Europe – Germany Visa – Long Stay – Freelancer Visa

1. What is the purpose of a Germany long-stay freelancer visa?


The purpose of a Germany long-stay freelancer visa is to allow non-EU citizens to live and work in Germany as self-employed freelancers. This visa allows individuals to establish and grow their own business in Germany, contributing to the country’s economy and bringing specialized skills and services. It also allows freelancers to benefit from the country’s strong economy and favorable business climate.

2. Who is eligible to apply for this type of visa?


The following individuals may be eligible to apply for this type of visa:

1. Non-US citizens who wish to enter the United States for tourism, business meetings or conferences, medical treatment, or certain other purposes without obtaining a visa.

2. Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may also apply for an ESTA instead of a visa if they are traveling for business or tourism purposes and plan to stay in the US for 90 days or less.

3. Certain crewmembers of aircrafts and ships that will be transiting through the US on their way to a different destination.

4. Individuals with dual nationality who hold citizenship in a VWP country and a non-VWP country will need to apply for an ESTA using their VWP passport.

5. Children traveling on their parents’ passports can also apply for an ESTA instead of a visa.

6. Spouses and children of non-VWP citizens traveling with them may also use an ESTA to enter the US, as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements.

7. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda may also use an ESTA instead of applying for a traditional visa to enter the US.

3. How do I apply for a Germany long-stay freelancer visa?


To apply for a Germany long-stay freelancer visa, follow the steps below:

1. Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria: You must have a college degree or equivalent qualification and sufficient funds to support yourself while in Germany (at least €8,640 for one year).

2. Gather required documents: The following documents are typically required for a freelancer visa application:

– A completed and signed national visa application form
– Two biometric passport photos
– A valid passport
– Proof of health insurance coverage
– Proof of financial means (e.g. bank statements)
– Valid freelance contract or business plan
– Proof of accommodation in Germany
– Visa fee payment confirmation

3. Schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate nearest to you: You will need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application. It is recommended that you do this several months in advance, as wait times can be long.

4. Prepare for the interview: During your appointment, you will be asked questions about your motivation for coming to Germany, your freelance work, and your plans for staying in the country.

5. Submit your application: On the day of your appointment, bring all required documents and submit them along with your application form.

6. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a freelancer visa can vary greatly, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

7. Attend a visa interview (if necessary): In some cases, applicants may be asked to attend an interview before a decision is made on their visa application.

8. Collect your passport and visa: If approved, you will receive your passport and entry visa either by mail or by picking it up from the embassy/consulate.

Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the country where you are applying from. It is always best to check with the specific embassy or consulate where you will be submitting your application for any additional requirements or procedures.

4. What documents are required for the application?

5. How do I submit my application?
6. How long does the application process take?
7. What if my application is rejected?
8. Can I apply for a visa online?
9. Is there an interview process for visa applications?
10. Do I need to provide biometric information for my visa application?

1. Before confirming your plans, you should research the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the country you wish to visit. This can be done through their embassy or consulate website, or a third-party visa service provider.

2. The cost of a visa varies depending on the country you are visiting and the type of visa you are applying for. You can find information about fees on the embassy or consulate website, or by contacting the relevant authorities.

3. The processing time for a visa depends on various factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and current processing times at the embassy or consulate where you are applying. It is best to check with the relevant authorities for estimated processing times before submitting your application.

4. The documents required for a visa application vary depending on the country you are visiting and the type of visa you are applying for. However, common documents include a valid passport, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, letter of invitation (if applicable), proof of accommodation, and a completed visa application form.

5. You can usually submit your application in person at an embassy or consulate or by mail, depending on what is allowed by the relevant authorities.

6. The length of the application process also varies depending on various factors such as your nationality, purpose of visit, and current processing times at the embassy or consulate where you are applying. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

7. If your visa application is rejected, some countries allow you to appeal their decision within a certain period of time with additional supporting documents.

8.Yes, some countries have an online visa application system in place. Check the embassy or consulate website for more information.

9. The visa interview process also varies depending on the country you are visiting. Some countries require applicants to schedule an interview appointment, while others may only require interviews in certain cases.

10. Yes, depending on the country you are visiting and the type of visa you are applying for, you may be required to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and/or a photograph as part of your application process. This is usually done at a designated Biometric Collection Center or at the embassy or consulate where you are submitting your application.

