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Glossary: Freelancer visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as a temporary visa or temporary residence permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1, no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a binding template for a freelance visa in the form of a so-called " electronic residence permit (eAT) " as defined in Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (applicable when issued domestically by the immigration authorities). The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the freelance visa can also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") by the immigration authorities and affixed to the passport , in accordance with Section 78a of the German Residence Act. Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permits pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
If the freelance visa is not issued as an electronic residence permit by the immigration authorities in Germany, but rather as a visa by German diplomatic missions abroad, the template for the freelance visa is governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) . The visa stamp is shown in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
For a freelance visa , the scope of the self-employed freelance activity must be specified in the "Remarks" field (or on the supplementary sheet ) (e.g., "Self-employment permitted as/at/for…"). In addition, the following supplementary provision is often included: "Employment permitted only with the permission of the immigration authorities. Expires upon termination of self-employment as…". Generally, the business field should be described as precisely as possible in the supplementary provision .
The freelance visa is issued with the additional provision "In case of an application for benefits under SGB II/XII, the benefit provider must notify the LEA (State Office for Migration and Refugees) in accordance with Section 87 of the Residence Act" as well as the resolutory condition "Expires upon cessation of valid health insurance coverage " and "Expires upon receipt of benefits under SGB II or SGB XII or AsylbLG (Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act)." Under "Remarks," the substantive validity period of the visa must also be entered if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport ("Title substantively valid until …")).
Table of contents
1. What does a freelancer visa look like (image)?
2. Definition of Freelancer Visa
3. Who needs a visa for freelance work?
4. Example: Freelancer visa/self-employed visa
5. Important information about the freelancer visa
5.1 Duration of Freelancer Visa
5.2 Extension of Freelancer Visa/Self-Employed Person's Visa
5.3 Costs of a freelance visa
5.4 Processing time for freelancer visa/self-employed visa
5.5 Competent authority for freelancer visa/self-employed visa
6. Rights and opportunities Freelancer visa/Self-employed visa
6.1 Work permit with the freelancer visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with the freelancer visa/self-employed visa
6.3 Family reunification with the freelancer visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with the freelancer visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons Freelancer visa/Self-employed visa
7. Requirements for a freelancer visa
8. Required documents for freelancer visa
9. Apply for a freelancer visa online
10. Advantages of a freelancer visa
11. Consolidation of residence with a freelancer visa/self-employed visa
11.1 Path from freelancer visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from freelancer visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps Freelancer visa
12. Legal basis for freelancer visa/self-employed visa
13. Important laws regarding freelancer visas
14. Important rulings on the freelancer visa/self-employed visa
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Freelancer Visa
16. Further information
16.1 Freelancer visa/freelancer visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the freelancer visa/self-employed visa
16.4 Glossary entries for the freelancer visa/self-employed visa
16.5 Sources and references for the freelancer visa
Definition of freelance visa
The freelancer visa ( Section 21 Paragraph 5 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) ) (also: visa for freelancers; legally correct: residence permit for the exercise of freelance activities; English: Freelancer Visa/Visa for Freelancing/Residence Title for Freelance-Activities) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing self-employed freelance work (Section 4 of the German Residence Act) in Germany. In a narrower sense, the term "visa for freelancers" only covers the D visa for the exercise of freelance work ( Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 1 of the German Residence Act ), but not the residence permit for the exercise of freelance work (Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 2 of the German Residence Act). In a broader sense, the term visa for freelancers encompasses all residence permits for independent freelance work purposes, i.e. both the freelancer visa (application from abroad, Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ) and the residence permit for freelancers (application from within Germany, Section 7 of the Residence Act ).
Who needs a freelance visa?
A freelance visa is required by all non-European foreigners who wish to pursue freelance (i.e., non-commercial) work in Germany ( § 21 para. 5 of the German Residence Act ). Accordingly, the freelance visa can be applied for by the following professional groups, provided they are self-employed, pursuant to § 18 of the German Income Tax Act : scientists, artists, writers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, notaries, engineers, architects, journalists, interpreters, translators, and consultants (especially economists). The line between freelancers and tradespeople is fluid and therefore often the subject of disputes with authorities. Consequently, many foreigners seek to benefit from the less stringent requirements for a freelance visa, even though they may not fully meet the criteria for a freelance profession.
Example: A Chinese yoga teacher comes to Berlin with a freelance visa to teach Chinese yoga techniques to various clients on a self-employed basis.
Important information about the freelancer visa
Duration of freelancer visa
The freelance visa in the narrower sense for initial entry pursuant to Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act ( D visa for freelancers) is usually issued for a period of 6 to 12 months (see Visa Handbook ). Residence permits for freelancers within Germany are generally limited to a period of two years ( residence permit for the purpose of freelance work). However, the duration of a freelance visa also depends significantly on how promising the self-employment venture is considered by the authorities.
