Germany Self-Employed Freelancers Visa such as artists, painters, musicians or writers in other liberal professions may apply for a residence permit for freelance work. This visa/ residence permit category requires you to have the means or the income to fund your project and to support yourself.
➤ Complete the online application form, print the form including the barcodes twice and sign both copies (application forms are required for each applicant separately; all children require separate forms).
➤ Compile your supporting documentation
➤ 2 printouts of the online application form including barcodes
➤ Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the validity of the visa applied for. The passport needs to have at least 2 subsequent blank pages. Plus: 2 photocopies of the passport biodata page
➤ Current residence permit (BRP)/ visa (foreign residents only). Plus: 2 photocopies of the permit/ visa
➤ 2 fully biometric passport photos, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted. Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background.
➤ Detailed business plan outlining the project/ business idea and the projected revenue (if any) for the first year - in 2 copies
➤ Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in case no sufficient revenue can be generated.
➤ Confirmation of health insurance cover commensurate with the level of statutory German public health insurance (“gesetzliche Krankenversicherung”) - in 2 copies.
➤ Professional curriculum vitae – in 2 copies.
➤ Prepaid, self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery return envelope (up to 500g) in order to return your passport after processing.
➤ Processing time: For some visa categories, we will require approval by other German government agencies, such as the Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit”) or the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”). If you have previously lived in Germany this will add to processing times, as the immigration office may need to look into your previous immigration record. Once a decision on your application has been taken, we will contact you.
➤ In this visa category, based on previous experience most applications will usually be processed within 4 to 6 months. This also applies to accompanying family members.
➤ Please apply directly with the German Mission having jurisdiction for your place of residence.
➤ If your application is successful, you will be issued a limited validity entry visa - similar to entry clearance. Once you have arrived in Germany please register your new residence with the local authorities (“Meldebehörde”) within 2 weeks of having moved in and apply for your Electronic Residence Permit with your local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”).