Germany Digital Nomad Visa
Want to work remotely but experience the world leading infrastructure, security and be at the heart of Europe? Your next home base could be in Germany.
Germany Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to settle in one of the highest-level economies of the world with access to a legal residence and work. It is a mix of opportunity, culture, and access to all of the Schengen area.
Although there is no official digital nomad visa for Germany, the remote workers are allowed to apply via the Freiberufler Visa, which is a visa that is meant to serve the self-employed and freelancers. This is one of the most attractive legal frameworks of digital nomads in Europe.
Why Germany?
Here is why Germany is one of the prominent EU digital nomad visas:
- Good Infrastructure: High-speed internet connectivity, well-served transport, and health care.
- Quality of Life: Germany ranks in the top category when it comes to safety, education, and work-life balance.
- Nomad Cities: Berlin and Munich are, of course, popular, but cities such as Leipzig or Dresden are of an excellent quality for considerably cheaper prices.
- Global Tech Hub: A perfect place for creators, programmers, designers, and advertising experts.
Advantages of the Germany Digital Nomad Visa
The German remote work visa program is sustainable, properly organized and hospitable to highly qualified talents all around the globe.
- Work and live legally in Germany whilst servicing international clients.
- You can travel to 26 countries in the EU without extra visas.
- Have access to the best types of government services, such as healthcare and education.
- Opportunity to invite dependents on a family reunification basis.
Requirements to Apply For a Freiberufler Visa
Requirements to Apply For a Freiberufler Visa
- Be a non-EU national.
- Freelancing or self-employment, providing B2B services.
- At least two of your clients or contracts with German companies.
- Demonstrate sufficient income, preferably more than 3000 euros/month before taxes.
- Present evidence of accommodation in Germany.
- Provide the local authorities with your address (Anmeldung).
- Possess genuine health insurance that is German-compliant.
- Submit a resume or portfolio displaying work experience in your area.
- Possess a university degree or an outstanding professional experience.
Income Requirements
You must demonstrate that you can afford to live independently and do not have to rely on the German state. Although the minimum possible income is not established, the majority of successful applicants reach these levels:
- Salary range: 3000 to 3500+ / month.
- Bank savings: 5,000 euros to 10,000 euros to create a safety margin.
- Expected annual income: €30,000 to €36,000+, depending on your field of work.
Visa Duration
The validity of the Germany Digital Nomad Visa (Freelance Visa) can be either 1 year or 3 years. Its length is determined by how long your contract is, as well as your personal profile. Once the initial period is over, you may then request to extend the visa if your freelance work is working out.
Is It Renewable?
Yes. Your visa can be extended easily given you are able to stay sustainably, maintain valid contracts and pay taxes in Germany. Renewals are usually issued on 3 years terms at a time. During renewal the local immigration office (Auslanderbehorde) will review your updated contracts, income and insurance status.
How Can You Get Residency and Citizenship?
The first thing that is strongest about the Germany Digital Nomad Visa is the clear way to receive long-term residency and even citizenship:
- On successful completion of 3 years of freelancing and contribution to local economy you can apply to become a permanent resident (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
- You are allowed to be a German citizen after 8 years. This can be cut short to 6 years upon satisfying language and integration criteria.
Application Process Step-by-Step
Pre-Arrival Preparation
- Prepare your paperwork, this includes a passport, a CV, and a portfolio, letters of reference, and evidence of income, client contracts.
- Write a freelance business plan.
- Organize German health insurance (public or private).
- Stay at a booked place in Germany to register the address.
Enter Germany
Get a Freelance Entry Visa at your local German embassy, in case there is a need. When granted, you should travel to Germany and register for a residence permit (Anmeldung) within 14 days of entering the country.
Get Established in Germany
Open an account in a German bank. Take out public liability insurance, depending on your type of freelance. To acquire a tax number (Steuernummer) you must register with the Tax Office. Moreover, complete your entire file of residence permit in the regional immigration bureau.
Interview & Approval
Visit a face-to-face meeting with Auslanderbehoerde. Present copies of originals. After that, pay the processing fee of a visa (approximately 100 euros). In total, the process can consume approximately 6 to 12 weeks between arrival and approval. Upon acceptance, your residence card allows you to work and freelance legally in Germany.
Why Work With Us?
At VIP Nomads we can help remote professionals relocate effortlessly. Our assistance starts with document preparation to walking you through the visa interviewing process and registering taxes with the government, which is done in extreme detail.
Our worldwide professionals understand precisely how to assist you in producing a strong application and preventing the pricey failures.