Freelancer visa extension
The freelance visa can be extended (as a residence permit ) if the requirements for its issuance continue to be met. The immigration authorities may, if necessary, review whether the freelance activity is successful.
Freelancer visa costs
The fee for issuing a national visa for freelancers (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the German Residence Ordinance). If the visa for freelancers is applied for in Germany at the immigration office ( residence permit for freelancers), the fee is €100 (§ 45 no. 1 of the German Residence Ordinance). In addition, self-employed foreign nationals must pay fees for registration with the tax office and for any required accreditation by the relevant professional body (e.g., medical association or bar association ). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs may also apply, depending on the specific case.
Processing time for freelancer visa
Visas for freelancers are generally processed more quickly than humanitarian and family reunification visas upon initial issuance, as economic migration to Germany (from most countries) is encouraged. This is especially true for visa applications from freelance software developers and IT entrepreneurs . The city of Berlin, in particular, is trying to attract these freelancers to promote itself as a digital business hub. To this end, Berlin has even established a dedicated company called Berlin Partner , which, among other things, aims to expedite visa applications from digital freelancers. If a visa application for freelance IT entrepreneurs is processed through Berlin Partner , it can be completed within a few weeks. In all other cases, the processing time typically averages between three and nine months, depending on the issuing authority and the quality of the submitted documents. Factors also play a significant role, including the necessary internal approvals for the success assessment or expert opinion, and the efficiency of the relevant departments. It is also crucial whether the visa for freelancers is applied for as a residence permit at the embassy abroad or at the immigration office in Germany. After three months, an action for failure to act can be filed to expedite the application for a freelancer visa ( § 75 VwGO ).
Competent authority for freelancer visas
According to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible for issuing D visas for freelancers . If the freelance visa is to be applied for domestically ( residence permit for freelancers), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG). For internal approval within the framework of the success prognosis pursuant to Section 21 Paragraph 1 AufenthG, the so-called expert bodies are responsible; however, these differ depending on the freelance activity being practiced (e.g., the medical association for physicians or the bar association for lawyers).
Rights and opportunities for freelance visa holders
Work permit Freelancer visa
A visa for freelancers generally only authorizes the holder to engage in the specific type of work for which it is issued. In some cases, self-employment as a whole is permitted (“work permitted”). Dependent employment is generally not allowed with a visa for freelancers.
Studies , school , language course , freelance visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including a freelance visa . No separate permit is required.
Family reunification Freelancer visa
Family reunification for holders of a freelance visa is generally always possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In practice, however, a significant problem arises with family reunification for freelancers in proving their means of subsistence , as this is primarily demonstrated by tax documents (audit report and business analysis ), which can sometimes be complex to prepare or obtain.
Travel and stays abroad Freelancer visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a freelance visa , as long as the visa is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired freelance visa. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with a freelance visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ). However, the freelance visa expires even before the six-month period if the departure is for a non-temporary reason (§ 51 para. 1 no. 6 of the German Residence Act). The strongest indication of a non-temporary reason for departure is the deregistration of one's residence (so-called registration gap).
Eligible group of people: Freelancer visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who wish to pursue freelance work in Germany are eligible to obtain a visa for freelancers/self-employed professionals ( § 21 para. 5 of the German Residence Act ). A required permit to practice the freelance profession (e.g., for doctors , lawyers, or architects) must have been granted or its granting must be promised. According to § 18 of the German Income Tax Act, the following groups of people are considered freelancers within the meaning of the freelancer visa :
independent scientists
independent artists and writers
independent teachers and educators
self-employed doctors , dentists, veterinarians and alternative practitioners
independent lawyers, notaries, auditors and tax advisors
independent engineers and architects
freelance journalists , interpreters and translators
independent consulting economists and business administrators
This list of eligible groups for a freelance visa is not exhaustive, as Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) also defines "similar professional groups" as freelancers. Furthermore, many job descriptions are open to interpretation. This applies particularly to the terms "artist," "teacher," and "consulting economist." In practice, this often leads to disputes with immigration authorities and German embassies and consulates regarding the definition of freelancer.
Requirements for a freelance visa
The requirements for a freelancer visa are regulated in Section 21 Paragraph 5 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) and are largely the same as the requirements for a visa for self-employed persons (Section 21 Paragraph 1 AufenthG). A crucial difference, however, is that freelancers do not have to meet the requirements of trade law, as they are not subject to it. Furthermore, freelancers do not have to demonstrate an economic interest or regional need for their activity. Therefore, starting a self-employed business is generally much easier for freelancers than for those founding a company, which is reflected in the fact that freelancers have to submit significantly fewer documents .
