← The Global Rockstar Album Launch Party

Empowering Expat Spouses in Their Career Journey →

Moving to Germany as a Freelancer

Posted on October 18, 2023October 19, 2023 by Angie Weinberger

The Freelancer Visa: A Way to Live and Work in Germany as a Freelancer

The world of work is changing, and more and more people are choosing to freelance. Being one of the developed countries, Germany is a great place for freelancers, with a strong economy and a high demand for skilled workers in various fields. I am happy to inform you that the German government supports freelancers. A specific visa is available for freelancers from outside the European Union, and several resources are available to help them succeed.

Freelancing can be a rewarding career path for people looking for flexibility, autonomy, and the potential to earn a good income. However, being aware of the challenges involved and prepared to work hard is essential. So let’s learn more about it 🙂.

Few freelancers in Germany who are holding a freelancer visa:

Julia Schwarz: Julia is a freelance web developer who moved to Germany from the United States on a freelancer visa. She has been freelancing in Germany for over two years and has built a successful business.
David Smith: David is a freelance software engineer who moved to Germany from the United Kingdom on a freelancer visa. He has been freelancing in Germany for over one year and has worked on various company projects.
Anna Meier: Anna is a freelance translator who moved to Germany from Austria on a freelancer visa. She has freelanced in Germany for over two years and translated various documents for different clients.

These are just a few examples of freelancers in Germany holding a freelancer visa. Many other freelancers from all over the world live and work in Germany on a freelancer visa.

If you are interested in freelancing in Germany, I encourage you to contact me or your nearest immigration advisor to learn more about the Freelancer visa option.

What is the freelancer visa for Germany?

The freelancer visa for Germany is a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Germany as freelancers. To qualify for the freelancer visa, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have a valid passport.
You must have a valid health insurance policy.
You must have a business plan or other documentation that demonstrates your ability to support yourself as a freelancer in Germany.
You must have a minimum of EUR 2,190 per month in financial resources.

Adding some additional tips for success as a freelancer in Germany:

Learn German: While it is possible to freelance in Germany without speaking German, it is much easier if you can. Learning German will help you to network with potential clients and to understand the German business culture.
Get a tax advisor: It is essential to have a tax advisor who can help you with your taxes. Freelancers in Germany have to pay their own taxes, and the tax system can be complex.
Join professional organizations: There are a number of professional organizations for freelancers in Germany. Joining a professional organization can help you to network with other freelancers and to learn about new opportunities.

Why a Freelancer visa?

The German freelancer visa is a type of residence permit that allows you to live and work in Germany as a freelancer. It is a popular choice for many freelancers because it offers a number of advantages over other types of visas. One of the main advantages of the freelancer visa is that it is relatively easy to obtain. The requirements are not as strict as for the BlueCard, and you do not need to have a job offer from a German employer.

Another advantage of the freelancer visa is that it is a temporary visa. This means that you can stay in Germany for up to 3 years, and then you can apply for a permanent residence permit if you wish. Finally, the freelancer visa allows you to bring your family to Germany. This is an excellent option if you have a spouse or children who want to join you in your new life in Germany.

The BlueCard vs. the Freelancer Visa

The BlueCard is another popular option for highly skilled workers who want to live and work in Germany. However, the BlueCard is more challenging to obtain than the freelancer visa. However, it is essential to note that the freelancer visa does not offer a fast track to permanent residency like BlueCard. Freelancing in Germany is a rewarding career with endless benefits.

Germany is a great place to freelance. With its strong economy, high demand for skilled workers, and supportive government, Germany offers freelancers some benefits, including:

The ability to live and work in Germany: The freelancer visa allows you to live and work in Germany for up to three years, and you can renew it for an additional three years if you meet the requirements.
The flexibility to choose your projects and clients: As a freelancer, you can select the projects and clients you want to work with. This means that you can work on projects you are passionate about and find challenging and rewarding.
The potential to earn a good income: Freelancers in Germany can often earn a good income, especially if skilled in a high-demand field. However, it is important to note that freelancers must also cover their expenses, such as health insurance and taxes.
The opportunity to network with other professionals: Freelancing in Germany allows you to network with other professionals in your field. This can lead to new project opportunities and collaborations.
The chance to experience German culture: German culture has played a significant role in European and world history. From the Enlightenment to the Romantic movement, Germany has been a center for intellectual and artistic innovation. German culture has also been shaped by its political history, including the rise and fall of the Holy Roman Empire, the division of Germany into East and West following World War II, and the reunification of Germany in 1990.

