Compare jurisdictions, side by side.

German residency routes:

• Blue Card - high-skilled employees
• Freiberufler / Selbständig - freelancer / self-employed
• Employer-sponsored work permits
• Entrepreneur visa
• Family reunification

Permanent residence typically after 5 years (faster on Blue Card).

Türkiye residency routes:

• Short-term residence permit (1-2 years, renewable)
• Family permit
• Work permit - employer-sponsored
• Student permit
• Citizenship-by-investment via real estate or qualifying deposits / investments

BVI presence options:

• Work permits - employer-sponsored
• Residency for HNW under specific programmes
• Limited tourist / business visit arrangements

Serbian residency routes:

• Temporary residence via employment
• Self-employment / business
• Real-estate ownership
• Family reunification
• IT-focused residency framework

Permanent residence typically after 3 years of continuous temporary residence.

GmbH and UG (haftungsbeschränkt) are common structures. Notary involvement is required for formation. Tax registration, trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung), and German GAAP / tax accounting standards apply.

Limited Şirket (LLC) and AŞ (Joint Stock) are common structures. Notary registration, tax registration, and a tax representative are typically required.

BVI Business Companies (BVI BC) are the standard structure. Economic substance applies to relevant activities; UBO reporting is mandatory.

DOO (limited liability) is the standard structure. Formation is well-documented, with online steps available. Tax registration (PIB) and APR (Business Registers Agency) registration follow.

Personal banking for residents is well established; certain non-resident structures take longer. SCHUFA history is relevant for residents. Bordercase coordinates introductions for cross-border cases.

Personal banking for residents is broadly accessible; non-resident corporate banking has tightened. Source-of-funds and ownership clarity are central.

Banking access has tightened materially; EMIs are common supplements. Bordercase coordinates introductions for cross-border cases.

Personal and corporate banking for residents is broadly accessible. Source-of-funds documentation matters for non-standard cases. Bordercase coordinates banking introductions.

Family reunification is well supported. Schools (public, private, bilingual, and international) are widely available; international schools are concentrated in major cities.

Family reunification is supported on most routes. International schools (English, German, French, Italian) are available in Istanbul and Ankara.

Family inclusion follows the main route. International schools are limited.

Family reunification is supported. International schools (English, French, Russian) are available in Belgrade.

Risks Bordercase watches for in Germany:

• Tax residency triggers (183 days + centre of interests)
• Late VAT registration on cross-border services
• Language and bureaucratic friction in some Länder
• Freiberufler vs Gewerbe classification disputes

Risks Bordercase watches for in Türkiye:

• Restricted residency zones (some districts no longer issue short-term residency to foreigners)
• Currency volatility on investment routes
• Shifting policy on the citizenship-by-investment programme
• Banking documentation requirements tighten regularly

Risks Bordercase watches for in the BVI:

• Economic substance reporting
• UBO disclosure and beneficial ownership reform
• Reputational handling around offshore structures

Risks Bordercase watches for in Serbia:

• Tax residency triggers
• VAT registration timing
• Processing variations between MUP offices
• EU Schengen access requires planning for cross-border travel

Typical German residency documents:

• Passport
• Recognised qualifications (where required)
• Contract or business plan
• Accommodation evidence (Anmeldung)
• Health insurance
• Family certificates

Apostilled and translated to German.

Typical Türkiye documents:

• Passport
• Biometric photos
• Proof of address
• Proof of income or savings
• Health insurance
• Criminal record certificate
• Marriage / birth certificates for family

Documents apostilled and translated to Turkish.

Typical BVI documents:

• Passport
• Source-of-funds evidence
• KYC for all UBOs
• Apostilled foreign documents

Typical Serbian residency documents:

• Passport
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of address
• Basis for residence (employment, business, etc.)
• Health insurance
• Family certificates

Apostilled and translated to Serbian.