Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Aurich
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
List of the best lawyers in Aurich, Germany
We haven't listed any Residence by Investment lawyers in Aurich, Germany yet...
But you can share your requirements with us, and we will help you find the right lawyer for your needs in Aurich
Find a Lawyer in AurichAbout Residence by Investment Law in Aurich, Germany
There is no separate local "residence by investment" program limited to Aurich. Residence for investors and business founders in Aurich is governed by German federal immigration law and implemented by the local foreigner authority. In practical terms, non-EU citizens who want to move to Aurich by investing or by starting a business usually apply under Germanys rules for self-employment, entrepreneurs and highly qualified workers. Authorities consider whether the proposed activity creates economic benefit for the region, whether financing is secure, and whether the investor can support themselves and any dependents without public funds. Local authorities - including the Auslanderbehorde of the district and municipal offices - will assess applications, often requesting a business plan, evidence of funding, proof of local need or job creation, and standard immigration documents such as a passport, police clearance and health insurance.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
Applying for residence as an investor or entrepreneur involves overlapping areas of law - immigration, corporate formation, tax, employment and sometimes property and contract law. A lawyer experienced in immigration and business matters can help in several common situations:
- Preparing a business plan and economic-justification statements that meet the expectations of the local foreigner authority.
- Structuring the investment or company to satisfy legal and tax requirements while protecting personal liability.
- Coordinating with local authorities - the Auslanderbehorde, Gewerbeamt (trade office), Finanzamt (tax office) and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce - to obtain necessary registrations and permits.
- Advising on which visa category is the best fit - for example, a self-employment residence permit, freelance permit, or a permit tied to employment such as the EU Blue Card when that is available.
- Managing family-reunification applications, appeals of refusals, extensions and transitions to permanent residence.
- Handling compliance issues like employment contracts, social-security obligations, and tax registration to avoid penalties that could jeopardize residence status.
- Assisting with negotiations, purchase agreements and local real-estate or lease matters linked to the investment.
Local Laws Overview
Key legal points to understand when pursuing residence by investment in Aurich include the following.
- Federal framework: Immigration and residence are regulated on the federal level. The Residence Act sets out the main legal grounds for temporary and permanent residence - including permits for self-employment and highly qualified workers. Local authorities apply those federal rules when processing individual cases.
- Local implementation: The local foreigner authority in the Aurich district reviews applications and can ask for region-specific evidence of benefit, such as local job creation or ties to the regional economy. Municipal business development offices can provide guidance on local needs and permit processes.
- Business formation and registration: Starting a business requires registration with the trade office or notification to the appropriate Chamber of Commerce or Handwerkskammer, depending on the activity. Company forms matter for liability and capital requirements - for example, a GmbH has minimum capital rules, while a Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) has lower start-up capital but different obligations.
- Tax and social contributions: Establishing tax residency triggers obligations to register with the Finanzamt, collect and remit VAT when applicable, and comply with payroll and social-security rules if hiring staff. Proper tax planning is essential to ensure the enterprise is viable and to satisfy immigration authorities that the project is sustainable.
- Local permits and zoning: Certain business activities require additional local licences or permissions. Finding premises in Aurich may trigger building-regulation or zoning requirements.
- Permanent residence and naturalization: Successful business activity may lead to a settlement permit after meeting conditions for duration and economic viability. The timing and specific conditions for permanent residence or naturalization depend on the route used, tax and social-security contributions and integration criteria such as language skills.
- Property purchase: Buying residential or commercial property in Germany does not by itself create a right of residence for non-EU nationals. Residence is granted under immigration law, not by property ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get residence in Aurich simply by buying property?
No. Property ownership in Germany does not automatically create immigration rights. Non-EU nationals must qualify under one of the residence-permit categories - for example a self-employment permit - and meet federal and local requirements regardless of property ownership.
What documents will I likely need to apply as an investor or entrepreneur?
Typical documents include a passport, biometric photos, a detailed business plan, proof of funds and financing, bank statements, evidence of local benefits such as expected job creation, contracts or letters of intent, registration documents for the company, proof of health insurance, criminal-record certificate and proof of address registration once in Germany. The local authority may request translations and notarised copies.
Do I need a minimum investment amount to qualify?
