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GERMAN FREELANCE VISA
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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

Why apply for a German Freelance Visa

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. 

Types of Germany Freelance Visa

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.

German Freelance Visa Requirements

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:

  • Resume Marketing Services to help individuals find the right jobs in Germany.
  • Expert guidance in arranging a checklist of required documents. 
Sign up for a free expert consultation
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a freelance visa in Germany?
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Yes, individuals interested in working in Germany can apply for a freelance visa in Germany. There are two components of a German freelance visa-

  • Entry or Freelance Visa: This is a national visa that individuals have to apply for at the German Embassy. It is only valid for a short period, but it is required to enter the country and inform the authorities of the purpose of the work. Once in Germany, they must convert this visa into a Freelance Residence Permit.
  • Freelance Residence Permit: This is a visa that allows individuals to live and work for an extended period in Germany. After arriving in Germany with the entry visa, one must apply for this permit at the Ausländerbehörde or the German Immigration Office. After obtaining the Freelance Residence Permit, there is no requirement for an Entry Visa.
Who is eligible for a freelance visa?
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The individuals applying for a German Freelance visa must try to meet the requirements.

  • They must have an economic interest locally.
  • They must have clients residing in Germany, or they must support the German economy.
  • They must make insufficient income to support themselves, including rent and medical insurance.
  • They must be self-employed and cannot have any social benefits.
  • They must have permission to get a job.
Is freelancing legal in Germany?
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Yes, freelancing as a profession is legal in Germany. But it has a list of requirements that the individuals must meet to get a freelance visa in Germany, like

  • Must have a financially beneficial profession to the German economy. 
  • Must have multiple clients.
  • Must have a national visa, which must be converted to a work visa after reaching the country.
  • Must have a residence permit
  • Must have a health Insurance
  • Sufficient income to support the stay
  • Candidates above 45 years of age must have a pension scheme. And by 67 years, they must maintain:
    • For 12 consecutive years, they must have a monthly pension of €1,332.36 or
    • Assets amounting to a minimum of €194,631.
Can Freelancers get a Schengen visa?
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Yes, Freelancers from India can get a Schengen visa, but they must meet certain specific requirements set by the European Union-

  • A valid and current Indian passport with proof of legal residence.
  • Provide proof of income that includes bank statements, tax returns, and a letter from the client. These are necessary to showcase to the European Union that they have financial support when they stay in the Schengen area.
  • Proof of previously travelled Schengen visa or passport stamp is required. This will showcase that the candidate has followed immigration rules and is less likely to overstay the visa period.
  • From the local police authorities, the candidate must obtain a clear criminal record certificate to ensure they are not a risk to the Schengen areas.
  • The documents mentioned above must be submitted without fail to accept the application.
How long is a freelance visa in Germany?
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Individuals who obtain a freelance visa have a validity period of only three months. During this time period, the digital nomads must convert the freelance visa into a residence permit at the Local Foreigner’s Authority, also known as “Ausländerbehörde or Ausländeramt.”

The extension of a residence permit can be up to three complete years only if the individual previously has succeeded in their freelance business. They must provide proof of earlier profits to ensure they can cover expenses like accommodation, medical rent, and more for themselves and their families. 

After spending at least 3 years freelancing with a residence permit, the individual may apply for a permanent resident permit.