Why apply for a German Freelance Visa? 

A German Freelance Visa, or “Freiberufler” Visa, allows foreign nationals to initially work independently without an employer or start a business in the country for three years. It is a multiple-entry visa, and you can stay longer by showing proof of work and financial means. 

• No job offer required
• No language proficiency required
• Best pathway for people willing to start a business
• Move to Germany along with your family
• Get PR Visa after 3 years

What is Germany's Freelance Visa?

Individuals with a German Freelance Visa can migrate and live in Germany, start a business, or become freelancers. The freelancer visa also permits digital nomads to visit other Schengen countries with a chance to apply for permanent residency after 3 to 5 years.

This German Freelance visa is divided into two components:

• Freelance Entry Visa
• Freelance Residence Permit 
   

Purpose	You can work as a Freelancer or start a business
Type	Long-stay, national-D visa
Validity	3 years
Entries	Multiple entries
Dependants	You can move along with your family
Cost	€ 75

Types of German Freelance Visa

There are primarily two types of German Freelance Visas –

• Freiberufler or Freelance Visa: 

The visa is for people whose occupation positively impacts German culture and economy. This category can include artists, writers, IT professionals, doctors, engineers, language teachers, interpreters, auditors, or architects.

• Selbständiger or Self-employment Visa: 

The visa can be issued if the eligible candidate is a company founder, sole proprietor, managing director, or legal representative of a partnership or corporation. 

Who can apply for a German Freelance Visa?

There is a wide range of professions that are eligible to apply for the German Freelance Visa:

• Creative Fields: Artists, musicians, designers, photographers, writers, journalists, translators, and interpreters.
• Technical and Scientific Fields: Engineers, architects, IT consultants, scientists, and researchers.
• Medical and Healthcare: Doctors, dentists, therapists, and other medical professionals.

Benefits of the German Visa for Freelancers

• Stay and work in Germany for up to three years.
• Great chance to get PR in the country. 
• A temporary residence permit can be converted to permanent residency.
• Enables free travel around the Schengen area.
• Can freelance for both German and international companies.
• Plenty of job opportunities with international exposure.
• Flexible work modes

German Freelance Visa Requirements

Below is the checklist of documents required to apply for a German Freelance Visa: 

• A valid passport 
• Passport-size photograph
• The application form for Freelance Residence Permit 
• Estimation of the income
• At least two letters of Intent for Collaboration from prospective clients
• Health insurance 
• Germany Certificate of Address Registration
• Confirmation of the rental lease, if applicable
• If applicable, proof of home ownership is required
• Candidates over 45 years of age must provide evidence of a retirement plan
• An updated CV
• A university graduate must provide proof of degree 
• A business or company owner must provide
  • A business plan
  • A plan of finances
  • Registration with the Trade Register
  • A letter from the university confirms that the knowledge acquired was relevant to the business idea

Note:

• When applying for an entry visa, the candidate must submit the above-required documents to the German Embassy in the home country.
• Translated copies are necessary if your documents are in English or any other language.

How can I get a German Freelance Visa from India?

The steps to apply for a Germany Freelance Visa are as follows- 

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Step 2: Gather and arrange the required documents

Step 3: Attend the interview

Step 4: Wait for visa processing

Step 5: Migrate to Germany 

Processing time for a German Freelancer Visa

The processing time for a German Freelance Visa is around 6 to 10 weeks.

German Freelancer Visa Processing Fees 

The complete breakdown of the processing fee for the German Freelance visa is mentioned below:

Types of Fee	Cost
Embassy Fee	€75
Ausländerbehörde fee	€100 (€28.80 especially for Turkish citizens)
Extension of the Temporary Residence Permit	€100
Settlement (PR) Permit	€124

How can Y-Axis assist you?

Sign up with Y-Axis, the world's No. 1 overseas immigration company, and they will guide you to live in Germany as a Digital Nomad. Our thorough process and end-to-end support ensure you take the right action at every step. We help you with the following:

• Job Search Services to help individuals find the right jobs in Germany.
• Expert guidance in arranging a checklist of required documents.