This guide shows you how to apply for the German freelance visa. This residence permit lets you move to Germany to start a business or become a freelancer.
If you apply for an artist visa or a language teacher visa, the process is the same.
Who needs a German freelance visa?
You need a German freelance visa if:
- You are not a citizen or a permanent resident of Germany, the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
- and you want to freelance or run a business in Germany
You do not need a visa to freelance in Germany if:
- You are a citizen or a permanent resident of Germany, the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland1
- or your current residence permit allows you to freelance. Look for this line on your residence permit. You must still use your residence permit for its main purpose. For example, if you have a work visa, you must keep your job. Freelancing can’t become your main occupation or your main source of income.
Since Brexit, UK citizens also need a freelance visa.
If you are a student, your student visa does not allow you to freelance,2 but you can have a student visa and a freelance visa at the same time.3 More information here.
If you are an employee, and you want to freelance at the same time, you might need permission from your employer.45 Some work contracts don’t let you freelance in the same industry as your employer.
The German freelance visa requirements
General requirements
- You live in Germany
You must have a place to live in Germany. You must prove this during your visa interview. - You have health insurance
Many visa applications are rejected because of invalid health insurance. See the health insurance section below. - You make enough money
You must make enough money to support yourself. In Berlin, this means enough for your rent and health insurance, plus 502€ per month.50 The minimum amount is different in other states.54 - You have clients in Germany
You can’t get a freelance visa if all your clients are in another country. During your visa interview, you must show letters of intent from German companies who want to hire you. When you renew your visa, you must prove that you had German clients.
Are you really a freelancer?
Fake self-employment (Scheinselbstständigkeit) is when you are hired as a freelancer, but you should be an employee. This is not legal.4
More information about fake self-employment ➞
If you plan to work for a single client, you will rarely get a freelance visa.
Selbständiger or Freiberufler?
There is a legal difference between freelancers (Freiberufler) and tradespeople (Selbständiger or Gewerbetreibende). The required documents are not the same.5
- Freiberufler: Artists, teachers, scientists, engineers, software developers and other professionals with special qualifications.6
- Selbständiger/Gewerbetreibender: If you are not a Freiberufler, you are a Gewerbetreibender. You must prepare more documents for your freelance visa application.7
Note: Immigration law uses the term “Selbständiger”, and business law uses “Gewerbetreibender”. These words mean the same thing.53
Difference between Freiberufler and Gewerbetreibender ➞
For tradespeople (Gewerbetreibender)
If you are a Gewerbetreibender, these are the German freelance visa requirements:8
- There is an economic/cultural interest or a regional need for your work.9 The regional part is important; you will not get a freelance visa if all your clients are in another country.10
- Your business is expected to have positive effects on the economy.
- You have personal capital or an approved loan to realize your business idea.
In other words, you must prove that you can support yourself after moving to Germany. During your visa interview, they will check if your business idea makes sense, how much investment it requires, the effects on employment, and your contribution to innovation and research.8 The better you prepare, the easier this interview will be.
For freelancers (Freiberufler)
If you are a Freiberufler, it’s easier. You don’t need as many documents.
In Berlin, some Freiberufler get their freelance visa during their Ausländerbehörde interview. Most people must wait a few months.
For students
Your student visa does not allow you to freelance. You must get permission from the Ausländerbehörde.11
If you study in Germany, and your freelance work is related to what you study, you don’t need to prove that there is an economic or cultural interest for your work.8 This guide has more information.
If your freelance work is not related to what you study, the freelance visa requirements are the same as for everyone else.
For artists and language teachers
The artist visa is exactly like the freelance visa. The only difference is that you get it instantly during your interview.12 The artist visa is for artists, language teachers and journalists who want to live in Berlin.13 It’s only available in Berlin, not in the rest of Germany.
For people who already have a German visa
If you already have a German residence permit that doesn’t let you freelance, you can apply for a freelance visa in addition to your current visa.8 This allows you to freelance as a student,14 or to have a side business as a full-time employee.
Sometimes, your visa or Blue Card already allows you to freelance. Look for this line on your residence permit. This allows you to have a side-business, but you must keep your job. If you only want to be self-employed, you need a freelance visa.
