Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Stade

About Golden Visa Law in Stade, Germany

Germany does not operate a traditional golden visa program that grants residence purely for passive investment. When people refer to a golden visa in Germany, they usually mean a residence permit based on self-employment or business investment under Section 21 of the German Residence Act, or other business and skilled migration routes. In Stade, a city in Lower Saxony, the most relevant pathway for investors and entrepreneurs is the residence permit for self-employment, sometimes called the entrepreneur or investor route. Approval depends on the economic interest or regional need for your business, its positive impact on the local economy, and secure financing. Buying real estate alone does not grant a residence permit.

Other routes sometimes considered by applicants include the EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment, the standard work residence permit, and startup or freelance permits in specific professions. Your best path depends on your background, business plan, and the needs of the local economy in the Stade region.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- You want to structure a viable investment or business plan that meets Section 21 criteria and aligns with the economic priorities of the Stade region.

- You need to choose the right legal form for your company in Germany, handle notarial steps, register with the trade office, and enroll for tax purposes.

- You must show lawful source of funds and meet anti-money laundering checks while moving capital into Germany.

- You are unsure whether to apply for a national visa in your home country or enter visa-free and apply in Germany, and you need to manage deadlines and lawful status.

- Your file requires coordination with local authorities in Stade, including the immigration office, trade office, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

- You want to include family members, understand work rights for spouses, and meet housing and health insurance requirements.

- You aim for permanent residence or citizenship and want a strategy that reduces risks and timeframes.

- You have a prior visa refusal, gaps in documentation, or complex tax or real estate questions that could affect approval.

Local Laws Overview

- Federal framework: Residence for self-employment is governed by Section 21 of the Residence Act. Authorities assess economic interest or regional need, expected economic impact, and financing. There is no fixed minimum investment in the law, but meaningful investment, credible job creation, and a solid business plan are critical.

- Stade and Lower Saxony practice: The local immigration office in the District of Stade will typically consult the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce on your plan. Priority sectors may include logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy, maritime and port services, food processing, and technology linked to the Hamburg metropolitan region.

- Process flow: Most applicants apply for a national D visa through a German embassy or consulate, then receive a biometric residence permit from the local immigration office after arrival. Nationals of some countries may enter visa-free but should get legal advice before relying on in-country applications.

- Company setup: Common legal forms include GmbH and UG. Incorporation requires notarial deeds, registration in the commercial register, and tax registration. Many trades require a trade registration with the trade office in Stade. Certain crafts require registration with the Chamber of Crafts.

- Real estate: Purchasing property in Stade does not grant residence. Real estate transactions require a notary and incur property transfer tax. In Lower Saxony the property transfer tax rate is 5.0 percent. Zoning, building permits, and rental rules may apply depending on your project.

- Taxes: Corporate income tax is 15 percent plus solidarity surcharge. Trade tax is municipal and varies by city. Value added tax is generally 19 percent, with some goods and services at 7 percent. Entrepreneurs should plan for payroll taxes and social contributions if they hire staff.

- Compliance: You will need to document the legal origin of funds, provide a detailed business plan, show sufficient living funds, have recognized health insurance, and secure suitable housing in the Stade area.

- Rights and travel: A German residence permit allows travel in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your right to work will match the purpose of your permit, for example self-employment in the approved business.

- Family and settlement: Spouses and minor children can usually join if you can cover living costs and have adequate housing. Spouses generally receive work authorization. Self-employed residents may qualify for a settlement permit after 3 years if the business is successful and livelihood is secured. Naturalization is typically possible after 5 years of lawful residence, or 3 years in special integration cases, subject to statutory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Germany have a golden visa and can I get one in Stade

Germany does not grant residence for passive investment alone. In Stade, the closest route is a residence permit for self-employment under Section 21. Approval depends on economic merit and financing, not only on the amount invested.

What is the minimum investment required

There is no fixed statutory minimum. Authorities look for sufficient capital to launch and sustain your business, realistic job creation, and genuine regional benefit. In practice, investors should be prepared to commit significant funds that match the business model.

