Germany is offering freelance visa for less than Rs 10,000; All you need to know and how to apply

Germany offers an opportunity to foreign nationals to work as freelancers and set up their own business in the country. In Germany, entrepreneurs can establish their businesses as freelancers (Freiberufler) or self-employed entrepreneurs (Gewerbe).

Germany’s government website states that freelancer visas cost €80, while self-employed entrepreneurs’ visas cost €90, which is less than Rs 10,000 in Indian currency.

When you apply for a visa, a residence permit, a settlement permit or an extension of these documents, you generally have to pay a fee.

The fee depends on your location, the duration and the purpose of your stay. A residence permit will cost you a maximum of €100, while a settlement permit will cost €147 at most.

Germany Freelance Visa

If you would like to embark on a freelance career as a Freiberufler, you will have to apply for a ‘residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment’ at the competent authority.

You will be granted a permit if you can prove that you will be able to finance your undertaking, make a living for yourself, and have the permission to practise in your profession. If you are older than 45 years of age, you also require adequate pension provisions.

The Freelance category may have specific regulations for professions like artists, journalists, engineers and interpreters, nursing, professional drivers, and language teachers etc.

Germany Self-employed Visa

If you want to set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur, it is called Gewerbe.

If your business idea is successful and you are able to make a living for yourself and your family as a result of your business, you can have your residence permit extended, which is initially limited to a maximum of three years.

After five years, you can obtain a settlement permit, which will allow you to settle down in Germany for an unlimited period.

According to Section 21 of the German Residence Act, a foreigner may be granted a visa for self-employment if an economic interest or a regional need applies and the activity is expected to have positive effects on the economy. Foreigners have to bring their capital or a loan undertaking to realise the business idea.

How to Apply

The documents needed for a Freelance Visa application depend on the specific case. Some documents include a completed application form, passport, business plan, proof of health insurance, among others. To ensure adequate pension provisions and a full list of documents, it is better to contact your German mission in your country before applying for a visa.