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http://www.bamf.de/DE/Migration/Arbeiten/arbeiten-node.html

In the middle of the page, "Hochqualifizierte (§19 AufenthG)": Highly qualified people like scientists, technical specialists with a wage of at least 66.000 € can immediately get a work permit.

Unfortunately that portion of the site hasn't been translated to English yet. Use Google Translate or call the BAMF for help.

An EU-wide effort called Blue Card is also on the (legislative) way.

The possibility that getsat mentions in a sibling comment to this one is described at the bottom of the page under "Selbständige (§ 21 AufenthG)". This possibility actually refers to founders of a company, the one described above is for employees. It's not 500 k€ though, but 250 k€. Still a lot of money. :(