Would you like to live in Germany and work independently? Then the Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler Visa) may be just what you need. It is ideal for artists, writers, programmers, designers, language teachers and many others who want to offer their services without being dependent on a single company.
But... how do you get it? What papers do you have to present? And what is the whole process like?
Don't worry, here is a clear and easy guide to help you understand everything you need to know to get your self-employed visa in Germany.
What is the visa for the self-employed?
The self-employed visa (Freiberufler Visum) allows you to live and work legally in Germany on your own. It is intended for people who are self-employed in Germany. intellectual or creative professions. They do not need to register a traditional business (Gewerbe), but they do need to register with the tax office (Finanzamt). Examples:
- Artists
- Journalists
- Photographers
- Engineers
- Architects
- Translators
- Consultants
- Language teachers
- Software developers
Please note that it is different from the business visa for entrepreneurs (Gewerbetreibende) which applies to persons starting a business. commercial or industrial business, i.e. more entrepreneurial, technical or manual activities (e.g. online or physical shop owners, photographers selling products, cleaning or repair services, among others).
Who can apply?
In order to get a self-employed visa in Germany, you need to fulfil some basic requirements:
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Working in a profession recognised as “liberal” (freiberuflich). As mentioned above.
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Demonstrate that your work will make a positive contribution to the German economy.
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Already have some customers in Germany or at least potential customers.
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Have sufficient savings to support yourself while you establish yourself.
If you are outside the EU, it is most common that you first enter with a self-employed visa valid for 3 months. Once you are in Germany, you can convert it into a longer residence permit.
Step by step: How to obtain a self-employed visa
1. Gather your documents
Before you apply for a visa, you will need to prepare a lot of paperwork. Here is a typical list of what you will be asked for:
✅ Valid passport
- Make sure it is valid for at least 1 year and has two blank pages.
✅ Biometric photos (passport-style passport photos)
- Standard size 35×45 mm, light background, neutral expression. (New regulations in Berlin)
✅ Completed application form
- Download it from your embassy or from the Videx system for national visas.
✅ Motivation letter explaining what you are going to do as a self-employed person
- We leave you a sample cover letter to be of help to them.
✅ Updated CV
- Clearly highlight your work experience and qualifications.
- We leave you a sample CV. You can also help yourself with this page to create it
✅ Portfolio (if applicable to your profession: design, art, writing, etc.)
✅ Degrees, certificates or other evidence of your education and training
- Titles, certificates with apostille and official translation.
✅ Proof of where you will live in Germany
- Rental contract or Anmeldung (certificate of residence)
✅ Health insurance covering you in Germany
- We recommend this insurance (click here), It is designed for the freelance visa: it meets the legal requirements, includes full coverage and delivers the necessary certificate within minutes, all 100 % online.
✅ Bank statements or proof that you have enough money (at least €3,000 to €5,000)
- Include in your application recent bank statements with sufficient balance, or a letter with your financial plan showing that you have savings, future income or contracts.
- What you need to submit varies according to city, lifestyle and initial length of stay.
- Between €1,000 and €1,200 (housing, food, insurance, transport). And you can cover at least 3 months without a stable income.
- They also take into account customer letters, contracts, and your income forecast, not just the balance in the bank.
- In some cases you may be asked for more funds if you do not have firm contracts yet or if your financial plan is not convincing.
✅ Letters of intent or contracts from German customers
- Example of Letter of intent and simple contract
✅ A financial plan and income estimate (important!)
- Example of Financial plan and revenue estimates
And very important: if you have documents that are not in English or German, have them officially translated before submitting them.
2. Register your address (Anmeldung)
As soon as you arrive in Germany, one of the first formalities you have to complete is the registration of your address, known as Anmeldung, at the local registration office (Bürgeramt).
Why is this crucial?
Basically, without the Anmeldung you do not officially exist in the eyes of the authorities: you cannot work, open a bank account, sign up for internet, or continue with your visa application.
When to register?
You must do so within one or two weeks after moving, depending on the city.
What documents do you need?
Valid passport
Anmeldung Form
Rental agreement (Mietvertrag)
Wohnungsgeberbestätigunga letter signed by the landlord confirming that you are indeed living there.
How to get an appointment?
In big cities like Berlin it is often difficult to book appointments, so check the Bürgeramt website regularly.
