Germany Freelance Visa (Self-Employed)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 21, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Germany: where creativity meets opportunity. Imagine launching your freelance career in a country renowned for its innovation and rich cultural heritage.

With the German freelance visa, you can collaborate with diverse clients, build your dream business, and immerse yourself in vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich. Germany welcomes your talent – are you ready to answer the call?

If you're a self-employed professional, an artist, or someone with a unique skill set, the Germany Freelance Visa offers a pathway to pursue your passion and build a successful career in this vibrant European nation.

More than a work permit, this is an invitation to contribute your talent to Germany's diverse and creative landscape and enjoy all the benefits of living and working in this country.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the German EU Freelance visa?

The main requirement for leading a successful application to a German Freelance Visa is proving your professional capabilities and showcasing that you earn enough to support yourself while in the country.

Here's what you need to know.

• Proof of freelance work: You must provide compelling evidence that you intend to engage in legitimate freelance or self-employed work in Germany. This could include contracts with clients, project proposals, or a portfolio showcasing your work.
• Sufficient funds or income: You need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and fund your freelance projects or business activities. This translates as your income being higher than your rent, plus your health insurance, plus €563 per month before taxes. This can be proven through bank statements, income projections, or other financial documents.
• Regulated professions: Some professions in Germany, such as medical doctors, nurses, teachers, and architects, are regulated and require specific licences or qualifications. If your freelance work falls under a regulated profession, you'll need to ensure you have the necessary authorisation to practise legally in Germany. Check the official database on recognition in regulated professions for more information.

Fortunately, you don’t need to know German to get the visa, nor a degree, unless your profession demands it, such as being a lawyer.

If you're over 45 and NOT from these countries: Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, or the United States, you'll need one of these:

1. Retirement pension (private or public): Must guarantee €1,503.34 per month for at least 12 years starting when you turn 67.
2. Public pension: If you've paid into a public pension system for 5 years in Germany, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chile, India, Israel, Japan, Canada, Kosovo, Morocco, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, or the United States, you're good to go.
3. €216,481 in business assets: Show you've got the financial means to support yourself.

Do you need a Freelance Visa?

If you're a resident of a country in the EU Schengen Area, you do not need a visa to live, work, visit, or study in Germany. You can come and go as you please, even if you're freelancing.

If you’re already in Germany and you’re holding a different kind of German residence permit, check your Zusatzblatt (supplementary sheet) for these words:

• "Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt" (All work allowed, including freelancing!)
• "Selbständige Tätigkeit gestattet" (Freelancing allowed!)

Also, if you’re freelancing part-time, you don't need a visa.

If you’re coming from outside the Schengen area and you’re freelancing full time, then you will need apply.

What is the application process for the EU Freelance Visa?

If you've taken the time to get your documentation in order and know you're eligible for a visa, then the application process for the German Freelance Visa is pretty simple.

Requiring a combination of online and in-person procedures, take the process step-by-step, and perhaps consider using the help of an experienced visa consultant if you get stuck.

Step #1 - Initiate the application process

• Locate the website of the German embassy or consulate responsible for your jurisdiction. Note that securing an appointment may require considerable lead time.
• In anticipation of a potential interview, compile all necessary supporting documentation (detailed below).

Step #2 - Assemble the required documentation

• Proof of accommodation: Secure temporary or permanent accommodation in Germany and provide evidence thereof. Upon arrival, register your address at your permanent residence with the local authorities.
• Health insurance: Obtain German health insurance coverage in advance. Consult a health insurance broker for guidance and plan selection.
• Supporting documents: Refer to the specific requirements outlined by your local German embassy or consulate.
• Financial capacity: Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Germany. A common requirement is proof of approximately €10,000 in savings.
• Family visa: If applicable, prepare the necessary documentation for a family reunion visa for accompanying family members.

Step #3 - Attend your interview

• Arrive punctually for your appointment with all required documents. A well-prepared application should expedite the interview process.

Step #4 - Obtain your national visa

• The processing time for our National Visa is typically around three months. This visa grants you entry into Germany and authorizes you to commence your freelance activities.

Step #5 - Complete post-arrival procedures

• Upon arrival in Germany, promptly register your address, obtain a tax identification number, open a local bank account, and initiate your freelance business operations.

Step #6 - Convert your national visa

• Your National Visa is valid for a period of three to twelve months. Within this timeframe, you must convert it to a freelance visa at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office). In Berlin, this conversion must be initiated eight weeks prior to the expiration of your National Visa.

Visa conversion procedure:

• Contact the Ausländerbehörde: Initiate contact three to four months prior to the expiration of your National Visa to schedule an appointment.
• Attend your appointment: Provide biometric data (fingerprints) for your freelance visa.
• Receive your freelance visa: Your freelance visa card, valid for up to three years, will be issued within four to eight weeks.

Upon completion of these steps, you will be legally authorized to work as a freelancer in Germany.

What are the application costs of the EU Freelance Visa?

Applying for the Germany Freelance Visa involves a visa fee, a processing fee charged by the German Missions.

Visa fee:

• National (D) Visa: The fee for a national visa, which includes the Freelance Visa, depends on where you submit for it and which country you're in. This will range from €75 to €100 (approximately £90).

You can find the official fee information here.

If you are submitting your application through a Visa Application Centre operated by TLScontact, you will need to pay additional service fees.

The specific fees and payment options can be found on the.

You can pay the visa fee at the German embassy or consulate using a Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card.

The cardholder must be present to sign the debit voucher. Digital wallet or mobile payments are not currently accepted.

Important notes on fees:

• Non-refundable: Visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.
• Payment timing: The visa fee is due at the time of application submission.
• Fee waivers and reductions: In some cases, visa fees may be waived or reduced for specific categories of applicants. 

Other important things to know

In addition to the main eligibility and application process outlined above, here are some other factors you may want to consider when undergoing the German Freelance Visa process.

• Accompanying spouses: While you can bring your spouse to Germany with you, they are generally not exempt from the standard requirement of demonstrating basic German language proficiency (level A1). However, some exemptions may apply, so checking with the German Mission for specific details is advisable.
• Limited-validity Entry Visa: If your application is successful, you will initially be issued a limited-validity entry visa. This visa allows you to enter Germany and initiate the process of obtaining your long-term residence permit.
• Electronic Residence Permit (eAT): Once you arrive in Germany, you must register your new residence with the local authorities (Meldebehörde) within two weeks and then apply for your Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) within the first 90 days of your stay. It's highly recommended that you contact the immigration office as soon as possible after arrival to secure a timely appointment.
• Work authorization: Remember, you can only engage in freelance or self-employed activities once your residence permit is issued and explicitly authorises such work.
• Additional information: For further details on living and working in Germany as a freelancer, consult the official Make it in Germany website or seek guidance from a visa consultant expert.

Talk to a visa consultant

if you're finding you have a lot on your plate, are dealing with individual circumstances or challenges, or simply don't have the time or resources to handle this process yourself, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a professional visa consultant service.

These professionals can:

• Expert guidance: Receive personalised advice and support at every stage, from assessing your eligibility to preparing your application and navigating the German bureaucracy.
• Document preparation and review: Ensure all your documents are complete, accurate, and meet the specific requirements for the Freelance Visa application.
• Business plan assistance: Get help crafting a compelling business plan that showcases your freelance work or project, highlighting its viability and potential for success in Germany.
• Maximised chances of approval: Benefit from their in-depth knowledge of German immigration law and procedures, increasing your likelihood of a positive outcome.

Contact a consultant today and let them guide you through the visa application process, opening doors to a rewarding and fulfilling career in this vibrant European nation.

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