Self-employment / Freelance in Germany
2 documented routes of this kind in Germany, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Self-Employment Visa — Entrepreneur (Gewerbe, §21(1) AufenthG)
Residence permit for non-EU nationals establishing or running a commercial business in Germany where there is an economic interest or regional need and viable financing.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- Initially up to 3 years.
- Language requirement
- No statutory German requirement for issuance.
- Permanent residence
- Settlement permit under §21(4) after 3 years if the business succeeds and livelihood is secured.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years (3 with exceptional integration).
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Business plan demonstrating viability, experience, capital/financing and regional economic/employment impact
- Professional licence where the profession is regulated
- For applicants over 45: proof of adequate pension provision
- Health insurance
- IHK / trade office consultation
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Detailed business plan required
- CV required
- Proof of capital or loan commitment required
- Professional licence for regulated trades
- Pension provision proof for over-45s
- Proof of health insurance required
Official fees
- National D visa 75 EUR
- Residence permit issuance (approx.) 100 EUR
- Trade (Gewerbe) registration (typical local fee) 60 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Draft business plan
Prepare a viability-focused business plan with financing.
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2
Obtain assessment
Obtain an IHK/expert assessment of economic interest.
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3
Apply via Consular Portal
Apply online (or directly at the foreigners authority if visa-exempt).
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4
Register business
Register the Gewerbe at the trade office.
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5
Collect permit
Collect the residence permit at the foreigners authority.
Official Sources
- Self-employment — BAMF Official
- Self-employed visa — Make it in Germany Official
Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler, §21(5) AufenthG)
Residence permit for non-EU nationals practising a liberal profession (Freiberufler) such as artists, writers, IT consultants, doctors, lawyers, engineers, on a self-employed basis.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- Initially up to 3 years.
- Language requirement
- No statutory German requirement for issuance.
- Permanent residence
- General settlement permit after 5 years (§9); business-success route under §21(4) after 3 years.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years (3 with exceptional integration).
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Proof of clients/contracts (letters of intent)
- Professional practice authorisation where required
- CV and portfolio/qualifications
- For applicants over 45: proof of adequate pension provision
- Health insurance
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Proof of clients/contracts required
- Professional practice authorisation where required
- CV and proof of qualifications required
- Financing/income plan required
- Proof of health insurance required
Official fees
- National D visa 75 EUR
- Residence permit issuance (approx.) 100 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Compile client letters
Gather letters of intent from prospective German clients.
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2
Apply via Consular Portal
Apply online or directly at the foreigners authority if visa-exempt.
-
3
Register as freelancer
Register with the tax office (Finanzamt) for a freelance tax number.
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4
Collect permit
Collect the residence permit.
Official Sources
- Self-employment — BAMF Official
- Freelance visa — Make it in Germany Official