Business Immigration
München —
KLAMERT & PARTNER

When do companies or investors need a business immigration lawyer?

Business immigration in Munich differs from traditional immigration law in terms of its client base. Here, it is not a single individual sitting at the consultation table, but typically two parties at once: the company seeking to hire a skilled professional, and the professional themselves—or the investor, accompanied by their tax advisor, M&A attorney, and occasionally the public relations department. This dynamic shapes the nature of the consultation.

Als Anwalt für Business Immigration in München beraten wir typischerweise an drei Punkten. Erstens: vor der Anwerbung. Ein Münchener Tech-Unternehmen will eine Senior Engineer aus den USA holen — wir prüfen vor Vertragsunterzeichnung, ob der Aufenthaltstitel realistisch ist, welche Voraussetzungen der Lohn und die Qualifikation erfüllen müssen, ob die Blue Card oder eine andere Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 18 AufenthG passt. Zweitens: während des Verfahrens. Visum bei der deutschen Auslandsvertretung, Vorabzustimmung der zentralen Ausländerbehörde Bayern oder des KVR München, Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach Einreise. Drittens: nach Eintritt — Verlängerungen, Niederlassungserlaubnis, Familiennachzug, später gegebenenfalls Einbürgerung.

The client profile in Munich is unique. The tech companies in the Werksviertel and Schwabing districts, the pharmaceutical hub in Großhadern, the automotive suppliers around the Olympic Park, and the international foundations in the city center—all of them have specialized workforce needs that are virtually nonexistent in mid-sized cities. On the investor side, we see high-value individual mandates: family offices from Eastern Europe, U.S. founders with German subsidiaries, and Turkish and Brazilian entrepreneurs with plans for the German market. Business immigration in Munich is therefore rarely a mass-market business; it is almost always custom work.

Common issues that clients bring to us at Business Immigration Munich:

• Unternehmen: Wir wollen eine Senior Engineer aus den USA einstellen — Blue Card oder § 18 AufenthG?
• Company: Corporate restructuring; an employee from the Brazilian subsidiary is to be transferred to Munich for 18 months — ICT card?
• Investor: I would like to establish a subsidiary in Munich and second myself there — Section 21 of the Residence Act?
• Entrepreneur: I’m planning to launch a software startup based in Munich, and I’m a Turkish citizen—how does the investor visa work?
• Family Office: My client from Kazakhstan would like to move to Munich with his family—what options are available for residency based on capital assets?
• Business trip: A U.S. business partner needs a business visa for three weeks of contract negotiations in Munich — Schengen or national?
• HR: We have five new hires from three different countries all at once—can you handle this as a project?

Skilled Worker Immigration Act 2.0 — What Has Changed Since 2024

The Skilled Immigration Act 2.0 (FEG 2.0) has been phased in since March 2024 and has fundamentally transformed business immigration to Germany. For companies and investors in Munich, this has resulted in four key changes that we see in our daily consulting work: lowered Blue Card thresholds, a new Opportunity Card, simplified Section 21 of the Residence Act for self-employed individuals, and streamlined professional recognition.

Blue Card with lower salary thresholds

Under Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG), the EU Blue Card is now the primary residence permit for highly qualified professionals following the FEG 2.0 reform. The salary threshold has been significantly lowered—the standard threshold is currently set at 50% of the pension insurance contribution ceiling, while the threshold for occupations facing a shortage of workers is 45.3%. Specifically, this means that software engineers, doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and scientists qualify for the Blue Card with salaries that are already standard for the market in Munich. Entry-level professionals with less than three years of work experience also benefit from the lowered thresholds.

Opportunity Card (Section 20a of the Residence Act)

Die Chancenkarte ist ein neues Instrument der Business Immigration: Sie erlaubt Drittstaatsangehörigen mit qualifizierter Ausbildung den Aufenthalt in Deutschland zur Arbeitssuche — bis zu zwölf Monate, mit Möglichkeit zur Probebeschäftigung. Das Auswahlverfahren läuft über ein Punktesystem (Sprache, Berufserfahrung, Alter, Deutschland-Bezug). In der Münchener Praxis sehen wir die Chancenkarte vor allem bei internationalen Fachkräften, die zunächst auf eigenes Risiko in München ankommen wollen — und bei Münchener Unternehmen, die Probearbeit im Inland statt im Ausland organisieren möchten.

