Germany Self-Employed Visa

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

If you're looking to start your own business, found a startup, or work for yourself as well as moving to Germany to make it all happen, the Self-Employed Visa is the way to go about it.

Of course, there are plenty of benefits to this, such as tapping into Germany's business infrastructure, the networking and connection opportunities here, the economy and accessibility, as well as your own personal enjoyment, such as seeing and living in Germany and immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle.

However, not everyone can apply for the Self-Employed Visa successfully, and there's a bit of a process you'll need to undergo to both prove yourself and your idea, as well as to legally make the transition.

 

Do you need a Self-Employed Visa?

If you're living in the EU Schengen Area or Germany, you won't need a visa to move, live, work, and get started in Germany. You can simply make your way to Germany to get started.

However, if you're planning on staying 90 days, you'll need to register with the administration of your local area (in Germany) to say that this is what you're doing.

If you're coming in from a non-EU country, you'll need to apply for a visa before you make your way to Germany.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Germany Self-Employed Visa?

The Germany Self-Employed Visa is designed to attract entrepreneurs who can contribute to the German economy through their business ventures; therefore, specific criteria need to be fulfilled.

• Economic interest or regional demand: Your business idea must demonstrate a clear economic interest or regional need in Germany. This means your product or service should address a gap in the market or fulfil demand in a specific region within the country.
• Positive effect on the economy: Your business must have a positive impact on the German economy. This can be demonstrated through various factors, such as creating jobs for German residents, contributing to innovation and research, or generating significant revenue and tax contributions.
• Financial capacity: You need to showcase your ability to finance the implementation of your business concept. This can be through your own capital or a secured loan. You must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the initial setup costs, operational expenses, and living expenses during your business's initial phase.
• Viability of business idea: The German authorities will thoroughly assess the viability of your business idea, considering factors such as market research, financial projections, and your entrepreneurial experience.
• Comprehensive information: It's crucial to provide thorough and detailed information about your project, including a well-structured business plan, financial and liquidity plans, and a revenue/profitability forecast. Consult resources like the Make it in Germany Portal and the Existenzgründer/Start-up Portal for guidance on preparing these documents.
• Consultation with local authorities: Consider seeking advice from the local chamber of commerce or a business immigration specialist to assess the viability of your business idea in the specific region where you intend to operate.
• Health insurance: Under German law, all residents must have sufficient health insurance coverage. You’ll need the certificate to act as proof for your application.

What is the application process for the German Self-Employed Visa?

Applying for the Germany Self-Employed Visa requires a combination of online and in-person procedures. If you meet the criteria and your documentation is ready, then you can start the application process correctly.

Step #1 - Initial application: Contacting the German embassy

Your first step is to get in touch with the German Embassy or Consulate closest to you. You can find a list of German missions abroad on their official website. Remember, you'll be applying for a National (D-Type) Visa specifically for freelancing or working.

Once you've located the right embassy, you'll need to:

• Schedule an appointment: Visa appointments can sometimes have waiting periods, so it's best to book yours well in advance.
• Gather your documents: This is crucial. The embassy will require specific documents to assess your application. While these can vary slightly between embassies, you'll generally need things like a valid passport, proof of health insurance, a detailed business plan outlining your freelance activities, proof of financial means to support yourself, and potentially letters of intent from clients.
• Attend your appointment: On the day of your appointment, submit your documents. Be prepared for a potential interview where you'll discuss your freelance plans.
• Pay the visa fee: The embassy will provide instructions on how to pay the visa fee, which can vary depending on your nationality and the embassy's procedures.
• Wait for a decision: Visa processing times can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to three months.

Important notes:

• The Freelancer Visa issued by the embassy is usually valid for three months. This gives you time to enter Germany and apply for a residence permit, which will then replace your visa.
• Citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea have it a bit easier! You can travel to Germany without an entry visa. However, you'll still need to apply for a Freelancer Residence Permit at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) once you arrive and have settled in.

Step #2 - Life in Germany: Residence permit application

Once you've received your Freelancer Visa (or arrived in Germany if you're from a visa-exempt country), it's time to move forward with your residence permit application. Here's what you'll need to do:

• Find accommodation: Secure a place to live in Germany and register your address at the local residents' registration office.
• Get health insurance: It's mandatory to have health insurance in Germany. Make sure you have adequate coverage that meets the requirements for a residence permit.
• Register with the Tax Office (Finanzamt): Inform the tax office about your freelance activity and obtain a tax number.
• Apply for the residence permit: Make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde and submit your application for a Freelancer Residence Permit. You'll likely need to provide updated documents, including proof of accommodation, health insurance, tax registration, and potentially evidence of client contracts or projects.

What are the fees and costs for the German Self-Employed Visa?

The Germany Self-Employed Visa fee is €75 (approximately £65). This fee is payable in your local currency at the current exchange rate at the time of your visa application submission.

Beyond the visa fee, it's important to budget for other potential expenses, such as:

• Translations and certifications: If any of your documents are not in German, English, or French, you'll need to have them translated by a certified translator, which can incur additional fees.
• Health insurance: You'll need to secure health insurance that meets German standards. The cost of this insurance will depend on your chosen provider and coverage level.
• Travel expenses: If applying from outside Germany, you may incur travel costs to attend your visa appointment at the German embassy or consulate.
• Accommodation and living expenses: You'll also need to budget for your living costs in Germany, including accommodation, food, and other daily necessities until your business generates sufficient income.

What is the valid duration for the German Self-Employed Visa?

The Germany Self-Employed Visa, if approved, initially grants you a limited-validity entry visa, allowing you to enter Germany and start the process of obtaining your long-term residence permit.

• Application after arrival: Once you're 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.
• Initial validity: The residence permit for self-employment is typically issued for a maximum period of three years.
• Extension: If your business is successful and you can demonstrate that you can cover your living costs and those of your family members (if applicable), you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.
• Pathway to permanent residency: If your business continues to thrive and you meet other requirements, such as language proficiency and integration into German society, you may eventually be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Germany after a few years.

Talk to a consultant

If you're looking to undertake self-employed work activities in Germany and are a non-EU citizen, then this self-employed visa is the best way to go about it.

Take your time and make sure you cover every part of the process in an organised and clear way, and you'll have the best chances of success.

If you have individual circumstances you wish to question, need help with aspects of the process, or simply want guidance to maximise your chances of success, then it's well worth reaching out to an experienced visa consultant.

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