German Freelancer Visa & How to apply

This type of German visa has grown very popular in the world whereby many people around the world are interested in this type of visa, However, getting a German freelancer visa and ways to apply are sometimes tricky and very frustrating due to the process that takes a long period.

German Freelancer Visa & How to apply

Table Content for Germany Freelancer Visa.

  1.  what is a German Freelance Visa?
  2. Self Employment and Freelancing in Germany.
  3. Type of Germany Freelance Visa
  4. who can apply for a Germany Freelancer Visa?
  5. Prerequisites for a Germany Freelance Residence permit
  6. Can I work as a freelancer if am a foreigner already in Germany?
  7. Requirement for Germany Freelancer Visa?
  8. Cost of a freelancer visa?
  9. How to Get the Germany Freelance Visa.

what is a German Freelance Visa?

Just as the name implies, the German freelance visa: is the type of visa that allows the holder to handle his/her own business as a self-employed in Germany. Meanwhile, it also gives the individual with this type of visa an opportunity to have control over his own business and monitor what is going on in the business area. However, the longing of becoming independent has made freelance a growing means of self-employment. Freelance also gives higher independence than other conventional types of businesses. You become your boss when you work as a freelancer. Also, choosing projects and clients that you want is within your power. There is a lot of freedom in terms of working days and hours. This is known as “Freiberuflich”.

Self Employment and Freelancing in Germany.

Here we are going to discuss the difference between a freelancer and a self-employed individual as these will help us to know where to start when we are applying for a freelancer visa in Germany. 

However, In different countries, one can easily become self-employed as a freelancer by taking up a job from a client, getting paid after issuing your invoice and rendering your services, and paying taxes. meanwhile, to get a freelancer visa in Germany you will have to meet up with their requirement sure as having experience or education or a university degree that is recognized and be practicing a liberal profession such as writer, advisory people, dentist, architect, tax consultant, auditor, commercial chemist, patent attorney, image reporter, translator, interpreter, etc. That is to say with these requirements, your taxes will not be as high as that of a self-employed.

While on the other hand for you to consider a self-employed in Germany you will also have to meet up the aforementioned requirements which include the selling of physical products and other things that intellectual practice may not be used on.

Type of Germany Freelance Visa

The Germany freelance visa has two major types that you can go for or you can apply for. depending on your occupation.

Visa for self-employment:

This type of Freelance visa is also called (Selbständigerhowever you receive this type of visa if you are a company founder, a sole proprietor, or managing director/legal representative of a partnership or corporation. note there will be an economic interest in Germany for your profession or business. Either your profession or business will have a positive impact on the German economy, or you have financed your profession/ business with equity or a loan commitment.

Visa for Freelance employment.

This type of freelance visa is also known as (Freiberufler). meanwhile, if you have an occupation that will have a positive impact on German culture and economy, such as an artist, writer, self-employed doctor, engineer, language teacher, interpreter, auditor, or architect. you can as well receive this type of freelance visa.

Who can apply for a Germany Freelancer Visa?

 German Freelance Visa beforehand if you’re a visa regime foreigner, whose intention of come to Germany to work within a liberal profession. However, Germany's freelance visa can be granted for three months and come also be converted to a residence permit while your visa is valid. Meanwhile just as we discussed earlier that you are considered a freelancer if you conduct independent scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, or educational activities.

  • Doctors.
  • Dentists.
  • Veterinarians.
  • Lawyers.
  • Notaries.
  • Patent attorneys.
  • Surveyors.
  • Engineers.
  • Architects.
  • Commercial chemists.
  • Auditors.
  • Tax consultants.
  • Advisory people.
  • Tax agents.
  • Naturopaths.
  • Dentists.
  • Physiotherapists.
  • Journalists.
  • Photo reporters.
  • Interpreters.
  • Translators.
  • Pilots.

Many other professionals can also apply for a German freelance visa

Prerequisites for a Germany Freelance Residence permit.

Getting a German freelance permit is often frustrating however before you this permit you must have to comply with the precondition.

You must prove that there are clients interested in working with you. Your prospective clients have to write letters of intent, proving they plan to hire you. This is not a work contract, just a letter showing interest in your services or work.

You must prove that you have enough money to live comfortably in Berlin. At least €9,000/year. and you must have accommodation and register your home address at any local registration center which is called Bürgeramt in Germany.

You must have an adequate pension plan if you are over the age of 45. This means that by age 67, you must have either €1,332.36 for a minimum monthly pension of 12 years or €194,631 assets amount at least.

Can I work as a freelancer if am a foreigner already in Germany?

Well, you are entitled to work as a freelancer if you are already residing in Germany but this does not go without an exception. Your situation must be any of the following for working as a freelancer while already in Germany:

Either you are a graduate from a recognized education institution in Germany as a foreigner, or an equally recognized training institution in Germany. Your profession must be the same as the qualification you’ve received here. Or if you are a  foreigner working as a researcher or scientist in Germany. You must expect freelancing as a researcher or scientist. However, if you have entered with a temporary visa for other purposes. You must meet the criteria to freelance as a foreigner.

Requirement for Germany Freelancer Visa?

Ausländerbehörde: this is the place you submit your document when applying for a  German freelancer visa. Here is the list of the requirement.

  • Recommendation letters from previous employers.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Cover letter.
  • Portfolio of your previous work
  • travel insurance 
  • Duly completed national visa application form.
  • Valid national passport.
  • Two recently made biometric photographs
  • Payment of the visa application fee.
  • Your CV.
  • If you are a university graduate: Proof of degree from a recognized university or training institution.
  • If you will work as a company/business owner:
    • Your business plan.
    • Your financing plan.
    • Registration with the Trade Register.
    • Letter from your university, confirming that the knowledge you acquired in university is relevant to your business idea.

Cost of a German freelancer visa?

For you to get a freelance Germany visa you will be paying two cost fees. 

  • The Embassy fee: €75
  • The Ausländerbehörde fee: €100 (€28.80 for Turkish citizens)

However, to apply for a residence permit in Germany, you need at least 140 Euros and 260 Euros for a settlement permit. 

Note: For more information about the German Freelancer Visa & How to apply. Therefore if you want to know more about visas, immigration and many more you have to visit our Official Website