There is no single nationwide minimum investment amount set for all investor-type residence permits. Authorities focus on whether the investment is credible, financed and of economic interest to the region. Local expectations vary - a well-documented smaller investment that creates jobs or important services can qualify, while other projects may need larger capital to be persuasive.
Will starting a business in Aurich make me tax resident in Germany?
If you live in Germany or if your business has a permanent establishment here, you will generally become tax resident and subject to German tax rules. You must register with the tax office and comply with VAT, corporate or income tax, and payroll obligations. Tax residency has separate rules from immigration residence, so seek tax advice early.
Can my family come with me?
Family reunification is possible in many cases. Spouses and minor children commonly qualify to join a resident entrepreneur or investor, but each family-member application must meet its own requirements - including proof of accommodation, health insurance and sufficient means to avoid reliance on public funds.
How long before I can get a permanent residence permit?
Timeframes vary by route. Some entrepreneur or self-employment routes may lead to a settlement permit after a few years if the business is viable, meets contribution requirements and the foreigner authority agrees. Other routes, like highly skilled worker permits, have their own timelines. Exact timing depends on individual circumstances and compliance.
Do I need local permits or registrations in Aurich beyond immigration approval?
Yes. Starting work often requires registration with the Gewerbeamt or Chamber of Commerce, tax registration with the Finanzamt, and potentially permits from municipal offices for specific activities. If you hire employees, you must register for social security withholding and meet employment-law obligations.
What happens if my residence application is refused?
If a residence application is refused, you typically receive a written decision explaining the reasons and information about appeal rights and deadlines. A lawyer can help evaluate whether an appeal is practical, prepare supplementary documentation or negotiate with authorities for a reconsideration or a different permit pathway.
Can I form a German company from abroad to support my application?
Yes, many non-EU founders establish a German company before arriving. However, the foreigner authority will want evidence that the business is active, financed and will operate in Germany. Companies often require local addresses, bank accounts and, for some corporate forms, notarial formation steps that benefit from local legal and tax assistance.
How can I make my application stronger for Aurich specifically?
Emphasize local economic impact - for example proposed job creation for residents, providing services missing in the region, cooperating with local suppliers or training local staff. A clear, realistic business plan, secured financing, and early contact with local economic development offices and the Auslanderbehorde to understand local expectations will help.
Additional Resources
If you need further information or support, consider the following resources and local bodies - contact them for guidance or to initiate administrative steps.
- The local foreigner authority in the Aurich district - for residence permit applications and procedural requirements.
- The municipal trade office - for business registration and local licensing requirements.
- The local Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts - for advice about company forms, sector rules and local business networks.
- The Finanzamt - for tax registration and guidance about tax obligations for businesses and individuals.
- The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and the Federal Foreign Office - for federal policies, visa regulations and procedural information.
- Local economic development agencies - for information on regional needs, incentives and networks that can strengthen an application.
- Professional advisors - immigration lawyers, corporate lawyers, tax advisors and notaries experienced in cross-border investment and German business formation.
Next Steps
Follow these practical steps to move forward if you plan to pursue residence by investment in Aurich.
- Clarify your objective - do you plan to found an operating business, acquire an existing business, invest in a passive holding, or relocate as a highly skilled worker? The chosen path affects which permit you should pursue.
- Prepare core documents - draft a clear business plan, prepare proof of funds and financing, and collect identification, criminal-record checks and health-insurance evidence.
- Contact local authorities early - reach out to the Auslanderbehorde in Aurich and the municipal business office to confirm local expectations and required forms.
- Engage professional help - consult an immigration lawyer who understands both immigration and business law, and a tax advisor for German tax and social-security planning. Local advisers can speed up registrations and avoid common pitfalls.
- Register your business and tax details - once in place, register with the Gewerbeamt, the relevant chamber and the Finanzamt, and set up required local bank accounts and payroll systems if hiring.
- Apply for the correct visa from abroad if you are not already in Germany - follow the instructions from the German consulate and the local foreigner authority for documentation and timelines.
- Maintain compliance - keep records of your business activity, tax filings and social-security contributions. Regular communication with local authorities and advisers will help secure renewals and progress toward permanent residence.
If you are unsure about any step, consult a lawyer experienced in immigration and commercial matters for tailored advice based on your circumstances. Early planning and local professional support are the most effective ways to improve the chances of a successful application.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.