Do you want to live in Germany and work for yourself? Easy! A German freelancer visa is available in the country, which is equivalent to a temporary residence permit. Learn more about the benefits of such a visa and how to apply

Freelance work is becoming more and more popular every year. Employees of various fields choose for themselves a type of employment that allows them to get freedom of movement and independence in the conduct of work.

Many countries around the world have developed visa and residence permit procedures for freelancers. In recent years, in order to ensure a financial breakthrough and independence for outstanding and creative individuals, Germany has also begun to issue a visa for the self-employed, on the basis of which you can live and work in the country.

Read more about healthcare in Germany for foreigners, insurance and medical tourism here.

Advantages of a German visa for freelancers

The main advantages and features of Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur freiberuflichen oder selbständigen Tätigkeit:

• it is not just a visa, but a residence permit based on which you can stay in Germany for a long time;

• can be issued by employees of many professions (not only the IT sector);

• validity period from 1 to 3 years;

• tied to one type of activity;

• for registration, it is necessary to have customers in Germany;

• there are no earnings requirements.

Types of visas for freelancers in Germany

In Germany, two types of visas have been developed for self-employed workers:

• "Selbständiger" - this permit can be obtained by businessmen, owners of private enterprises, company managers. The main thing is that your business has a positive impact on the German economy.

• "Freiberufler" for people who have a profession that falls under the list of "free professions": engineer, artist, architect, language teacher, writer, doctor, translator, auditor, etc.

Requirements for a freelancer visa in Germany

A self-employed worker who decides to issue a residence permit in Germany must meet a number of requirements:

• the applicant's work will be able to positively influence the economy or culture of Germany;

• it is necessary to have clients in Germany who are ready to document cooperation with the applicant;

• confirm the place of residence;

• provide a bank statement on the availability of funds for living in Germany and information on future earnings prospects.

How to get a freelancer visa in Germany?

1st stage – to open an entry visa to Germany

In the country of residence, it is necessary to submit documents to the German embassy and issue a national visa type D for freelancing. It is valid for several months, but you can enter Germany based on it.

Processing takes from 4 to 6 weeks.

2nd stage – after arrival in Germany

• find housing in Germany and sign a contract;

• register housing at the local Ministry of Internal Affairs (Bürgeramt);

• register with the tax office (Finanzamt);

• open a bank account in one of the country's banks;

• purchase insurance;

• come to the Foreign Office (Ausländerbehörde) and submit documents for obtaining a permit;

• pay the visa fee;

• get a residence permit in Germany.

List of documents for obtaining a freelancer visa in Germany

Already at the stage of obtaining a category D visa for freelancers, the applicant must collect the appropriate package of documents:

• two commitment letters from future employers or clients;

• autobiography with a cover letter;

• resume and motivation letter;

• diploma of education (will be checked on the ANABIN database);

• letters of recommendation from a previous employer;

• portfolio of previous works;

• confirmation of the freelance plan;

• pension plan (for persons over 45);

• application form for a national visa;

• medical Insurance;

• valid foreign passport;

• three high-quality photos 35 mm x 45 mm.

Business owners must additionally provide information about the company's activities, business concept, future expenses and business plan.

---

Feel at home in any country in the world! Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses and situations during your trip by taking out reliable insurance.

---

All documents, except passport and insurance, must be translated into German and certified.

Please note that citizens of Australia, Canada, the USA, Japan, Israel, South Korea and New Zealand do not need a freelancer visa to work in Germany. It is enough for employees to take out medical insurance in the country, register with the tax inspectorate, find housing and apply for residence as a freelancer.

Find out all about the rules for obtaining a work visa, its types and the documents required here.