and court appeals if an application is refused.

Local Laws Overview

German immigration law is federal. The key statute is the Residence Act. For people seeking a so-called Golden Visa through business activity, the most relevant provisions are the sections that cover self-employment and freelancing, alongside general residence rules. Local agencies in Parchim apply these federal rules and evaluate whether your project benefits the regional economy.

Entrepreneurship and self-employment permit - This route is available when there is a regional economic interest or a special local need, the activity is expected to have positive economic effects, and financing is secured by capital or a loan commitment. Authorities evaluate the business plan, capital investment, job creation or safeguarding, your professional experience, and the fit with local development goals. For applicants aged 45 or older, adequate retirement provision is required unless income is sufficiently high. If your business performs well and secures your livelihood, you may qualify for a permanent settlement permit after three years.

Freelance permit - If your activity is a liberal profession such as certain consulting, IT, design, scientific, artistic, medical, or similar services, you may apply as a freelancer. You will demonstrate clients, contracts, and financial viability. Freelancers register with the tax office rather than the trade office, and do not pay trade tax, though income tax and value added tax may apply.

Skilled worker and EU Blue Card routes - If you will be employed by a German company, you might qualify for a skilled worker permit or the EU Blue Card. These are not investment permits, but some applicants choose employment instead of entrepreneurship depending on qualifications and job offers.

No residence from property purchase - Buying residential or commercial property in Parchim does not grant any immigration status. Property can support a business plan if it is integral to your operations, but it is not sufficient by itself.

Key compliance points - You must maintain a registered main residence in Germany, hold adequate health insurance, and meet tax obligations. Company formation often requires a notary, corporate bank account, and minimum share capital for certain entities. After arrival, you register your address with the local citizens office and, if applicable, register your trade activity or freelance status for tax. Timely renewals are essential. Spouses and minor children can usually join you if you meet income, housing, and insurance requirements.

Permanent residence and citizenship - Successful entrepreneurs may obtain a settlement permit after three years of operating a viable business that secures their livelihood. Naturalization is generally possible after five years of lawful residence, or in some cases sooner with special integration achievements, subject to language and integration requirements and other statutory criteria.

Regional practice in Parchim - The foreigners authority for the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim processes residence permits. Economic interest assessments may involve feedback from regional economic bodies such as the chamber of commerce. You will typically interact with the local trade office for business registration, the tax office for tax numbers and VAT, and the register court for company entries. Processing times and document expectations can vary, so early preparation is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Germany have a Golden Visa like Portugal or Spain

No. Germany does not offer residence solely for an investment or real estate purchase. The closest options are residence permits for self-employment, entrepreneurship, or freelancing, and employment-based permits for skilled workers.

Can buying a home or commercial property in Parchim get me a residence permit

No. Property ownership alone does not create any right to live in Germany. It can support a business plan if it is essential to your operations, but it is not enough on its own.

How much do I need to invest to get a self-employment permit

There is no fixed minimum. Authorities review your business plan, expected economic impact, job creation or safeguarding, and secured financing. The required capital depends on your sector, location, and operating costs. A detailed and credible plan matters more than a specific number.

Who decides whether my business is in the regional economic interest

The foreigners authority leads the decision and may seek input from regional bodies such as the chamber of commerce or industry experts. They consider whether your activity benefits the local economy in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district.

How long does the process take from abroad

Time frames vary by consulate and local workload. As a rough guide, preparing documents and obtaining a national visa can take several weeks to a few months. After arrival, scheduling and receiving the residence permit card can take additional weeks. Start early and expect timelines to fluctuate.

Can my spouse and children come with me and can my spouse work

In most cases, yes. If you meet income, housing, and insurance requirements, your spouse and minor children can join you. Spouses typically receive unrestricted access to the labor market once they have their residence permit.

Will I pay taxes in Germany if I get a business or freelance permit

Yes. Expect income tax on profits, and possibly trade tax if you run a trade or company. Many activities also require value added tax registration. You must keep proper accounts and file returns. Health insurance is mandatory and social security may apply depending on your setup.

Do I need German language skills

For the initial self-employment or freelance permit, language is not always mandatory, though it helps in practice. For permanent residence and citizenship, language proficiency and integration requirements apply.

What happens if my application is refused

You generally have the right to file an objection and, if necessary, take the matter to an administrative court. There are short deadlines, commonly one month from notification. A lawyer can assess the refusal reasons and help you gather stronger evidence.

How do I maintain my residence status

Keep your main residence registered in Germany, operate the business or freelance activity as approved, meet tax and insurance obligations, renew the permit on time, and notify authorities of material changes. Long absences or a dormant business can jeopardize your status.

Additional Resources

Ausländerbehörde Landkreis Ludwigslust-Parchim - Foreigners authority responsible for residence permits in the district that includes Parchim.

Bürgerbüro Parchim - Citizens office for address registration and local administrative services.

Gewerbeamt Parchim - Trade office for registering business activities that are trades rather than liberal professions.

Industrie- und Handelskammer zu Schwerin - Regional chamber of commerce that may provide assessments, guidance for business planning, and certification services.

Handwerkskammer Schwerin - Chamber for craft professions where certain trades require registration or permits.

Finanzamt Schwerin - Regional tax office for tax number issuance, VAT registration, and tax filings.

Amtsgericht Schwerin - Register court for company registrations and entries into the commercial register.

Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - Federal Office for Migration and Refugees for general immigration information and integration requirements.

Auswärtiges Amt - Federal Foreign Office for national visa procedures at German consulates abroad.

Next Steps

Assess your best route. Decide whether self-employment, freelancing, or skilled employment fits your profile. If you plan to invest or start a company in Parchim, focus on the self-employment route.

Develop a robust business or freelance plan. Define your services or products, market need in the Ludwigslust-Parchim region, pricing, staffing, premises, and financial projections. Line up capital or bank financing and supporting contracts or letters of intent.

Engage local advisors. Speak with an immigration lawyer familiar with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern practice and a tax advisor to structure your business and understand tax and social security effects.

Prepare documentation. Gather passports, CV, qualifications, business plan, financing proof, lease or premises plans, health insurance, marriage and birth certificates for family, and any sector licenses.

Apply for a national visa if abroad. Book an appointment at the German consulate and submit your package. If you are already in Germany with a legal basis to change status, coordinate with the Ausländerbehörde.

On arrival in Parchim. Register your address, open a business bank account, form your company with a notary if needed, register your trade or freelance activity, obtain a tax number, and schedule your residence permit appointment.

Operate and comply. Keep your business active, meet tax and insurance obligations, document results for renewals, and plan for permanent residence eligibility after the required period.

If you need personalized guidance, consult a qualified lawyer who can assess your goals, confirm the most suitable immigration category, prepare applications, and coordinate with local authorities in Parchim.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change, and local practice can differ. Always seek advice tailored to your circumstances.