What is a freelancer visa for Germany?

Freelancer visa, known as Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit allows anyone to be self employed in Germany (termed as Freelancer). One must clearly understand how freelancing and its taxed works in Germany. Depending on the profession, you might have to verify your qualifications before launching your freelance business. You might have to register at the tax office “Finanzamt” to get your Tax ID for freelancing.

Duration of freelancer visa

Typically, you can get the visa for first 3 months and after you arrive, you can extend the visa based on the success in the first 3 months. If you could prove that you are generating sufficient funds to manage your expenses, you might get a 3 year extension. After that, you can apply to get a settlement permit.

Documents required for German freelancer visa

• Passport
• 2 biometric photographs
• Visa application form
• Payment of visa fee
• Travel insurance
• Cover letter
• CV
• Certificates of education
• Portfolio (proof of previous works)
• Professional authorization in special cases if you need to show the evidence of your qualification
• Means of subsistence
• Commitment letters from future employers (min 2)
• Evidence of freelance plan

There is a difference between applying for a residence permit for self employment or for freelancer. The official Berlin website gives information about all necessary documents needed for these type of residence permits.

Self employment: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/305249/en/

Freelancer: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/328332/en/

Check out some of the freelance professions (Freiberufler) here: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/estg/__18.html

https://www.hk24.de/produktmarken/beratung-service/recht_und_steuern/steuerrecht/real_kommunale_steuern/abgrenzung-gewerbebetrieb-freie-berufe/1157144#titleInText8

After coming to Germany, one must register officially, called Anmeldung. This has to be done within 2 weeks and with the house contract. Then, open a bank account for freelance purposes, followed by registering at the Finanzamt for getting tax number (Steuernummer). Another most important thing is to get a health insurance. Within first 3 months, you have to apply for the residence permit at Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) to then start your activities.

Tips and tricks

• Getting an appointment in Foreign Office (Ausländerbehörde) is pretty important. You must have to book the appointment well in advance as the slots are always booked soon.
• Sometimes, you can also go early in the morning to the office in order to get an appointment
• Also, it is pretty difficult to get an appointment for Anmeldung –  Apartment registration, so book early or try to go early in the morning to the office. You might get an appointment on the same day or in next few days.
• You might face difficulties in communicating in German with the officials for any appointment. In such cases, you can always book a Buddy in our platform and find someone who can accompany with you to the offices and be an interpreter.

What is MyHelpBuddy?

MyHelpBuddy is a platform where any international student or expat can ask for help and find people who are ready to support. For example, if you need help in German Bureaucracy, translation, interpreter to accompany you to registration, foreign office, etc, you can post your request and get connected with Buddies.

If you are someone who is living in Germany and would like to become a Buddy and offer support to newbies, you can REGISTER AS A BUDDY and post your offer.