Want To Work In Germany? This New Visa Lets You Stay For A Year For Just Rs 7,500

Last Updated:July 22, 2025, 19:27 IST

Under the Germany Freelance Visa, you can bring a spouse and dependent children under 21 years old with you on the visa.

Germany is offering freelancers an incredible opportunity to live and work there for a full year for just €75 (approximately Rs 7,500), whereas most other nations charge thousands. The visa permits independent labour in various professions under Section 21(5) of the Residence Act. Candidates must prove their professional credentials, sound financial stability, and current health insurance in order to succeed in Germany’s robust economy.

Germany is known for its rich history, energetic metropolitan life, and picturesque scenery, from the romantic Rhine Valley to the Bavarian castles of fairy tales. You can live and work in Germany for up to a year (or longer) with Germany’s Freelance Visa, also known as the Freiberufler Visa.

What Is The Germany Freelance Visa?

Section 21(5) of the Residence Act governs the Germany Freelance Visa. With this visa, people can work freely in Germany in a variety of fields, such as writing, engineering, architecture, scientific research, and the arts. The visa allows the bearer to reside and work in Germany for a period of one year, with the option to extend.

This low-cost visa scheme is intended for journalists, scientists, artists, and professionals in regulated industries like engineering, medicine, and law who wish to settle in one of Europe’s most prosperous countries.

Who Qualifies For The Germany Freelance Visa?

Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act states that freelancers in a variety of particular professions are eligible for the visa. This includes the following categories:

• Scientists and researchers
• Artists, musicians, and teachers
• Lawyers, notaries, and tax consultants
• Engineers and architects
• Journalists and photojournalists
• Interpreters, translators, and pilots
• Physiotherapists and medical professionals
• Economists and consultants

Your field may have extra requirements; therefore, you should check with local German authorities, such as the Aliens Authority and Chamber of Commerce, to confirm specific qualifying requirements before submitting your application.

Documents Required

Documentation that demonstrates your financial stability and professional qualifications must be carefully prepared for the application procedure.

• A passport with at least two blank pages that is still valid and was issued within 10 years of the application.
• Proof of freelance employment and qualifications, such as a university degree or other higher education credential from a state-approved academic institution.
• Proof of one year’s worth of financial resources, including a minimum monthly salary of about 1280.06 euros, or roughly Rs 1,27,844.
• An organised and comprehensive account of your intended freelance work, along with your curriculum vitae.
• The visa also requires documentation of business contacts in the relevant professional field in Germany or Europe, as well as a valid health insurance policy.
• A pension, held assets, and other retirement benefits certificates would be necessary for everyone over 45.

How Indians Can Apply For Germany’s Freelance Visa?

The German Freelance Visa application procedure usually includes obtaining a National D Visa in your home country prior to travel for non-EU/EEA nationals.

Here is detailed information on how Indians can apply for a Germany freelance visa:

Step 1: Complete and print the National D Visa application.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with the German embassy or consulate nearest to you, such as the German Missions in India.

Step 3: Get the above-mentioned paperwork ready. Verify that they adhere to the format and linguistic requirements of the embassy.

Step 4: You can apply in person at the embassy or consulate. At this stage, biometric data will also be submitted.

Step 5: The National D Visa will be valid for three to six months once it is approved.

Step 6: Within two weeks of arriving in Germany, register your address and apply at your local Foreigners’ Office for a long-term freelancer residence visa.

In Germany, a freelance visa is often issued for a period of one to three years, with the possibility of renewal provided you continue to fulfil the requirements. Living in Germany for five years may qualify you for permanent residency. You must get a freelancer’s tax number and register with the local tax authority.

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