§ 21 of the Residence Act — Simplified Process for Self-Employment

The most significant change for investors and entrepreneurs: Section 21 of the Residence Act has been liberalized. The previously strict minimum capital threshold has effectively been eliminated; what remains is the requirement for “economic interest or regional need” and “positive economic impact.” In practice, this means: A coherent business idea, a viable business plan, and sufficient personal funds for financing—that is often enough. We prepare Section 21 applications with a detailed business plan, market analysis, and, if necessary, a statement from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).

Simplified Professional Recognition

In the old Blue Card system, professional recognition procedures were often the bottleneck—especially for academics from India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Eastern European countries. The FEG 2.0 reform has streamlined the recognition process and introduced the “recognition partnership”: Recognition can in some cases be obtained after entry if the employer provides a binding commitment to do so. This significantly accelerates business immigration processes for Munich-based companies.

Business Immigration for Companies — Blue Card, ICT Card, Section 18 of the Residence Act

For companies in Munich, business immigration is primarily an HR and compliance issue. We advise HR departments, executives, and external HR service providers on hiring international professionals. The pathways through immigration law vary depending on qualifications, position, and corporate context.

EU Blue Card (Section 18b of the Residence Act)

Die Blue Card ist der Standard-Aufenthaltstitel für hochqualifizierte Fachkräfte mit Hochschulabschluss und qualifiziertem Arbeitsvertrag. Voraussetzungen: deutscher oder anerkannter ausländischer Hochschulabschluss, Arbeitsvertrag mit Mindestgehalt nach FEG-2.0-Schwellen, der Beruf passt zum Studienabschluss. Aus Unternehmenssicht ist die Blue Card der schnellste Pfad — Vorabzustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit ist in der Regel nicht erforderlich, das Verfahren über die Auslandsvertretung läuft beschleunigt.

Residence Permit for Skilled Workers (Section 18a of the Residence Act)

Section 18a of the Residence Act applies to skilled workers with vocational training—such as nursing staff, tradespeople, and IT specialists without a college degree. A prerequisite is the recognition of the foreign vocational qualification. We handle the recognition procedures with the relevant authority (in Bavaria, this is often the Chamber of Industry and Commerce or the BIQ), obtain preliminary approval from the Munich Foreigners’ Registration Office, and assist with the visa application process at the German diplomatic mission abroad.

ICT Card (Section 19 of the Residence Act) — Intra-company Transfer

The ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) card is the specific residence permit for intra-corporate transfers—managers, specialists, and trainees from foreign subsidiaries are temporarily assigned to the German sister or parent company. In Munich, the ICT Card is particularly relevant for pharmaceutical, automotive, and tech corporations. Requirements: existing corporate affiliation, minimum period of employment with the home corporation, and a qualified position. We regularly coordinate the ICT Card with corporate HR departments across national borders.

Group-wide mandates and high-volume work

For clients with multiple hires at the same time, we consolidate immigration support into a single framework agreement. In practice, this means: a single point of contact at KLAMERT & PARTNER, uniform documentation standards, coordinated correspondence with diplomatic missions worldwide, and consolidated reporting channels to the Munich HR department. We regularly assist Munich-based medium-sized companies and corporations that hire several skilled workers each quarter.

Investor Visa & EU Golden Visa — Self-Employed Individuals Under Section 21 of the Residence Act

The second major category of business immigration in Munich consists of investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals. Unlike traditional skilled worker immigration, this does not involve an employment contract with a German company, but rather the pursuit of one’s own business activities—such as serving as the managing director of a newly established GmbH, working as a self-employed consultant, or acting as the majority shareholder of a Munich-based subsidiary.

§ 21 of the Residence Act — the standard route for self-employed individuals

The primary residence permit for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs is Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). Requirements following the FEG 2.0 reform: economic interest or regional need for the activity, positive economic impact, and secure financing. The previously strict minimum capital threshold (€250,000, then €1 million) has effectively been eliminated—authorities now review the business plan, market analysis, and financing forecast. For investor mandates in Munich, we prepare the Section 21 application with a Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) statement, a tax advisor’s confirmation of financing, and, if necessary, an industry expert opinion.

