German Own Business/Freelancer Visa

The German Self-Employment Residence Permit (Section 21 Residence Act) enables third-country nationals to live and work in Germany either by setting up a business (Gewerbe) or by working as a freelancer (Freiberufler). The applicable requirements differ slightly for each route but share common foundations: a viable plan, secure financing, and compliance with German public-interest and economic criteria.

Setting Up a Business (Self-Employment)

To obtain a residence permit for self-employment as a business founder, you must demonstrate that:

Economic interest or regional demand exists: Your product or service addresses a proven need in the locality or sector.

Positive economic impact is foreseeable: The venture is expected to contribute to Germany’s economy (e.g., innovation, jobs, value creation, regional development).

Financing is secured: You can fund the start-up with own capital and/or a binding loan commitment. There is no fixed statutory minimum investment, but the budget must be realistic for the model and region.

Pension provision for applicants 45+: If you are 45 or older, you must provide proof of adequate old-age pension.

Assessment may involve local and regional stakeholders (for example, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce – IHK), who review viability, market demand, and sustainability of the plan.

Freelance Work (Liberal Professions)

If you will work in a liberal profession (e.g., IT consulting, design, law, tax advice, medicine, academia, arts—subject to professional rules), the residence permit for freelance activity requires that:

Project financing is secured: You can fund your freelance activity and cover living costs.

Licences/authorisations are obtained where required: Regulated professions must hold permission to practise in Germany.

Pension provision for applicants 45+: Proof of adequate old-age pension is required if you are 45 or older.

Language, Qualification and Public-Interest Considerations

There is no general statutory language requirement for Section 21; however, credible execution of the business or freelance concept (including customer acquisition and regulatory compliance) often presupposes practical German or English ability, sector knowledge, and any professional recognition applicable to regulated fields.

Duration and Path to Settlement

Residence permits for self-employment and freelance work are typically issued for up to three years initially. If the venture is successful and you can sustainably cover your living costs (and those of your family), the permit can be extended. After five years of lawful residence, you may qualify for a settlement permit (permanent residence), provided statutory conditions are met.

What This Permit Allows

The permit authorises you to reside and engage in self-employment in Germany in line with the approved business or freelance scope. Material changes (e.g., pivoting to a different activity or legal form) generally require prior approval from the foreigners’ authority.

Last updated: 17/09/2025

The documentation depends on whether you are applying to establish a business (self-employment) or to work as a freelancer. Certain requirements are common to both categories, while others are specific.

Shared Requirements

• Completed application form: Long-stay national visa (Type D) application.
• Valid passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 12 months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
• Biometric passport photographs: Two recent photos meeting ICAO standards.
• Proof of health insurance: Valid coverage for the full period of stay in Germany.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing education, professional experience, and entrepreneurial background.
• Academic or vocational qualification certificates: Diplomas, degrees, or training certificates relevant to the planned activity.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany: Rental agreement, property ownership, or host confirmation of residence.
• Proof of adequate pension provision: Mandatory if the applicant is 45 years or older.

Specific Requirements for Own Business (Self-Employment)

• Business plan: A comprehensive plan outlining the business model, market analysis, financing, projected turnover, and anticipated economic benefit to Germany.
• Proof of financing: Evidence of own capital (bank statements) or a binding loan commitment sufficient to fund the proposed business.
• References and entrepreneurial experience: Documentation of prior business activities, contracts, or references that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to run a business.
• Confirmation of regional demand or economic interest: Where available, letters of intent or endorsements from potential clients, partners, or industry bodies.

Specific Requirements for Freelancers

• Freelance project description: A clear outline of the type of services to be offered, client base, and professional focus.
• Letters of intent or contracts from German clients: Recommended evidence that there is demand for your services in Germany.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Documentation showing you can support yourself while establishing freelance work (bank statements or other assets).
• Professional licences or authorisations: Where required by law (e.g., medicine, law, tax advice, engineering, architecture, journalism, arts).
• Portfolio or references: For creative and liberal professions, a portfolio of work or references from clients/employers.

All foreign-issued documents must generally be accompanied by certified German translations and, where required, legalisation or apostille. The embassy or foreigners’ authority may request additional documents depending on the nature of the application.

The time it takes to process a self-employment/freelance visa in Germany can vary significantly based on location, completeness of documents, and whether additional approvals (e.g. professional licenses, Chamber of Commerce) are required.

• Standard processing abroad (at a German embassy or consulate): Typically around 8-12 weeks for a self-employment visa.
• Freelance visa via Aufenthaltsbehörde/Ausländerbehörde in Germany: Usually takes 6-10 weeks provided documentation is complete and requirements are straightforward.
• Extended cases: Processing may extend to 3 months or more if the business plan or project requires multiple evaluations, or if professional recognition/licensing is needed.

To minimise delays, ensure your business plan is detailed, all required documents are translated and certified, licences or permits (if needed) are secured in advance, and consular appointments are booked early.

The following fees reflect current official guidance for self-employment and freelance residence routes. Fees are non-refundable and may be collected in local currency at the consular exchange rate.

• National Visa (Type D) – Adults: €75.
• National Visa (Type D) – Minors under 18: €37.50.
• Residence Permit (self-employment/freelance) – Initial issue: up to €100.
• Residence Permit – Extension/Renewal: up to €100 (amount set by the local foreigners’ authority).
• Settlement Permit (after 5 years, if eligible): up to €147.

Additional costs can include certified translations/legalisation of documents, biometric photos, and health insurance. Depending on the activity and location, further administrative charges may apply (e.g., local registrations or professional licences).

The application process involves both preparation in your home country and formalities after arrival in Germany. Certain steps are common to both own business and freelance applicants, while others differ.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Determine whether you are applying as a self-employed business founder (Gewerbe) or as a freelancer (Freiberufler). Review the statutory requirements under Section 21 Residence Act, including financing, economic benefit, and pension provision if over 45.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Shared: Passport, application form, photos, health insurance, proof of accommodation, CV, and qualifications.

Own Business: Prepare a detailed business plan, evidence of financing, and any supporting references or proof of regional demand.

Freelance: Prepare project outlines, letters of intent or contracts from German clients, portfolio or references, and proof of professional licences where required.

Step 3: Submit Visa Application Abroad

File your application at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Pay the €75 fee and provide biometrics. Applications for own business may be referred to local Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for assessment.

Step 4: Await Decision

Processing usually takes 8–12 weeks. Complex cases, or those requiring external evaluations, may take longer. Applicants should be prepared for requests for clarification or additional documents.

Step 5: Enter Germany

Once approved, you will receive a national visa valid for three months. Use this time to travel and register your residence in Germany.

Step 6: Register Residence

Within two weeks of arrival, register your address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt (residents’ registration office). This registration is mandatory for all residents.

Step 7: Apply for Residence Permit

Book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ authority) to convert your visa into a residence permit under Section 21 Residence Act. Provide all supporting documents and pay the fee (up to €100).

Step 8: Conduct Business or Freelance Activity

Own Business: Register your company with the local Gewerbeamt (trade office). Depending on the sector, additional registrations with tax authorities or industry chambers may be required.

Freelance: Register your activity with the local tax office (Finanzamt) to receive a tax number for invoicing clients. Regulated professions must also comply with licensing requirements.

Step 9: Path to Extension and Settlement

The residence permit is initially granted for up to three years. If the business or freelance activity proves sustainable and you can support yourself and your family, you may extend the permit. After five years, you may apply for a settlement permit (permanent residence).