For permanent residents
If you are a German permanent resident, you can already be self-employed. You don’t need to apply for the freelance visa. You are ready to start your business.
For people over 45 years old
If you are older than 45, you must also prove that you are prepared for retirement.8
You must prove that you are on a private pension plan that guarantees:15
- 1,432.59€ per month for at least 12 years by the time you are 67 years old
- or at least 206,293€ worth of assets15 by the time you are 67 years old
Two ways to apply
There are two ways to apply for the German freelance visa:
- Apply in Germany
Come to Germany, prepare the documents, then apply for the residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde. You can’t work until you have your freelance visa, but you can look for clients and prepare for your residence permit interview.46 It’s easier to find clients, find an apartment and get health insurance if you are already in Germany. You can’t work while you wait for your visa. You might have to wait a few months without any income. If you can’t get a freelance visa, you must leave Germany. This is riskier and more expensive than applying in your country. - Apply in your country
Apply for a temporary visa at the German embassy in your country, come to Germany, then convert your temporary visa to a freelance visa. You can start working as soon as you arrive in Germany. This is safer and cheaper than applying in Germany. It takes around 4 months.
The best option depends on your citizenship:
- If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom or the United States, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa.16 You can come to Germany, find clients, then apply for the freelance visa Germany.17 You can’t work while you wait for your freelance visa, so you need enough savings for a few months. You can also apply in your home country.
- If you are a citizen of any other country, there are two ways to get a freelance visa:
- Apply for the freelance visa at the German embassy in your country. This is safer and cheaper.
- or apply for a Job Seeker Visa at the German embassy in your country, come to Germany, find a clients, then apply for a freelance visa. This is riskier and more expensive. You must have a university degree or vocational training to get a job seeker visa.18
How to apply in Germany
Step 1: Come to Germany
Come to Germany, and start preparing for your freelance visa application. If you are already in Germany, it’s easier to find clients and a place to live. You can’t work before you get your freelance visa. You must have enough savings to wait for 3 to 9 months.
If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom or the United States, you can come to Germany without a visa. You can stay for 90 days before you need a residence permit.
If you are a citizen of any other country, you might need a Job Seeker Visa to enter Germany. The Job Seeker Visa allows you to come to Germany and look for a job.16 It’s valid for up to 6 months. It does not allow you to work in Germany. After you find a job, you can apply for a residence permit in Germany. The job. You can’t do this with a tourist visa. If you enter Germany with a tourist visa, your work visa or Blue Card application will be rejected.19
If you can, find an apartment before you come to Germany. It’s really hard to find an apartment in some cities. It’s easier to find an apartment if you already have a job offer. You can also stay in a temporary place: a friend’s house, a hotel or a furnished apartment.
Step 2: Book your residence permit appointment
You must get an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde. Do this as soon as possible, because it can take months to get an appointment.
How to get an Ausländerbehörde appointment ➞
If you can’t find an Ausländerbehörde appointment online, you can apply by email. If your current residence permit expires soon, you can usually stay in Germany until you get your new residence permit.
Step 3: Open a bank account
You don’t need a bank account to apply for a freelance visa, but it will be useful later.20 You need a bank account to register your business, find an apartment, pay your visa application fee, pay your rent, and pay your taxes, etc.
Usually, you need a registration certificate to get a bank account. Some banks let you open an account without it.
If you can, have 2 bank accounts: one for you, and one for your business. It’s not required, but it’s a good idea. It makes accounting easier. I have a personal bank account with N26, and a business account with Kontist.
You will need money in your German bank account. I used Wise to transfer money from Canada to Germany.
Step 4: Register your address
You don’t need to register your address to get the freelance visa, but it will be useful later. You must register your address to get a registration certificate and a tax ID. You need that to register your business with the Finanzamt.
How to register your address in Berlin ➞
If you can’t register your address before your visa interview, bring your apartment lease and your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung instead.
Step 5: Get health insurance
You need health insurance to get a German freelance visa.
Which health insurance is valid for a freelance visa? ➞
How to choose German health insurance ➞
Many visa applications are rejected because of invalid health insurance. German public and private health insurance is always valid. Expat health insurance from Feather, Ottonova and Care Concept is also valid. Cheap expat health insurance is often rejected.