EU Golden Visa — Myth and Reality

The term “EU Golden Visa” is popular on the international market—but legally inaccurate. Germany does not have its own “Golden Visa” in the sense of a capital-based right of residence, as seen in Portugal or Spain. What does exist is Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) for self-employed individuals engaged in substantial economic activity. Those who come to Munich with capital assets and act as investors there generally do not fall under Section 21—unless they assume an active entrepreneurial role (management, operational involvement). In our initial assessment, we clarify free of charge whether the investor visa under Section 21 is suitable for your case or whether alternative paths via corporate structure, self-employment, or family reunification are more effective.

Golden Visa — German terminology

In German usage, the term “golden visa” is often used synonymously with “investor visa.” In practice, clients almost always refer to the path outlined in Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or are asking whether a specific investment amount automatically grants a right of residence. The honest answer: There is no automatic process. Residence permits in Germany are not “purchased”—they are granted on the basis of substantial economic activity, qualified employment, or family ties.

Self-Employment Visa in Germany — International Clients

International clients often search for “self-employment visa Germany” or “Germany entrepreneur visa.” Both of these English terms are covered under Section 21 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). We regularly assist English-speaking investors—from the initial consultation and business plan through to the visa application process at the German diplomatic mission. Consultations are available in either German or English.

Interface for Asset Law Consulting

For investor mandates, KLAMERT & PARTNER provides advice on asset management. Those who come to Munich with substantial assets rarely have only a single question regarding residency law—often, tax issues (exit taxation in their home country, German inheritance tax), corporate law matters (incorporation of a GmbH, holding structure), and asset management issues (real estate acquisition, foundation solutions) arise simultaneously. We coordinate legal advice with tax advisors and auditors to synthesize multiple individual issues into a coherent overall picture.

Business Visa for Germany — Procedures and Requirements

The business visa for Germany is not a single type of residence permit, but rather a collective term for several types of visas issued for business purposes. People who Google the terms “business visa” or “business travel visa” are usually looking for one of three options: the Schengen visa for short business trips, the national visa (D-visa) for longer stays, or the advance application process for residence permits for employment purposes.

Schengen Business Visa for Business Travel

For stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, the Schengen visa (Type C) must be applied for at a German diplomatic mission abroad. Requirements: an invitation from a German business partner, the purpose of the trip (contract negotiations, trade fair participation, corporate visit), proof of sufficient financial means, and international health insurance. For recurring business trips, multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years are available. We primarily assist Munich-based companies with this process for their U.S., Indian, Turkish, and Brazilian business partners.

National Business Visa (D Visa)

For longer stays with the intention of working in Germany or running a business, a national visa (Type D) is required. This is also applied for at a German diplomatic mission abroad, but requires prior approval from the relevant immigration office—in Munich, this is the KVR. A residence permit is issued after entry. The visa process takes between six weeks and six months, depending on the diplomatic mission; it takes longer at heavily frequented missions (India, Turkey, China).

Business Visas in Germany — Terms for International Clients

English-speaking clients search for “business visa in Germany,” “Germany business visa,” or “business visa Deutschland.” Depending on the purpose of the stay, these terms refer to either the Schengen business visa (short-term travel) or the national visa (longer than 90 days). In our initial assessment, we determine which visa type is appropriate—the specific designation is less relevant than the actual purpose of the stay.

Diplomatic Missions in Practice

Processing practices vary among German diplomatic missions worldwide. Expedited processing is available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, and many non-EU countries. We see long wait times—12 to 24 months for national visas—at missions in India, China, Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, and Egypt. For business immigration cases in Munich, we initiate the visa application as early as possible—the contract with the skilled worker can be drafted in the meantime.

Starting a Business in Germany for Foreigners

For foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in Munich, issues related to residency law and corporate law are closely intertwined. Legally, any natural person can form a GmbH in Germany—regardless of nationality or place of residence. However, the right to manage a business within Germany is not automatically granted. Anyone wishing to serve as a managing director in Munich generally needs a residence permit under Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

Forming a GmbH with a Foreign Managing Director

Three steps need to be coordinated: first, the formation of the GmbH itself (articles of incorporation, appointment with a notary, entry in the commercial register, registration with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce); second, the residence permit for the foreign managing director under Section 21 of the Residence Act; and third, the tax structuring. We coordinate this with the notary, tax advisor, and the Munich Chamber of Industry and Commerce—the latter of which must issue an important statement regarding “economic interest.”

