Freelance visa to work and live in Germany

Let's talk about Germany.

As one of the strongest economies in the world, Germany is booming with opportunities for overseas professionals and entrepreneurs who would like to start a life there.

Germany's declining birth rate after 1970 was one of the main reasons the country started pushing for more immigration to keep its growth and development.

So today, I would like to share an extraordinary immigration opportunity for foreigners who would like to be their own boss working as a freelancer in Germany.

There are no investments required. If your occupation is eligible, you should be able to get the initial visa and move to Germany to get started. If you start generating enough to pay for your bills in your first months, you may be able to stay longer and even get a residency permit.

Requirements

Here's the definition for freelancers, by the German Government:

Individuals working in the liberal professions (freelancers) offer their services or work to other people for money. They are normally self-employed and work independently. This means that they have no employer.

There's a distinction and different requirements if you are classified as a business, as opposed to a freelancer. So to be eligible for this visa, your occupation needs to be in the list of "liberal professions" (German: Freie Berufe).

Liberal professions

In summary, a liberal occupation involves scientific, artistic, educational or writing activities. A few examples:

• Tax accountant

• Lawyer

• Physiotherapist

• Engineers and architects

• Doctors, dentists, vets and most health professionals

• IT professionals

• Copywriters and translators

PS: For some liberal professions, you must certify your foreign qualification first.

Applying for a Freelance Visa

I can see two main options if you're from outside the EU, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, South Korea, or Japan:

1. You can apply directly for the Freelance Visa at your nearest German embassy. Applications can take from two to six months.

2. You can apply for a National Visa at your nearest German embassy again. It should be quicker, and you would get a permit to travel to Germany to find an apartment, clients and anything else related to the Freelance Visa. Then you can upgrade your visa after you arrive in the country.

Official Links

• https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/SelbstaendigeTaetigkeit/selbstaendigetaetigkeit-node.html

• https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa/kinds-of-visa/self-employment/

• https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html#p0285

• https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/glossary.php#5747

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.