If you just moved to Germany and never had German health insurance, you might be forced to get private health insurance or expat health insurance. Public health insurers often reject freelancers from non-EU countries.
If you don’t know which health insurance to choose, just talk to a health insurance broker. They will help you find the best, cheapest health insurance for your situation. You will be 100% sure that your insurance is valid for your visa application, and that you have good coverage. Their help is free.
I work with Feather Insurance since 2018. They helped me get private health insurance and save over 400€ per month. They speak English, and they have a lot of experience with expat freelancers.
If you are a freelance artist, publicist or art teacher, you can apply for the Künstlersozialkasse after you get your freelance visa. They will pay half of your health insurance, and half of your public pension insurance. It’s a really good deal.
How to join the Künstlersozialkasse ➞
Step 6: Prepare the required documents
You need a few weeks to prepare the documents for your application. The letters of intent are the hardest to find. Look for them as soon as you can. Documents from your tax advisor can also take a long time to prepare.
Step 7: Go to your freelance visa interview
What happens at the Ausländerbehörde ➞
You must go to your interview at the Ausländerbehörde on Friedrich-Krause-Ufer. It takes around 1 hour. Bring all your documents with you.
Your interview will probably be in German. Some interviewers speak English, but this is not guaranteed. If you don’t speak German, bring an interpreter with you. If you can afford it, bring an immigration lawyer or a relocation consultant. I usually work with Kathleen Parker at Red Tape Translation. Booka Local can also go to the Ausländerbehörde with you.
Step 8: Receive your freelance visa
If your visa application is approved ➞
If your visa application is rejected ➞
Some people get their freelance visa immediately during the interview.21 Other people must wait 6 to 10 weeks on average. It’s very random. It depends on your field, and on how well you have prepared. Artists and language teachers almost always get the freelance visa during the interview. Software developers sometimes get it during the interview,22 and sometimes later.
When you get your freelance visa, it can be valid for 6 months to 3 years.23 When your visa is about to expire, you can renew it.
How to renew a freelance visa ➞
Step 9: Start your business
Once you have your visa, you still have some work to do before you can run a business in Germany.
- If you are a Gewerbetreibender, you must get a Gewerbeschein. If you are a Freiberufler (according to the Finanzamt’s definition), you don’t need one.24
- You must register your business at the tax office (Finanzamt). This is how you get a tax number (Steuernummer), a VAT number (Umsatzsteuernummer), and an entry in the trade register (Handelsregister).
- Your website must follow the German and European Union laws.
- You can get professional liability insurance (Gewerbehaftpflichtversicherung or Berufshaftpflichtversicherung) to protect yourself against lawsuits. You can also get disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung), in case you get injured and can’t work.
Related guides:
How to apply in your country
Step 1: Get your appointment at the German embassy or consulate
You must get an appointment at your local German embassy or consulate. It can be hard to find an appointment. You might only get an appointment 2-3 months later.25 Start looking as soon as possible.
Step 2: Prepare for your visa interview
Before you go to your visa interview, prepare the required documents. You also need health insurance and a place to live in Germany. In your case, you might need expat health insurance for a few months, until you can get public or private health insurance. Expat health insurance from Feather, Ottonova and Care Concept is valid. A health insurance broker can help you choose the correct health insurance.
The list of required documents is different in each country. Check the website of your local embassy or consulate. The list on this page is for people who apply at the Ausländerbehörde in Berlin.
Step 3: Go to your visa interview
You must go to your interview and give your documents. If you have all the required documents, the interview only takes a few minutes.
Step 4: Receive your temporary visa
You must go to the embassy or consulate again. They will give you a temporary visa that lets you enter Germany and start working. The temporary visa is a sticker in your passport.
Step 5: Come to Germany
After you get your visa, you can travel to Germany.
You can start working as soon as you arrive in Germany. You will need to find an apartment, register your address, get a tax ID, open a bank account and a few other things. You can find an apartment, open a bank account and get health insurance before you arrive in Germany. It will save you some time.
Step 5: Start your business
How to start a business in Germany ➞
Step 6: Convert your temporary visa to a residence permit
Your temporary visa is usually valid for 6 months. You must go to the Ausländerbehörde and convert your temporary visa to a freelance visa. Your freelance visa will be valid for up to 3 years.