Limited Liability Company (LLC) as an affordable alternative

The UG (limited liability) is a streamlined version of the GmbH with a low minimum share capital starting at €1. It is often attractive to foreign founders in the tech and service sectors because there is no minimum capital requirement. In terms of residency law, the same requirements apply as for the GmbH—the application under Section 21 must demonstrate economic viability, regardless of the legal form.

Starting a Business in Germany as a Foreigner — Practical Guide

For English-speaking clients, we handle the company formation process in four phases: an initial assessment with key points of the business plan; simultaneous preparation of the Section 21 application and the corporate structure; a notary appointment with a translator; and a visa application at the German diplomatic mission abroad. With proper preparation, the total duration from the initial consultation to the start of active business operations in Munich is typically six to nine months.

Business Immigration to Germany — for International Clients (English)

For our international clients, we offer business immigration advice in English. Whether you are an investor, a founder, an executive, or an HR manager, our English-speaking team in Munich can help.

Who we work with

Companies hiring international talent (Blue Card, ICT, and § 18 AufenthG residence permits), investors and entrepreneurs establishing companies in Germany under § 21 AufenthG, and international clients who require business visa support for travel to Munich. Our practice serves clients in the tech, pharmaceutical, automotive, and family office sectors across Europe, the U.S., Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Services Offered

Pre-hire residence assessment for international employees, EU Blue Card and ICT card filings, business visa applications with German consulates worldwide, § 21 AufenthG self-employment permits for entrepreneurs and investors, GmbH formation with a foreign managing director, family reunification for executives and their families, naturalisation pathways for long-term residents.

How to reach us

The initial assessment is free of charge — call us at +49 89 540 239 0 or use our online contact form. We will respond within one business day. Languages: German, English, Ukrainian, Russian, Portuguese. Office: Pettenkoferstraße 37, 80336 Munich. Lead partners for business immigration: Markus Klamert, Marc Frey, Johannes Goetz.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Immigration in Munich

How much does a business immigration lawyer cost in Munich?

The initial assessment at KLAMERT & PARTNER is free of charge. Any further consultation is provided upon retention of counsel—for individual cases, either based on RVG fees or an individual fee agreement; for corporate framework agreements, typically based on an hourly rate with a volume cap or flat fees per hire. For cases involving only Schengen business visas, legal fees are often in the low four-digit range; for Blue Card and § 21 AufenthG cases, they are typically in the mid-four-digit range. We provide a transparent breakdown of costs before you retain our services.

What is the difference between the Blue Card and Section 18 of the Residence Act?

The EU Blue Card (Section 18b of the Residence Act) is a residence permit for highly qualified professionals with a university degree and a minimum salary meeting the FEG 2.0 thresholds. Section 18a of the Residence Act applies to skilled workers with vocational training (without a university degree). In practice, this means: Software engineer with a master’s degree → Blue Card. Caregiver with a recognized vocational qualification → § 18a. For most tech companies in Munich, the Blue Card is the standard route.

How much does a Blue Card cost?

The administrative fee for issuing a Blue Card is approximately €100, and the visa fee at the German diplomatic mission abroad is €75. Translation and apostille costs for foreign academic transcripts are also incurred. The largest expense is typically legal fees—if the process is not handled internally by HR but is instead handled by a lawyer. For corporate framework agreements, there are volume caps that reduce the unit price per Blue Card.

What is the ICT Card?

The ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) Card under Section 19 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is the specific residence permit for intra-corporate transfers from abroad to Germany. Requirements: an existing corporate affiliation, a minimum period of employment with the home company, and a qualified position (manager, specialist, trainee). The ICT Card is valid for a limited period—typically three years for managers and specialists, and one year for trainees. It is the standard instrument for intra-corporate transfers in Munich’s pharmaceutical, tech, and automotive sectors.

What is Section 21 of the Residence Act, and when does it apply?

Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) governs residence permits for self-employed individuals. Requirements following the FEG 2.0 reform: economic interest or regional need for the activity, positive economic impact, and secure financing. In practice, Section 21 of the Residence Act applies to business start-ups, to assuming a managing director position in a limited liability company (GmbH), and to self-employed consulting activities with a clear business model. The previously strict minimum capital threshold has effectively been eliminated—what counts is a viable business plan.

Is there a Golden Visa for Germany?

