The German Freelancer Visa allows foreign professionals to live and work independently in Germany. It’s ideal for freelancers and self-employed individuals in fields like art, science, education, engineering, and medicine. Skilled professionals like writers, doctors, engineers, architects, and more, can legally practice their professions in Germany.
Understanding the German Freelancer Visa
The German Freelancer Visa is of two components :
- Freelancer (Entry) Visa: This is a National D visa you can receive from your home country’s German embassy. This allows you to enter Germany with work. After arrival, you can then apply for a change to a Freelancer Residence Permit.
- Freelancer Residence Permit: You can apply this upon your arrival in Germany and this is issued by the German Immigration Office or the Ausländerbehörde. This permit grants the applicant to reside and work in Germany with no need to obtain an entry visa once the residence permit is acquired.
Want to apply for a German Freelancer Visa ? Federpath Consultancy provides expertise assistance
Types of German Freelancer Visas :
- Visa for Freelance Employment (Freiberufler): This visa is for professionals whose work benefits German culture or economy, such as writers, doctors, engineers, language teachers, auditors, artists, interpreters, and architects.
- Visa for Self-Employment (Selbständiger): This visa is for company founders, legal representatives of partnerships or corporations, and sole proprietors. To qualify, applicants must prove that their work benefits the German economy, show they have financial support (through savings or loans), and that their business is important to Germany’s economy.
Who Can Apply for a German Freelancer Visa?
Applicants who satisfy the basic prerequisites and have a professional alignments with all the visa requirements can apply. Qualified freelancers include those who engage in independent scientific, literary, artistic or educational work. These are some of the eligible professions that are included here and not limited to these :
- Doctors, dentists, veterinarians
- Lawyers, notaries, and patent attorneys
- Engineers, architects, commercial chemists
- Auditors, tax consultants, business economists
- Sworn accountants, naturopaths, physiotherapists
- Journalists, photo reporters, interpreters, translators, and pilots
For a complete list of eligible professions, refer to Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act.
Prerequisites for a German Freelance Residence Permit
To obtain a German Freelancer Residence Permit, you must first meet the following prerequisites:
- Economic Interest or Regional Need: Your professional should meet the economic or regional demands of Germany.
- Proof of Client Interest: Prospective clients provide with letter of intent on their interest in hiring you. These are not the work contract letters, but indicating that your services are in demand.
- Financial Stability: Proving you have self-sufficient funds, with a minimum annual income being €9,000.
- Legal Residence: You need to register your address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt ) and have a valid registered address in Germany as required
- Adequate Pension Plan: For applicants over the age of 45, a pension plan is required. By age 67, you must either:
- Receive a monthly pension of €1,332.36 for at least 12 years, or
- Have assets worth at least €194,631.
Steps to Obtain a German Freelancer Visa
- Apply for the Freelancer (Entry) Visa
- Contact Federpath.
- Schedule an appointment with us, prepare your documents, and attend an interview if required.
- Pay the €75 Embassy fee (or equivalent in local currency).
- Wait for processing, which can take several weeks to a few months.
- Enter Germany and Secure a Residence
- Once you receive your entry visa, you can travel to Germany.
- Find and register an accommodation address within 14 days of arrival at the Bürgeramt (Resident’s Registration Office).
- Gather the necessary documents, such as your passport, rental agreement, and landlord confirmation, to complete your registration.
- Register with the Tax Office (Finanzamt)
- Need to complete the questionnaire on tax collection(Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) through the German Ministry of Finances website (or at Finanzamt)
- Provide information on your bank details, Tax ID number, and freelance activity description.
- Submit your completed questionnaire to the Finanzamt and wait to receive your freelance tax number (Steuernummer).
- Obtain Health Insurance
- Freelancers in Germany have the opt between private and statutory health insurance.
- Private insurance is generally more affordable, especially for young and healthy individuals, as statutory insurance requires a monthly contribution of 14.6% to 15.6% of your income.
- Apply for the Freelancer Residence Permit
- Schedule an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office).
- Collect the required documents, including your registered address certificate (Meldebescheinigung), freelance tax number, and client letters of intent.
- Attend the interview on your appointment date and submit your documents.
- Wait for the decision, which may take from a few weeks to several months depending on the state.
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Registering Your Living Address in Germany (Anmeldung)
Registering your address is a vital part of the freelancer visa process. Here’s how:
- Find Accommodation: Secure housing before or immediately upon arrival. You must register within 14 days of moving in.
- Make an Appointment: Visit the local Bürgeramt (Resident’s Registration Office) or complete the registration online where available.
- Prepare Documents: Gather the following for your appointment:
- Passport
- Rental agreement
- Registration form (available online or at the Bürgeramt)
- Confirmation from your landlord, including your move-in date and new address.
- Submit Documents and Receive the Meldebescheinigung: This certificate confirms your registered address, and you’ll usually receive it immediately.
Registering with the Tax Office (Finanzamt)
Registering with the tax office formalizes your freelance status and allows you to conduct business. Here’s a quick overview:
- Complete the Questionnaire for Tax Collection: This form includes personal details, bank information, and a description of your work.
- Submit the Form to the Finanzamt: You can submit it in person or by mail.
- Receive Your Steuernummer: This freelance tax number is essential for invoicing and may take a few weeks to reach.
Required Documents for the German Freelancer Visa
When applying for the Freelancer Residence Permit, gather these documents:
- Valid passport and recent passport photos
- Freelancer Residence Permit application form
- Income estimation and letters of intent from prospective clients (at least two)
- Health insurance documentation
- Certificate of registered address (Meldebescheinigung)
- Rental lease and/or proof of homeownership (if applicable)
- Proof of retirement plan (if over 45 years old)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Educational degrees (for relevant professions)
- For business owners: business plan, financing plan, Trade Register registration, and university confirmation of relevant knowledge.
Note: Documents must be in German or English. If not, official translations are required.Want to apply for a German Visa? Contact Federpath for expert assistance and guidance.