Required documents
These documents are required for your freelance visa application.
Your documents can be in English, but it’s better if they are in German. If they are not in English or German, you might need a translation. For official documents like certificates and diplomas, you need a certified translation.
Some interviewers will look at every document. Some interviewers will ignore most of the documents. It’s important to be prepared, but don’t worry too much about every detail.
The interviewer will scan your documents page by page. Do not staple the pages together. If possible, print everything on A4 paper.
If you need to translate documents to German, use Red Tape Translation or Lingoking.
Basic documents
- Freelance visa application form, filled (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels)
Template – detailed guide
This form is available in German, English, French and Italian. For instructions on how to fill this form, see this guide. This is only required if you apply for the first time.26 - Appointment confirmation
This document shows a lot of useful information about your appointment. - 2 passport photos
Detailed guide
You need two 35 × 45 mm biometric pictures. There are many ways to get biometric photos in Berlin, including from the photo booth at the Ausländerbehörde.27 You do not need to cut the passport photos yourself; they have a tool for this.28 - 100€ for the visa application fees
The Friedrich-Krause-Ufer Ausländerbehörde accepts Girokarte, cash, Visa and Mastercard.29 The visa application fee is between 28€ and 100€.26 You only pay when you get your freelance visa. If you don’t get it, you don’t need to pay anything. The Ausländerbehörde now accepts credit cards, but bring enough cash just in case. - Proof of health insurance coverage
Detailed guide
Health insurance coverage is mandatory in Germany. You must prove that you are covered by an approved health insurance company. The previous section has more details. - Proof of residence in Berlin (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebescheinigung)
Detailed guide – Wohnungsgeberbestätigung template
You must prove that you have a place to live in Berlin. It must be big enough: there must be at least 9 m² per person in the apartment. If you rent a room, it must be at least 6 m². Student residences and communal accommodations are also accepted.51- Your Anmeldebestätigung
You get this document during your Anmeldung. If you don’t have it, it’s okay; just bring the lease and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. If you can, bring proof that you have a Bürgeramt appointment to register your address. - and your lease
Bring this document even if you have your Anmeldebestätigung. Some interviewers require it anyway.30 Temporary leases are accepted.31 - and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
You get this document from your landlord after you sign a lease. It confirms that you are allowed to live there. Bring this document even if you have your Anmeldebestätigung. Many interviewers require it anyway.32 You can find a template here.
- Your Anmeldebestätigung
Professional information
- 2 or more recommendation letters
Some interviewers will ask for letters of recommendation.33 These are letters from your previous employers, clients or professors that recommend you for your work. The letters must recommend you for the profession you are getting a visa for. If possible, these letters should be signed. - CV or resume
Bring a resume to help you reference your professional experience. Make the resume relevant to the visa you are applying for. Don’t include irrelevant experience or summer jobs here. - Cover letter (Anschreiben)
Example 1 – example 2
Some interviewers simply don’t care about your cover letter, but it’s good to have one. It should be in German, in case your interviewer doesn’t speak English. Don’t forget to sign the letter. If you need to translate documents, use Red Tape Translation or Lingoking. - Portfolio / examples of your work
This is not required, but it’s useful.20 It helps you explain what you do. Bring printed samples of your work. You need printed examples; a website address will not work.34 - Professional permit (if applicable)
If you need a permit to perform your profession (for example, law or medicine), bring it to your interview. - Proof of education (optional)
If you have relevant degrees or certifications, they can prove that you are qualified. Bring the original diplomas, and copies for the interviewer.35- Certified translations
If your degrees or diplomas are not in English or German, bring certified translations.52
- Certified translations
- Passport
The interviewer will use your passport to identify you. If you get the visa immediately, the interviewer will put it in your passport. The freelance visa is a sticker that goes in your passport.36
Proof of self-sufficiency
- Bank statement (Kontoauszug)
This shows how much savings you have. It proves that you have enough money to support yourself while you start your business. The more money you have in your account, the better. In general, bank statements from foreign banks are accepted, but some interviewers want statements from a German bank.37 Just open a German bank account, and transfer some savings with Wise. According to this poll, 3,000€ to 5,000€ in savings is enough.38 If necessary, convert the amount to Euros.39 - Revenue forecast / profit and loss statement (Ertragsvorschau)