Useful tipIf you can't get an appointment, you can go to an early walk-in office; some accept walk-ins, although this can vary.
And after the Anmeldung?
- You will receive an official document called Meldebescheinigung, This is necessary for almost all administrative processes, especially your freelance visa appointment.
👉 For a very practical and well-explained step-by-step guide, visit this guide:
Everything you need to know about Anmeldung in Germany - Step by step guide
3. Take out German health insurance
To apply for a freelance visa in Germany, it is necessary to valid health insurance that meets the German legal requirements is essential.. Without it, you will not be able to move forward with your application or your residence permit.
As a self-employed person, you have the option of hiring a public insurance or a private insurance, However, it is often more practical to opt for specialised insurance for expats and freelancers.
🛡️ For this reason, we recommend that you this Feather expat insurance, which is designed for this type of visa and offers:
Comprehensive cover including hospitalisation, repatriation and general medical care
Official certificate of compliance with German legal requirements, necessary for visa applications
100 % process online, fast and without complicated paperwork, with certificate available within minutes
This insurance facilitates the process and gives you peace of mind to focus on your freelance work.
4. Open a bank account in Germany
In order to apply for your freelance visa, it is very important to demonstrate that you have the financial capacity, and a German bank account is essential for that. This account not only makes it easier to manage your income and expenses, but is also required to receive payments and pay taxes in Germany.
Many start with online banks such as N26 o Wise, which allow you to open an account quickly and easily from abroad, without having to visit a branch in person. These banks offer multilingual interfaces, free debit cards and fast transfers, making them ideal for freelancers starting out in Germany.
However, once you are in Germany, it is advisable to also consider traditional banks (such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank or Sparkasse), especially if you need more personalised services or a current account with more options.
What documents are usually required to open the account?
Passport or identity card
Proof of address (the Meldebescheinigung after the Anmeldung)
German tax identification number (Steuer-ID)
Proof of income or employment (in some cases)
For a complete guide on how to open a bank account in Germany, requirements and recommendations, you can consult this guide:
How to open a bank account in Germany
5. Make a visa appointment
When you have all the documents ready, you should make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) in the city where you are going to live. This appointment is essential to process your freelance visa and your residence permit.
In large cities such as Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt, appointments often take weeks or months, so book in advance. Most appointments are made online, but procedures vary from city to city.
Here are some links to book or find out about appointments:
Berlin: LEA contact form
Munich: Book an appointment online
Frankfurt: Application form
Hamburg: Book an appointment
Cologne: Appointment information
If you can't find an appointment quickly, you can try waiting lists or help from consultants, but it's best to plan ahead.
6. Attend the interview
At your visa appointment, you will present your documents and explain your plans as a self-employed person. Be clear, confident and show how you will generate income in Germany.
What language is the interview in?
It can be in English or German, depending on the official.
They are not obliged to speak English, although in larger cities they often do.
If you don't speak German, you can bring a translator (friend or professional).
Council: bring all documents in order, in English or German if possible, and prepare your key answers well.
7. Wait for approval
Once all the documentation has been submitted and the interview has taken place, it is time to wait for the decision. The processing time varies depending on the city and the workload of the office, but it usually takes about 2 to 10 weeks.
If everything is in order, you will receive your residence permit as a self-employed person, which is generally valid for a period of 1 to 3 years and it is renewable.
💶 Cost:
The fee for the freelance visa process is usually between 60 € y 100 €, depending on the type of permit and duration.
Additional advice
- Basic German: Learning the basics will make your daily life easier.
Steuernummer: Once the visa has been approved, register with Finanzamt to obtain your tax number.
Tax returns: It is compulsory every year if you are self-employed.
Networking: Having local clients or contacts increases your chances and helps you grow.
Coworkings and events: Participating in coworking spaces or meetups connects you with other freelancers.
Maintain up-to-date documentation: Keep copies of invoices, contracts and receipts.
Liability insurance (optional): It can be useful to protect yourself against unforeseen events at work.
Getting a freelance visa in Germany requires preparation, but it is entirely possible. With the right documents, a good plan and some patience, you can start your journey as a freelancer in one of Europe's most dynamic countries.
Note: This guide is based on experiences and general information. I recommend that you always check with official sources or a specialised advisor for up-to-date requirements.