The requirements for obtaining a freelance visa are as follows:
This constitutes a freelance activity within the meaning of Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG).
If required: necessary professional licenses are available (e.g. for doctors, lawyers or architects)
An expert opinion from the respective public-law professional associations is available ( § 21 para. 5 sentence 3 AufenthG ; Berlin-specific peculiarity: this requirement is not applied in most cases in Berlin (see VAB )).
If the applicant is older than 45 years: adequate old-age provision (Section 21 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act also applies to freelancers ; exceptions exist for certain nationals such as the USA and Japan )
The authority exercises its discretion favorably for the applicant (visa for self-employed persons is a discretionary decision).
The immigration authority approves the issuance of the visa (§ 31 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 a) AufenthV)
Income from self-employment is sufficient to secure one's livelihood ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1 AufenthG )
Full health insurance (“substitutive” health insurance according to § 2 para. 3 of the Residence Act )
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
For initial applications for a residence permit within Germany: Legal first entry with a visa in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (unless a national of a "Best Friends" country , Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance )
The fulfillment of the requirements is proven by the respective documents. How strictly the requirements are interpreted by the authorities depends on which authority the freelance visa application is submitted to. Further variations in the requirements may arise depending on whether the freelance visa is applied for from abroad at the embassy or domestically at the immigration office.
Required documents for a freelance visa
When compiling the documents for a freelance visa, particular attention should be paid to demonstrating that your livelihood is secured . Many freelance visa applications fail because the authorities do not believe that the freelance work will be sufficient to cover living expenses . Therefore, you should list your expected living expenses in a table and compare these costs to your projected income. This projected income must then be substantiated by letters of intent .
Generally, the following documents are required for a freelance visa :
1. VIDEX application form including instructions pursuant to Section 54 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) , completed and signed in English or German (application for the freelance visa via the international portal is usually not possible); application form for the issuance of a residence permit if the visa is applied for in the form of a residence permit.
2. Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Germany, the passport must have at least 2 blank pages and must have been issued within the previous 10 years)
4. Forecast of earnings (table with an overview of expected income) and, if applicable, proof of further sources of income (e.g., blocked account or declaration of commitment ) if the freelance activity alone is not sufficient to secure one's livelihood.
5. Proof of prospects for success: Letters of intent for cooperation; submission of at least 3 letters of intent (with details of the type and scope and description of the activity) or fee agreements.
6. Curriculum vitae (including professional career, qualifications, degrees, professional qualifications, diplomas, references/sponsors)
7. If required: Professional license (e.g., admission for lawyers or medical license)
8. Rental agreement or proof of home ownership (original) and proof of housing costs (proof of monthly rent)
9. If required: proof of adequate retirement provision from the age of 45 ( § 21 para. 3 Residence Act ); alternatively, an insurance offer from a private pension insurance company can be submitted;
10. Proof of health and accident insurance in accordance with EU standards (valid for the entire EU area; minimum coverage: €30,000 including repatriation in case of illness or death; valid from the day of entry for the entire stay)
11. Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change
Regarding the necessary documents for a freelance visa, it is essential to check the website of the relevant authority, as the required documents can vary considerably. This also applies if your profession requires special licensing (e.g., lawyers, doctors, architects).
Apply for a freelance visa online
The freelance visa cannot currently (01/2026) be applied for online via the Federal Foreign Office's international portal . To apply for the freelance visa, the VIDEX form must be completed according to the instructions on the website of the relevant German mission (embassy or consulate) and submitted at the appointment. Online applications for freelance visas can be found, for example, on the websites of the respective embassies as follows:
→ Apply for a freelance visa online from Great Britain
→ Apply for a freelance visa online from Australia
If you are already in Germany, the freelance visa can be applied for online as a residence permit at the immigration office as follows:
→ Apply online for a residence permit for freelancers in Berlin
→ Apply online for a residence permit for freelancers in the Harburg district
→ Apply online for a residence permit for freelancers in the district of Northwest Mecklenburg
Advantages of a freelance visa
Staying in Germany and multiple entries into Germany are possible.
Freelance work in Germany is possible.
Studying or taking a language course in Germany is possible with a freelance visa .
The family may be brought to Germany under certain circumstances if the freelance work is successfully carried out.
Conversion of the freelance visa into a permanent residence permit after five years is possible ( § 9 AufenthG )
Applying for naturalization is possible with a visa for self-employed persons if the self-employed activity is successful.
The path from freelance visa to permanent residence permit
A freelance visa can only be converted into a permanent residence permit after five years. While Section 21 Paragraph 4 Sentence 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) stipulates that self-employed individuals can apply for a permanent residence permit after three years, this rule, contrary to a widespread misconception, does not apply to freelancers, as it takes precedence over the regulations for freelancers within the legal framework. Therefore, freelancers must apply for a permanent residence permit according to the general rules (Sections 9 and 9a of the German Residence Act).