Template and instructions
Make a spreadsheet of your expected monthly business income and expenses. Your numbers should be realistic, but ambitious. Some [Ausländerbehörde] employee prefer that you use the official template. - Proof of adequate pension plan
If you are over 45 years old, you need to prove that you have adequate preparations for retirement. See the section above for more details. No proof is required for these nationalities: Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United States.26 - Proof of regular income (artists and language teachers only)
If you apply as an artist or language teacher in Berlin, you must prove that you will have a regular income. This can be your own savings, regular bank transfers from your family, or a letter from a guarantor.6
Business strategy
- Business plan (not required for Freiberufler)
Detailed guide 1 – detailed guide 2
In order to get a German freelance visa, you must prove that there is an economic interest or a regional need for your services. In your business plan, you must highlight how you plan to find work and grow your business.47 This document is a summary of the company profile, capital requirement plan, business concept and financing plan. You can write your business plan in English or in German.- Company profile (not required for Freiberufler)
Template
This document gives all the important information about your company: official proof of its existence, names of managing directors, total equity, annual turnover, official business address in your city, official function etc.40 The company profile can be in English or in German.41 - Capital requirement plan (not required for Freiberufler)
This document details all the expenses you plan for starting your business: equipment purchases, real estate, licensing fees, vehicle fleet etc. - Business concept (not required for Freiberufler)
Template
This document contains the industry, the target customers, marketing and sales strategy and the market forecasts of your company.
- Company profile (not required for Freiberufler)
- Financing plan / Capital budget (Finanzierungsplan)
Template – instructions
This document details how you plan to finance your business. In this document, you must list your liquid funds, tangible assets, loans, venture capital etc.40 - 2 or more letters of intent or contracts (Absichtserklärung)
Template – example – detailed guide
These letters come from potential clients that want to hire you. They are not necessarily contracts; they only show that companies have the intention to hire you. These letters are really important.42 They prove that you can find work in Germany. Letters of intent in German and from German companies are preferred, and sometimes required.43 Signed contracts are better than letters of intent. Some Ausländerbehörde employees want letters with salary information.44
Document checklist
Here is a summary of all documents they can ask for:
- Address registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung) – optional
- Appointment confirmation from the Ausländerbehörde
- Bank statement (Kontoauszug)
- Business plan (not required for Freiberufler)
- Company profile (not required for Freiberufler)
- Capital requirement plan (not required for Freiberufler)
- Business concept (not required for Freiberufler)
- Cash for the application fee, 100€
- Cover letter (Anschreiben)
- CV or resume
- Financing plan (Finanzierungsplan)
- Freelance visa application form (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels)
- Lease
- Letter of confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Letters of intent from German companies × 2-5
- Passport
- Passport photos × 2
- Portfolio / examples of your work, printed
- Professional permit (optional)
- Proof of adequate pension plan (if you are over 45 years old)
- Proof of education (optional)
- Certified translations (if not in German or English)
- Proof of regular income (artists and language teachers only)
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Recommendation letters × 2-5
- Revenue forecast / Profit and loss statement (Ertragsvorschau)
If possible, translate these documents to German. Lingoking is an easy way to get official translations. Red Tape Translation can also help you, and they have a lot of experience with the Ausländerbehörde.
Questions and answers
How long can I leave Germany with a freelance visa?
You can leave Germany for up to 6 months.48
What is the minimum income for the German freelance visa?
In Berlin, you must earn enough to pay for your rent and health insurance, plus 502€ per month.50 For example, if your rent is 800€ per month, and your health insurance 400€ per month, you must earn at least 1,702€ per month (800€ + 400€ + 502€).
Can I get a permanent residence with a freelance visa?
Yes. You can apply for permanent residence after 3 years.49 – More information.
Where to get help
Where to ask immigration questions ➞
Sources and footnotes
-
reddit.com/r/germany, facebook.com, Auswärtiges Amt, gesetze-im-internet.de ⤴
-
web.archive.org, facebook.com, immigrate-to-germany.blogspot.com (archived) ⤴
-
Kathleen Parker at Red Tape Translation (May 2023) ⤴