Can I obtain residence by buying property in Stade

No. Real estate purchase alone does not grant a residence permit. Property can be part of a broader business plan, for example a hotel or logistics facility, but you still must meet the self-employment criteria.

What are the key elements of a successful business plan

Clear market analysis for the Stade and Lower Saxony region, evidence of regional need, competitive strategy, financial forecasts, funding sources, staffing plan with anticipated job creation, regulatory and permit roadmap, and risk mitigation. The plan should be specific to the local economy, not generic.

How long does the process take

Preparation can take 4 to 8 weeks or more. Embassy processing for a national D visa often takes 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer. Local residence permit issuance after arrival can take several weeks. Timelines vary by season and caseload.

Can my family come with me and can my spouse work

Yes, spouses and minor children can usually join if you meet financial and housing requirements. Spouses generally receive unrestricted access to the labor market.

Do I have to apply in my home country

Most applicants must apply for a national D visa at a German embassy or consulate before traveling. Some nationals may enter visa-free and apply in Germany, but you should confirm eligibility and risks with a lawyer before traveling.

How does the self-employment route compare to the EU Blue Card

The self-employment route is for entrepreneurs and investors whose activity benefits the region. The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified employees with a job offer meeting salary thresholds. Choose based on your profile and goals.

What taxes will my business pay in Stade

Expect corporate income tax at 15 percent plus solidarity surcharge, municipal trade tax that varies by location, and VAT at 19 percent for most supplies. If you hire staff, plan for payroll taxes and social security. A tax advisor in Lower Saxony can provide precise calculations.

When can I get permanent residence or citizenship

Self-employed residents may qualify for a settlement permit after 3 years if the business is successful and your livelihood is secured, including adequate old-age provision. Naturalization is typically possible after 5 years of lawful residence, or 3 years in special integration cases, if you meet language, integration, and legal compliance requirements.

Additional Resources

- Ausländerbehörde Landkreis Stade - local immigration authority for residence permits.

- IHK Stade für den Elbe-Weser-Raum - Chamber of Industry and Commerce that often issues opinions on business plans.

- Wirtschaftsförderung Landkreis Stade - local economic development agency that can outline regional priorities.

- Handwerkskammer Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Stade - Chamber of Crafts for regulated trades.

- Finanzamt Stade - local tax office for registrations and tax questions.

- Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat - federal ministry responsible for residence law.

- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - federal office for migration information.

- Auswärtiges Amt - guidance on national D visa applications through embassies and consulates.

- Notarkammer Niedersachsen - information on notarial procedures for company formation and real estate.

- Deutsche Rentenversicherung - information on pension and old-age provision requirements.

Next Steps

- Clarify your goal: investor-entrepreneur route under Section 21, skilled employment, or another category. A brief strategy call with a lawyer can save weeks.

- Assess viability in Stade: identify how your project meets a regional need and benefits the local economy. Contact the local Chamber or economic development agency for nonbinding input.

- Prepare documentation: passport, CV, business plan tailored to Stade, financing evidence and source of funds, health insurance, proof of accommodation, clean criminal record certificate, and any sector permits or qualifications.

- Structure the business: choose GmbH, UG, or another form, arrange notary appointments, draft articles, register with the commercial register and trade office, and obtain a tax number. Coordinate timelines with your visa process.

- File the visa: submit a national D visa application with full supporting documents at the competent German embassy or consulate unless you are clearly eligible to apply in Germany.

- Plan compliance and taxes: set up bookkeeping, VAT registrations, payroll, and banking with proper KYC. Engage a tax advisor in Lower Saxony early.

- Arrival and registration: upon arrival in Stade, complete address registration, attend your biometrics appointment, and collect your residence permit. Keep your business milestones documented for future renewals.

- Review long-term goals: confirm the path to a settlement permit and potential naturalization, and ensure your insurance and pension planning meet German requirements.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For personalized assistance with a golden-visa-style application in Stade, consult a qualified immigration and business lawyer familiar with Lower Saxony practice.