Germany Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and Benefits in 2024

Germany is considered one of Europe’s most important countries for “business tourism”. Its main cities have large offices that are home to thousands of companies.

This makes it an ideal destination for digital nomads who want to further their professional careers. That’s why I can’t pass up the opportunity to tell you about the German digital nomad visa for freelancers and self-employed people.

Read on to find out all about it!

Before we start, here’s a brief summary of the most important aspects of the visa:

• You need to apply for two visas to be able to work as a freelancer in Germany: the entry visa, and the residence permit.
• You need to take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses during your stay in the country.
• The visa allows freelancers to live and work in the country with both domestic and international clients.
• The processing of the Germany digital nomad visa is in the hands of the German Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde).

How does the Germany digital nomad visa work?

The digital nomad visa is called the Freiberufler Visa, which translates as freelancer visa, and is issued by the German Immigration Office, or Ausländerbehörde.

This visa serves as a residence permit and allows self-employed persons to live and work in Germany legally. Specifically, this visa is divided into two categories.

German entry visa for freelancers

On the one hand, there is the entry visa for freelancers, also known as the national visa, or D visa.

This can be applied for at the German embassy or consulate nearest to you and is only valid for a few months. However, it is essential for entering Germany and for the authorities to know that you intend to work as a freelancer in the country.

Residence permit for self-employed persons

On the other hand, there is the residence permit for self-employed persons. This permit allows you to stay in Germany on a long-term basis, and is applied for at the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) once you are already in the country.

In addition, you should know that part of its essential requirements is the contracting of travel insurance.

Taking out travel insurance is a must for the German digital nomad visa to be granted, and you must take this into account from the outset.

In terms of the duration, the visa allows you to live and work in Germany for up to 3 years, as well as to travel freely within the Schengen area. In addition, you can work as a freelancer for both international and German companies.

✅ Pros of the digital nomad visa for Germany

• The duration of the visa is up to 3 years.
• You can take your partner and children with you as long as the visa is valid.
• Germany is one of the most digitised countries in the world and has plenty of companies that will allow you to develop professionally.
• There is a great working environment, and it will be easy for you to expand your professional network.
• You can provide your services to both domestic and international clients.

❌ Cons of the digital nomad visa for Germany

• The delivery of the visa takes between 4 and 6 months.
• There are fees to be paid for the entry visa and for the residence permit.
• You have to prove a minimum income as a self-employed person in order to be approved for the visa.

Germany digital nomad visa application

As I have already mentioned, the digital nomad visa for Germany is divided into two types of permits and, therefore, there are two different ways to apply for it.

Don’t worry, here is a step-by-step guide for each of them.

Applying for a visa to enter Germany

1. Go to a German embassy or consulate in your home country and make an appointment.
2. Present all the necessary documents for the application. These will be described in more detail below.
3. Submit the application form and all supporting documents during the scheduled appointment.
4. Pay the visa fees. In some cases, payment will be made online, and in others, by bank transfer.
5. Wait for acceptance of the application.

Application for a residence permit for Germany

1. Make an appointment at the German Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde). Remember that all these steps must be completed once you are already in the country and after registering with the German tax registration office.
2. Send all necessary documents, including letters from potential clients, your tax identification number, and the residence registration certificate.
3. Go to the office for an interview.
4. Wait for the processing of the residence permit.

Once the residence permit has been issued, you will be able to live and work in Germany as a digital nomad.

Delivery time of the visa

The delivery time for the Germany digital nomad visa is between 4 and 6 months, including the visa for the applicant’s accompanying persons.

This is because, for this visa, approval from other government agencies such as the Federal Employment Agency, or Bundesagentur für Arbeit, is also required.

However, you should be aware that a file number is provided during the application process, through which you can follow the status of your visa.

Requirements for the Germany digital nomad visa application

The requirements for being approved for the digital nomad visa for Germany are crucial.

Below, I have prepared a list for you, so take note! Also, remember to have all documents ready before you start your application.

• Have a valid passport.
• Correctly fill in the application form, known as the Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels.
• Prove that you have an income of at least €9,000 per year.
• Have at least two letters from clients indicating their intention to hire you for services.
• Submit your curriculum vitae.
• Take out health insurance to cover medical expenses during your stay in the country.
• Have a tenancy confirmation for your accommodation in Germany.
• Obtain proof of a retirement plan or pension entitlement, if you are over 45 years of age.
• You may need to prove a basic command of the German language.

What activities are permitted and prohibited?

Through this visa, Germany allows digital nomads to work as freelancers in the country, either for international or domestic clients, as long as the person meets the following requirements:

• Demonstrate that the work is in the economic interest of the country.
• Have clients, in advance, interested in working with you.
• Have a completely legal residence in Germany.

These are the only aspects to be taken into account in relation to the activities permitted to be carried out in the country.

What nationalities are permitted and prohibited?

The German digital nomad visa is designed for all freelancers who are not citizens of the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

Don’t forget that citizens of these countries already have the possibility to live and work freely in Germany.

Therefore, this type of visa has been completely designed for all those who do not have EU status, and gives them the opportunity to develop their professional careers in the country.

Can you apply for the digital nomad visa if you are in Germany?

As mentioned above, the Germany digital nomad visa is applied for in two parts. The first part is the entry visa, and this cannot be applied for in the country itself. You need to go to the German embassy in your home country.

However, the residence permit is processed once you are in Germany at the German Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Is it possible to bring a partner or children with you on a nomad visa to Germany?

The Germany digital nomad visa for self-employed persons and freelancers allows you to bring a partner or children with you to live in the country for the duration of your visa.

In addition, you should know that the applicant’s spouse is not exempt from one of the usual requirements for this visa: a basic command of the German language.