Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals

Germany•Europe

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Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals

Investment PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

289.5 EUR

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals (§ 7 AufenthG)

The §7(1) AufenthG permit lets non-EU nationals live in Germany without working, funded entirely through passive income or assets — savings, pensions, or investment returns. It is discretionary: the local Ausländerbehörde must find a justified reason and confirm that no public funds will be required.

Issued for 1–2 years and renewable, it can lead to a settlement permit (permanent residency) after 5 continuous years. No work or self-employment is authorized. Dependents may join if the applicant can cover all family members; health insurance for all is mandatory.

This visa is ideal for retirees, investors, or those with passive income who wish to relocate to Germany without taking up employment.

Fee Breakdown

Initial Issuance (Adults)	100 EUR
Initial Issuance (Minors)	50 EUR
Extension (Adults)	93 EUR
Extension (Minors)	46.5 EUR

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 years

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Sufficient financial means (pensions, savings, investments)

Justified case for residence

No intent to work

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of passive income/assets

Proof of health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows residence without employment
Pathway to PR

Worth Knowing

Highly discretionary
High financial threshold
No work authorization
Intent to work
Insufficient financial assets

Application Process

Apply for a National Visa (Type D) at a German mission

Convert to a residence permit at the local Immigration Office

Application Forms

VIDEX National Visa Portal

Fill online

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Apply for a National Visa (Type D) at a German mission; Convert to a residence permit at the local I…	se-legal.de
Dependent Visa	Possible, provided financial means cover the family	kreisgg.de
Fee Breakdown	Initial Issuance (Adults): 100 EUR; Initial Issuance (Minors): 50 EUR; Extension (Adults): 93 EUR; E…	visaguard.berlin
Fees	EUR 100 (initial for adults), EUR 50 (initial for minors), EUR 93 (extension for adults), EUR 46.50 …	visaguard.berlin
Forms	VIDEX National Visa Portal	kreisgg.de
Included Nationalities	—	kreisgg.de
Job Offer Required	false	se-legal.de
Legal Reference	§7 Abs. 1 AufenthG	gesetze-im-internet.de

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Overview

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals (§ 7 AufenthG)

This visa is ideal for retirees, investors, or those with passive income who wish to relocate to Germany without taking up employment.