The freelance visa is a residence permit for self-employment in Germany.
With a freelance visa, you can…
- Live in Germany
 - Start a business or become a freelancer
 - Bring your family to Germany
 - Visit other Schengen countries without a visa
 - Become a permanent resident after 3 to 5 years
 
The artist visa and the language teacher visa are the same thing as the freelance visa. The application process is the same.
You must apply for a freelance visa at the Ausländerbehörde, or at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.