The path from freelance visa to naturalization
Naturalization with a freelancer visa is possible, as the residence permit for freelancers is not excluded under Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) . In practice, however, naturalization with a freelancer visa is very challenging, as proving sufficient means of subsistence is difficult. The authorities regularly require numerous documents from a tax advisor (e.g., audit report and business analysis).
Next steps for freelance visa
When applying for a freelance visa, the first crucial step is to determine whether you actually qualify as a freelancer (see Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act). Only a very limited number of professions are considered freelancers. These professions are generally characterized by a special responsibility and typically require (usually academic) qualifications . Another particularly important criterion regarding securing your livelihood is your ability to support yourself ( Section 5, Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). The authorities generally place particular emphasis on this aspect when examining freelancers. If you meet all the requirements, you must prepare your business plan and then submit the application (e.g., online or in person). Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for freelancer visa
The legal basis for a freelance visa is Section 21 Paragraph 5 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). According to Section 21 Paragraph 5 of the German Residence Act, a residence permit for the purpose of pursuing freelance work can be granted to a foreign national. In a broader sense, the legal basis for the freelance visa is Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG), which defines which professions qualify as freelance activities. If the respective freelance activity is regulated by law (e.g., by the Federal Lawyers' Act (BRAO)/Professional Code of Conduct for Lawyers (BORA) or the Federal Medical Code (BÄO)), this also forms the legal basis for the respective freelance visa.
Important laws regarding freelance visas
Important rulings on freelance visas
The decisive factor for the difference between employment and self-employment is the characteristic of personal dependence and being subject to instructions ( BSG, judgment of 29.8.2012 – B 12 KR 25/10 R ).
A negative decision despite fulfillment of the legal requirements is only possible in atypical exceptional cases, for example, if there are serious doubts about the reliability of the foreigner or about the economic viability of his business concept (cf. VGH Mannheim BeckRS 2020, 31765 Rn. 78; VG Würzburg BeckRS 2022, 36377 Rn. 44).
Frequently Asked Questions about Freelancer Visas
How difficult is it to obtain a freelancer visa in Germany?
Obtaining a freelance visa is generally much more difficult than obtaining a work visa, but easier than obtaining an entrepreneur visa (Section 21 Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). The difficulty depends heavily on the profession and references. Those who have sufficient letters of intent and can demonstrate sufficient financial resources (e.g., assets) usually have no problem obtaining a freelance visa. On the other hand, the application process is difficult if no concrete clients or financial resources are yet available.
How do I prove that I am a freelancer?
Proof of qualifications is provided through a combination of credentials (diplomas, certificates) and professional history (portfolio, CV). Ideally, a verifiable professional degree (e.g., university diploma) or relevant employment references are available. A compelling business plan is also helpful.
How do I apply for a visa to work as a freelancer in Germany?
The process begins, as with any other visa, at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence, where you apply for the national visa. The freelance visa is applied for either in person or (if you are already in Germany) online at the immigration office. The general rules for applying for residence permits or visas apply.
What qualifications are needed to become a freelancer?
The most important criteria are secured financing for the project (§ 21 para. 5 of the German Residence Act), adequate health insurance according to German standards, and – if you are over 45 – sufficient retirement provisions (§ 21 para. 4 of the German Residence Act). Furthermore, regulated professions (e.g., lawyers or architects) require the corresponding license to practice. A financial buffer of approximately €10,000 to €12,000 in your bank account is often considered the minimum for the initial phase to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (§ 5 of the German Residence Act).
Can I work abroad as a freelancer?
Generally, yes, as long as your primary residence remains in Germany (otherwise the freelancer visa expires according to § 51 of the German Residence Act). The myth that a freelancer visa can only be applied for if there are German clients has no basis in law.
Freelancer visa in other glossaries
The freelance visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the freelance visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Self-Employment, Version: 06/2024
[3] Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI), Application guidelines for the Skilled Immigration Act, as of: Legal situation from 1 June 2024, § 21
[4] BeckOK AuslR/Breidenbach, 46th ed. 1.10.2024, AufenthG § 21 Rn. 1-21
[5] BeckOK MigR/Hänsle, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 21 Rn. 1-36
[6] Bergmann/Dienelt/J. Nusser, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 21
[7] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 21 para. 1
[8] Hofmann (ed.): NK-Ausländerrecht, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 21
[9] Dippe in Huber/Mantel, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 21
[10] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act | 2nd edition 2025, 16. Residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (§ 21 AufenthG)
[11] Breidenbach in Kluth/Hornung/Koch, Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) Rn. 566-567 | 4th edition 2025, 13. Admission for self-employed persons pursuant to § 21 Residence Act
Last updated: February 20, 2026
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