The freelancer visa is one of the most unusual and little-explored ways to move to Germany. This method has a number of clear advantages: you don’t have to get a contract job, make millions in investments and even know German. The main thing is to prove that you are a pro specialist in your field.
The good news is that a freelance visa can be converted into a residence permit after three months.
A residence permit for a freelancer can be extended up to three years if they are successful in their freelance activities. To extend a residence permit, you must provide evidence that your earnings are sufficient to make living in Germany.
Expat life in Germany
Expats most often move to Berlin: modern Babylon, which is populated by people from all cultures, speaking different languages. International companies – from Google to Apple – open offices here, attracting employees. All this creates an environment in which a foreigner can easily live without a deep knowledge of German culture and language.
Berlin is famous for its alternative life and spirit of freedom, which attracts “free artists” from all over the world. Among other things, it is also the most suitable place for those who organize their startup and are looking for cofounders and financing.
Freelance in Germany – definition of the term
Freelance (“freiberufler”) in Germany is a person who has been working independently in their profession for more than three months. This activity is different from private enterprise, partnership and contract work.
What professions qualify as freelance work?
Before applying for a freelance visa, find out if the profession is considered freelance in Germany. There are two main visa types: business visa and freelancer visa. According to the EStG law §18 in the German tax law, the following categories are considered as freelance:
- Scientists
- Artists
- Writers
- Teachers and tutors
- Medical doctors
- Veterinarians
- Lawyers
- Engineers
- Architects
- Tax advisors
- Journalists
- Translators
- Representatives of professions similar to those listed above
If your profession is not listed above, the application will be considered for a business visa.
Applicants wishing to obtain the appropriate residence permit must also provide information on how their activities can have a positive impact on the economy of the region. For example, the possible economic interest from the activities of artists, musicians, actors, directors, etc. is assessed in the field of art, music and film industry. At the same time, especially talented and creative people of culture can get significant advantages.
Can I work as a freelancer if I live in Germany?
If you already live in Germany, you have the opportunity to work as a freelancer under the following circumstances:
- You are a graduate of a state-recognized foreign educational institution or university in Germany. Please note that your profession must correspond to self-employment (read the list above).
- You are a foreigner with a German artist visa.
- You are a foreigner who entered Germany as a scientist or researcher.
- You meet the criteria to work as a freelancer and have a German temporary visa.
Application procedure
An application for a freelance visa is submitted to the German embassy in the country where the applicant currently resides. Applicants must send their application forms three months in advance of the planned date of arrival. Below we will describe in more detail the following visa application requirements:
- You have to prove that you can finance the launch of your freelance activity. You must therefore provide a bank statement to confirm that you have sufficient funds for the start;
- It is highly recommended to show letters from German customers or companies that are interested in your services.
Key documents for German freelance visa:
- Passport
- Completed form
- Documents confirming your qualification: university diploma
- Confirmation that you can have clients in Germany: letters from potential clients
- 2 German visa photos
- Visa fees: from 56 to 100 euros, paid after the visa is issued
- Medical insurance
- Rental agreement
Additional documents:
- Confirmation of pension savings for applicants over 45 years old
- A business plan that outlines your expected income and expenses. Perform extensive research to prove that you can sustain yourself with your planned job and potential clients
- Templates of contracts. It is advisable that you bring copies of your contracts with clients, with at least 5-6 examples. If you already have clients, attach copies of current deals to show your income
- Recommendation letters: at least two letters of recommendation from previous employers or clients
- A summary of your professional experience
- Cover letter: some officials may not ask for this, but it is better to have it in German if possible
- Your portfolio, including samples of previous work
- For some professions (such as health care), official licenses are required
Visa for freelancer in Germany – first steps after arrival in the country
1. Register your new residential address
Immediately after moving to Germany and renting an apartment, you should register your new home address. This is given 90 days from your arrival, regardless of your nationality, including for EU passport holders. But it is better to do it in the first week. Visit the nearest resident registration office “Burgeramt” – it is located in the city hall. The registration procedure is called Anmeldung.
Required documents include: passport, rental agreement and a fully completed registration form.
2. Open a bank account
A bank account is mandatory for other steps, such as obtaining a residence permit. You will also need to open it to receive payments from your customers and pay taxes, and utilities. Most German banks have special offers for freelancers. You can find one that is right for you. You do not need to worry about learning German, because the banks have English-speaking staff.
3. Register with the Tax Service
When you arrive, register with the tax service (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) so they can assign you a tax number. Fill out the registration form and enclose proof of your qualifications. It is important to start this process as soon as possible because without a tax identification number you will not be able to issue invoices and receive payment.
4. Get medical insurance
The German health system requires that everyone has health insurance. Tourist insurance is not enough for a German visa freelancer. Therefore, you have two options: to take out state or private health insurance.
5. To apply for a residence permit
Three months after your arrival, you must apply for a residence permit at the Auslanderbehorde Aliens’ Office. You just need to provide the officials with a completed application form. It should be accompanied by supporting documents, such as the rental agreement issued by your landlord and contracts with your local clients.