5. How long does it take to process a Germany long-stay freelancer visa application?


The processing time for a Germany long-stay freelancer visa application can vary depending on the individual circumstances and the workload of the German embassy or consulate handling the application. On average, it takes around 4-8 weeks to process fully completed applications. However, it is recommended to apply at least 3-4 months before your intended travel date to account for any potential delays.

6. Is there a specific minimum income requirement for this type of visa?

The minimum income requirement for a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa is £1,890. This amount must be available funds in your bank account at the time of your application. Additionally, you must also possess sufficient funds to cover your travel and living expenses during your stay in the UK. The exact amount required may vary depending on your circumstances and length of stay.

7. Can I extend my Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa?
No, it is not possible to extend a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa. The maximum duration of this visa is two years and it cannot be extended beyond this period. However, you may be able to switch to a different type of visa from within the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements.

8. Can I switch to another immigration category from a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
Yes, it is possible to switch to another immigration category from a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa while in the UK, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for that category. Some categories may require you to return to your home country for the application process, so it is important to check the specific requirements beforehand.

9. Can I work full-time on a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work full-time on a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa in any type of job or profession without restrictions.

10. Can I bring my family members with me on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
No, family members cannot accompany or join you on a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa unless they qualify for their own separate visas based on their own eligibility criteria.

11.Can I study while on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to study part-time or full-time while on a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa. However, the primary purpose of this visa is for temporary work and travel, so you must be able to demonstrate that your main intention is to work and not study.

12. Can I apply for permanent residence after my Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa expires?
No, a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa does not lead to permanent residence in the UK. You will need to apply for a different type of visa or immigration category if you wish to stay in the UK permanently.

13. What happens if I overstay my Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
If you overstay your Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa, you will be considered an illegal immigrant and could face serious consequences such as being deported or banned from entering the UK in the future. It is important to adhere to the conditions of your visa and leave the country before it expires.

14. Can I travel outside of the UK while on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to travel outside of the UK and return while on a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa. However, make sure that your visa is still valid when you re-enter the country.

15. Is there an age limit for applying for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
Yes, applicants must be between ages 18 and 30 years old at the time of application in order to be eligible for a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa.

7. Can I work as a freelancer in other European countries with a Germany freelance visa?


Yes, you can work as a freelancer in other European countries with a Germany freelance visa. However, you may need to obtain additional permits or visas depending on your destination country’s regulations for non-EU citizens working as freelancers. It is important to research and comply with the specific requirements of the country you wish to work in before starting your freelance activities there.

8. Do I need to have an established business before applying for this visa?

No, you do not need to have an established business before applying for the E-2 visa. However, you will need to have a detailed business plan and show that you have invested or are in the process of investing a substantial amount of money in the US business. You will also need to demonstrate that the business has a clear path to success and will ultimately create jobs for Americans.

9. Can I bring my family members with me on this visa?


Depending on the specific requirements and conditions of the visa, you may be allowed to bring your family members with you. Some visas have provisions for family reunification or dependent visas that would allow your spouse, children, parents, or other family members to join you in the country. However, it is important to check with the relevant immigration authorities or consult with an immigration lawyer to determine the eligibility and application process for bringing family members on your visa.

10. Is there a limit on how long I can stay in Germany with this visa?


Yes, there is a limit on how long you can stay in Germany with a visa. Generally, the Schengen tourist or visitor visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. This means that within any given 180 day window, you can only spend a maximum of 90 days in Germany on your visa. Once this time period is completed, you must leave the Schengen area and wait for another 180 days before re-entering. It is important to check the specific terms and conditions of your visa to confirm the exact length of stay allowed. Additionally, if you plan on staying longer than 90 days in Germany, you will need to apply for a residence permit instead of a tourist visa.

11. Can I switch to a different type of visa while on the Germany freelance visa?


Yes, it is possible to switch to a different type of visa while on the Germany freelance visa. However, you will need to meet the requirements for the new visa and go through the appropriate application process.

12. Can I apply for permanent residency with the Germany freelance visa?

No, the Germany freelance visa does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, after living in Germany continuously for at least five years on a freelancer visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under certain conditions.

12. Do I need health insurance coverage for this visa?


This may depend on the requirements of the specific country where you are applying for a visa. Some countries may require proof of health insurance coverage as part of the visa application process, while others may not have this requirement. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country in question to find out if health insurance coverage is necessary for your visa application. It is also recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage while travelling abroad to ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected medical expenses.

