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Letter of Intent for visa
How to write a letter of intent for your self-employment visa.
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About this Page
what a Letter of Intent is
which visas require a Letter of Intent
whether a letter of intent is binding
what a letter of intent should look like
Table of Contents
1. Letter of Intent for visa
2. Meaning of Letter of Intent
3. Binding Letter of Intent
4. Formulation/sample letter of intent
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
1. Letter of Intent for visa
Anyone wishing to apply for a self-employment or freelance visa ( Section 21 of the Residence Act ) in Germany will hardly be able to avoid the so-called Letter of Intent. This declaration of intent is an important document with which potential clients signal their interest in working together . It demonstrates to the immigration authorities that the applicant has a realistic chance of establishing a business in Germany and that the business model is viable.
A letter of intent is not a binding contract in the civil law sense, but rather a signal of initiating business . Especially for visas that depend on future orders, this document is often crucial to the authority's decision. Therefore, it should be carefully prepared, clearly worded, and, if possible, issued by a German company.
2. Meaning of Letter of Intent
The importance of the Letter of Intent lies primarily in providing planning security . It proves that there is concrete interest in the applicant's services or products. It thus fulfills two central requirements in the visa process: securing a livelihood ( Section 5 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act ) and demonstrating that there is a need for the services offered.
Especially in Berlin and other major cities, authorities require at least two such letters from German clients. International clients can also be helpful. The more convincing letters of intent submitted, the greater the chances of obtaining a longer-term visa. It should be noted that one or more letters of intent do not guarantee the issuance of a visa according to Section 21 of the Residence Act. The letter of intent is merely an indication of the viability of the business idea. The final proof is the business analysis (BWA).
3. Binding Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is generally not legally binding. It is merely an invitation to conclude a contract (so-called " invitatio ad offerendum "), but not yet a binding contract within the meaning of Sections 133 and 157 of the German Civil Code (BGB) . The letter of intent therefore does not oblige the signing individual or company to actually commission the applicant. Rather, it is a formal expression of interest that provides an outlook on a possible collaboration.
Despite the lack of legal binding force, the practical impact is significant. For the immigration authorities, these letters are an indication that the applicant is financially viable . Therefore, the document should be professionally drafted and clearly state key points such as the type of activity, duration, remuneration, and contact information. While the company may withdraw the letter of intent after the visa has been granted, in practice, a letter of intent indicates at least a basic interest in the foreigner's services (economic viability).
4. Formulation/sample letter of intent
Many foreigners have difficulty actually drafting the letter of intent. First of all, it should be noted that there are no formal requirements . In principle, the letter of intent can be worded however one wishes, as long as certain standards of seriousness are met.
A possible formulation or template for a letter of intent within the meaning of Section 21 of the Residence Act could be as follows:
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
We, [company name and address], hereby express our interest in employing you as a freelancer as soon as you have been granted permission to do so by the authorities. We plan to invest an amount of [project price] in your services as part of the collaboration.
If you have any further inquiries, we will be happy to address them."
Best regards
[Name]
[Place, date]
The above template can be adapted as desired. However, care should be taken to ensure that the letter is serious and the information is accurate.
5. FAQ Letter of Intent Visa Self-employment
What content should a letter of intent contain?
A letter of intent should include the name and address of the client, a description of the planned activity, the approximate time period, the expected remuneration and contact details.
In which language should the letter of intent be written?
Preferably in German. Some immigration authorities also accept English letters, as this is almost unavoidable with international clients.
Can a foreign customer also issue a letter of intent?
Yes, international clients are helpful. However, you should focus on the German market, as the self-employment visa must have a positive impact on Germany as a business location, according to Section 21 of the Residence Act.
6. Conclusion Letter of Intent Visa Self-employment
The Letter of Intent is a key document in the visa process for self-employed individuals and freelancers. It demonstrates not only economic viability but also regional demand. Although it is legally non-binding, it has significant practical value in the application process. Those who collect compelling letters of intent from German or international companies early on and prepare them professionally significantly increase their chances of obtaining a long-term visa. Therefore, the more letters and the higher the quality, the stronger their visa application.
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