In addition to these benefits, freelancing in Germany also offers a number of other advantages, such as:

A strong social safety net: Germany has a strong social safety net, which provides freelancers with access to healthcare, unemployment benefits, and other social programs.
A high quality of life: Germany has a high quality of life, with excellent infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.
A central location in Europe: Germany is centrally located in Europe, making it easy to travel to other countries for work or pleasure.

If you are a skilled worker who is passionate about your work and looking for a new challenge, freelancing in Germany is a great option. With its many benefits, Germany is a great place to build a successful freelance career.

Benefits of Freelancer Visa for Future Immigration Pathways in Germany

The freelancer visa in Germany is a great option for skilled workers who are looking to experience Germany. The visa offers a number of benefits, including the ability to live and work in Germany, the flexibility to choose your own projects and clients, the potential to earn a good income, the opportunity to network with other professionals, and the chance to experience German culture.

In addition to these benefits, the freelancer visa can also be a stepping stone to permanent residency in Germany. After three years of living and working in Germany on a freelancer visa, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

To be eligible for a permanent residence permit, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have a valid passport.
You must have a valid health insurance policy.
You must have proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself in Germany.
You must have a good command of German.
You must have integrated well into German society.

If you meet all of the requirements, you can apply for a permanent residence permit at the local immigration office after three years of stay in Germany.

The freelancer visa is a great way to start your journey to permanent residency in Germany. By living and working in Germany on a freelancer visa, you can gain the experience and skills that you need to qualify for a permanent residence permit.

Here are some tips for freelancers who are interested in obtaining permanent residency in Germany:

Learn German: Learning German is essential for obtaining permanent residency in Germany. The government requires that all permanent residents have a good command of the German language.
Get involved in the community: Getting involved in the community is a great way to show that you are integrating well into German society. You can volunteer your time to a local organization or join a sports club.
Start a business: Starting a business is a great way to show that you are committed to living and working in Germany. Additionally, owning a business can make it easier to qualify for a permanent residence permit.

If you are a freelancer who is interested in obtaining permanent residency in Germany, I encourage you to do your research and learn more about the process. The freelancer visa is a great way to start your journey to permanent residency, and there are a number of resources available to help you succeed.

The Family Benefits of the Freelancer Visa in Germany

The freelancer visa in Germany is an excellent option for skilled workers who are looking to live and work in Germany with their families. The ticket offers many benefits, including bringing your Spouse and children to live with you in Germany, the right for your Spouse and children to work and study in Germany, and access to family health insurance and other family benefits.

To bring your family to Germany on a freelancer visa, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have a valid freelancer visa.
You must have sufficient financial resources to support your family in Germany. Your family members must meet the health requirements for entry into Germany.
To apply for family reunification, you must apply to the German embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process can take several months.

If you are a freelancer who is interested in bringing your family to Germany, I encourage you to start the process, and feel free to reach out if you have any queries.

With its streamlined application process, attractive benefits, and opportunities for growth, the FREELANCE VISA is a pathway to a successful immigration journey to Germany.

How to Apply for a Freelancer Visa for Germany

You must have a valid passport.
You must have a valid health insurance policy.
You must have a business plan or other documentation that demonstrates your ability to support yourself as a freelancer in Germany.
You must have a minimum of EUR 2,190 per month in financial resources.

The steps involved in applying for a freelancer visa for Germany:

Gather the required documentation. This includes your passport, health insurance policy, business plan, and proof of financial resources.
Complete the visa application form. The visa application form can be found on the website of the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Submit your application and pay the visa fee. The visa fee is €75.
Attend a visa interview. You will need to attend a visa interview at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

If you are approved for a freelancer visa, you can live and work in Germany for up to three years. You can renew your visa for three years if you meet the requirements. For more tips on moving to Germany please go back to Part 1 here.

Of course, there are also some challenges associated with immigrating to Germany. The language barrier can be a challenge, and the bureaucracy can be daunting. However, the German people are welcoming and supportive, and many resources are available to help you make the transition. If you are willing to put in the effort, the Freelancer visa can be a great way to start a new life in Germany. With its strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and growth opportunities, Germany is a great place to live and work.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer or an immigration consultant to determine which visa is right for you. They can help you understand the requirements for each type of visa and guide you through the application process.

Sandipta Jadhav is an Indian immigration lawyer and Global Mobility specialist with close to two decades of experience in global people transitions. She has witnessed hundreds of global aspirants immigrate to and from India and many other countries, including Germany. She was born and raised amidst the bustling streets of South Mumbai, India. Central to her professional ethos is an unwavering commitment to customer experience and consistently striving to surpass expectations and craft unparalleled journeys for each valued individual she serves. She has a proven track record of success in helping individuals and organizations navigate the complex world of immigration.