How to Apply for a German Freelance Visa in Berlin

By 
Chris Lim
Last updated: 
18 November 2020
TL;DR - THE SHORT VERSION
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Vinny
Vinny
5 years ago

Well-written article mate! Synthesizes a lot of information, deals with a lot of misconceptions and has a nice "human-touch. Keep this up!

IHOR
IHOR
4 years ago

Dude. Hands down the most detailed guide I've seen so far. Thank you for putting this together! I've been researching this subject for more then a week now. I am a freelance concept artist and illustrator based Ukraine working in the video game industry. Looking forward to move to Berlin and settle in. Your article pretty much sums the shit I'm about to get into. Starting point is still unclear for me though, was wandering if you could, perhaps clarify that.

I'm A resident of Ukraine, and with Ukrainian passport you are permitted to enter Germany visa-free and remain there for a period of 90 days within 6 months. Ukraine is not in the EU though, what are the chances that they will turn me around when I show up with all my junk at Ausländerbehörde with just a fly in passport stamp? If it sounds legit, and during those 90 days I book an appointment for the date that's beyond those allowed 90 days - does that extends a permits to stay in the country?

Hell a confusing this stuff is, but thanks for spreading so much light for me and other seekers. You have a heart of gold.

IHOR
IHOR
4 years ago

Thank you for the answer, Chris! Really appreciate it!

Kate Saenz
Kate Saenz
4 years ago

Hi! If I get the German freelancer visa, is it possible for me to travel to Spain and live there for a period of time while my Visa is still valid? Also can I get contracts from employers from countries different than Germany?

magda
magda
4 years ago

This is fantastic Chris! Thank you for posting such helpful information.

You mentioned " I also know plenty of people from elsewhere who have successfully received their freelance visa without any problems" . Are these people from other asian or middle eastern countries that require applying for a visa before traveling to the schengen zone? (although these visas are usually granted for a 2 year period or more, giving us somewhat of the same rights as you over the period of 2 years)

I'm curious if you had any information or links regarding that siuation.

Thanks again for sharing 🙂

Nadine
Nadine
4 years ago

If I'm in the Netherlands as a non-EU with a valid residence permit, can I also skip steps 2 to 4, or do I need to move to Berlin 3 months before my current permit expires to find housing and apply for a freelance visa there? Thanks!

Amanda
Amanda
4 years ago

Thanks for this! Question...how did you go about obtaining the letters of intent? I'm thinking of applying for the language learning visa because it could take some time to get the letters. I don't mind taking 18 hours of German a week while I sort out work.

Amanda
Amanda
4 years ago
Reply to  Chris Lim

Thanks Chris! I haven't built out my network there to ask anyone yet.

Lin
Lin
4 years ago

Hey Chris,

thank you so much for your post about the visa process. Shitty german bureaucracy. I am german and my boyfriend wants to apply for the visa ( he’s on his
WHV, now).
Do you think it might be a bonus if he tells the person that he is also in a relationship with a german girl? I also can accompany him to the office. But yeah, we are not sure about the fact. Thanks for you answer& have a super day!

R. Black
R. Black
3 years ago

Thanks so much for this comprehensive guide. I'm in Berlin. My strategy to obtain a residence permit fell apart, and even though I paid someone to help me, I'm so confused about where to focus now. Reading this article is comforting even though I don't have a clue when my rescheduled appointment at the Ausländerbehörde will be!

Gideon
Gideon
3 years ago

Dear Chris,
your blog here has given me so much hope and you effort is much appreciated although it seems that I have run into a wall regarding my application..... There seems to be different rules according to from which country one is from. I'm from South Africa and can only enter on a Schengen holiday visa but it is important to note that it is not possible to apply for this Freiberufler visa while in Germany on this Schengen holiday visa. The only possibility for myself would've been to apply here in SA for the "job-seeking" visa prior to entering Germany. The catch-22 here is that this "job-seeking" visa is only granted if one has a University-degree. So i'm in the situation where I do fullfil every single requirement for the Freiberufler visa but can still not get it since I am not able to enter Germany on anything else than my normal Schengen visa-holiday. If I held a different passport of one of the "German-friendly-countries" (Japan, Australia, USA etc etc) it would've been possible though. My catch 22-situation does not really make sense since I would actually qualify for the Freiberufler visa if I was able to apply. I've written to the office in Berlin and to few other online on advice on how to go forward but has had no positive outcome yet. If you might have any advice/suggestions for me it would be very much appreciated. I think it would also make sense to update your blog with this info since I nearly flew to Germany on my holiday-visa after reading mainly your blog. Your effort in sharing all your info is well much appreciated although in my case it would've been disastrous if I didn't do more homework on this.

Bob
Bob
3 years ago

How much money do the authorities want you to be making per month and must all of that money come from the job alone, or from sponsors? Last I checked a few years ago it was about 700EUR, but I can't confirm that via the website anymore. Do you remember?

Elina
Elina
3 years ago

Thank you very much for such a detailed description of your experience! The only thing that remained unclear to me when applying for a visa is it necessary to be in Berlin? or can it be done while in Moscow, as in my case?

sanjay
sanjay
3 years ago

Adequate pension plan (only if you have already completed the 45th year of life)
Perspectively, at the age of 67, you must have the following:

  • an asset amount of 187,682.00 euros.

Does these assets have to be in Germany or can be in home country? If so any document required to prove the assets are in home country?

Emilie
Emilie
3 years ago

Hi Chris,
I am an Australian currently on a working holiday visa (6 months remaining). I would like to switch from full-time employment to freelancing.
I have my apartment, an anmeldung, my tax ID, german and international health insurance and freelance jobs offers.
Do you know whether I can freelance on the WHV, or I need to change my visa to a freelancing visa?
Thanks!
Emily

Alexis
Alexis
3 years ago

Hi Chris , thank you for bringing new opportunities for everybody on this process for visas. I would ask a clarification on applying. I am from Peru which has a Schengen visa. I have 2 questions for staying at Germany either working or studying the language mainly in Berlin o Munich.

For instance if I go with a job seeker visa and if I don't find a job . Is it possible that I can apply for the freelance visa without returning home country to work or apply for a language visa or volunteering visa.
The other situation if while being active with one visa and if I get an offer. Is it possible I can change the visa for a working visa?

Thank for in advance for the recommendation 🙂

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