Nein — nicht im Sinne eines kapitalbasierten Wohnrechts wie in Portugal oder Spanien. Deutschland kennt § 21 AufenthG für Selbstständige mit substantieller wirtschaftlicher Tätigkeit. Reine Kapitalanlage ohne aktive unternehmerische Rolle reicht in der Regel nicht. Wir klären in der Ersteinschätzung, ob der § 21-Pfad für Ihren Fall passt oder ob alternative Wege über Konzernstruktur, Selbstständigkeit oder Familienangehörigen-Nachzug zielführender sind.

Where is the Munich Immigration Office for business immigration?

The Munich Foreigners’ Registration Office is part of the District Administration Office (KVR), located at Ruppertstraße 19, 80466 Munich, in the Sendling district. It is accessible by subway (U3/U6 Implerstraße). For highly qualified individuals and company executives, there are sometimes special departments offering expedited processing. English-speaking clients often search for “immigration office munich” or “immigration office germany” — the KVR Munich is the competent authority for residence permits within the Munich city limits; in Bavaria, it is supported by the State Office for Asylum and Repatriation for certain special responsibilities.

How long does the Blue Card application process currently take?

With proper preparation and a complete set of documents, the process typically takes six to twelve weeks from the date of the appointment at the German diplomatic mission—depending on the applicant’s home country. At less busy missions (U.S., Canada, non-EU countries), it tends to take six to eight weeks, while at busier ones (India, China, Turkey), it takes twelve to 16 weeks. For Blue Card applications, preliminary approval from the Munich Foreigners’ Registration Office usually proceeds in parallel and does not hold up the process.

What is the Opportunity Card (Section 20a of the Residence Act)?

Die Chancenkarte ist seit der FEG-2.0-Reform 2024 ein neuer Aufenthaltstitel zur Arbeitssuche in Deutschland. Sie erlaubt qualifizierten Drittstaatsangehörigen den Aufenthalt bis zu zwölf Monate, mit Probebeschäftigung möglich. Auswahlverfahren über ein Punktesystem: Sprache, Berufserfahrung, Alter, Deutschland-Bezug. Für Münchener Unternehmen interessant, wenn Probearbeit im Inland statt im Ausland organisiert werden soll.

Are you able to handle cases involving English-speaking clients?

Yes. You can choose to conduct consultations in German or English (as well as Ukrainian, Russian, and Portuguese). For international clients—particularly those from the U.S., the U.K., India, and Brazil—English is practically the standard. Correspondence with German authorities is submitted in German; internal communication and consultations are conducted in the language of your choice.

What is an ICT card, and how does it differ from a regular work visa?

The ICT Card (Section 19 of the Residence Act) is specifically designed for intra-corporate transfers—the transferred employee remains formally employed by the foreign parent company but is temporarily seconded to the German subsidiary. With a standard work visa (Blue Card, Section 18 of the Residence Act), the employment contract is concluded directly with the German company. From the group’s perspective, the ICT Card is often faster and simpler from a tax perspective; for employee protection reasons, direct employment in Germany is sometimes preferable.

Free Initial Consultation with Your Business Immigration Lawyer

Schildern Sie uns Ihren Sachverhalt in zwei bis drei Sätzen — wir prüfen unverbindlich, welcher Aufenthaltstitel zu Ihrer Konstellation passt, welche Voraussetzungen erfüllt sind und welche Schritte als nächstes sinnvoll wären. Bei Unternehmensmandaten gerne mit HR und Compliance-Stelle zusammen, bei Investoren-Mandaten gerne mit Steuerberater und M&A-Anwalt. Online über unser Kontaktformular, telefonisch unter 089 540 239 0 oder persönlich in der Pettenkoferstraße 37 in München. Sprachen: Deutsch, Englisch, Ukrainisch, Russisch, Portugiesisch. Bei eiligen Visumterminen, laufenden Konzernmandaten oder anstehender Vertragsunterzeichnung melden wir uns innerhalb eines Werktags zurück. Business Immigration München ist bei KLAMERT & PARTNER eingebettet in unser Ausländerrecht-Hub und in unsere vermögensrechtliche Gesamtberatung — verantwortliche Partner: Markus Klamert, Marc Frey und Johannes Goetz. Ukrainisch- und russischsprachige Vorberatung durch unseren Juristen Denys Osypenko; juristische Mandatsbearbeitung durch die zugelassenen Rechtsanwälte.