13. Are there any language requirements for this type of visa?

Yes, applicants must provide proof of proficiency in the language of their host country. This can be demonstrated through providing results from a language proficiency test or showing that you have completed a certain level of language coursework. Some countries may also require applicants to attend a language course upon arrival.

14. Can I extend my stay in Germany after the expiration of my freelance visa?


Yes, you can extend your stay in Germany after the expiration of your freelance visa. You will need to apply for a new freelance visa or change your status to another type of visa that allows you to continue working as a freelancer in Germany. This process may require providing updated documents and proof of continued self-employment. It is important to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid any issues with your legal status in Germany. You should also consult with the appropriate immigration authorities for more information and guidance on the extension process.

15. Is it possible to convert the freelance visa into a permanent residence permit?


No, the freelance visa cannot be converted into a permanent residence permit. The freelance visa is a temporary residency permit intended for self-employed individuals, whereas a permanent residence permit allows an individual to live and work in a country indefinitely. To obtain a permanent residence permit, you would need to meet the specific requirements and apply through the appropriate channels.

16. Will I be subject to taxes in Germany while on the freelance visa?


Yes, as a freelancer in Germany, you will be subject to taxes on your income. As of 2021, the income tax rate for freelancers is 14-45% depending on your income level, and there may also be additional taxes such as VAT or social security contributions. It is important to consult with a tax advisor to understand your specific tax obligations as a freelancer in Germany.

17. Can I travel within Europe with my German freelance visa?

Yes, you can travel within Europe with your German freelance visa. Your visa allows you to enter and stay in any country within the European Union (EU) as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan on staying longer than 90 days in another EU country, you may need to apply for a separate visa or residence permit from that specific country. It is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the other country before traveling.

Additionally, please note that your freelance visa is only valid for Germany. If you are planning on providing services in other countries while on your trip, make sure to research their specific employment and visa laws beforehand.

18. Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do as a freelancer in Germany with this visa?


Yes, there are certain restrictions on the type of work you can do as a freelancer in Germany with this visa. You must only engage in activities that are related to your field of expertise and listed in your business plan. Additionally, the work you do must not compete with job opportunities for German citizens or residents, and it must be self-employed and not an employment relationship. It is important to adhere to these restrictions to avoid any legal issues while living and working in Germany.

19, Will Brexit affect my ability to get a German freelance visa as a UK citizen?

As of now, there is no clear answer to this question as the details of Brexit and its implications on UK citizens in the European Union (EU) are still being negotiated. However, here are some possible scenarios:

1. UK becomes a third country: In this scenario, UK citizens will be treated like citizens from any other non-EU country. This means that they would have to apply for a freelance visa like any other non-EU citizen. This could potentially make it more difficult for UK citizens to obtain a freelance visa in Germany.

2. UK reaches a Withdrawal Agreement with the EU: In this scenario, there could be special provisions made for UK citizens living and working in EU countries, including Germany. It is possible that UK citizens may be able to continue working as freelancers without having to apply for a visa.

3. Germany implements special measures: Some experts believe that Germany could implement special measures to facilitate the residence and work of UK nationals in case of a no-deal Brexit. These measures may include a transition period or simplified processes for obtaining visas.

It is important to note that regardless of what happens with Brexit, it is always recommended to do thorough research and seek legal advice when applying for a freelance visa in Germany as requirements and procedures can vary depending on individual circumstances.

20, What resources or organizations can assist me with the application process for a German long-stay freelancer visa?


1. German Missions in your country: The Embassy or Consulate of Germany in your home country can provide you with information on the specific requirements for applying for a long-stay freelancer visa. They can also assist with any questions you may have and guide you through the application process.

2. Federal Foreign Office’s website: The Federal Foreign Office’s website has a section dedicated to visas and entry requirements for Germany. You can find information on the long-stay freelance visa, as well as the necessary forms and documents required for the application.

3. Local Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK): Your local IHK may offer services and resources for individuals looking to move to Germany for freelancing purposes. They can provide information on the visa process and also help connect you with potential clients in Germany.

4. Relocation service providers: There are several relocation service providers that specialize in assisting foreigners with relocating to Germany, including obtaining visas and work permits. Some examples include InterNations GO! , Expatica Expat Guide, and EY’s Immigration Services.

5. Freelance networks or associations: There are many freelance networks or associations in Germany that can provide information and support for foreign freelancers looking to relocate there. These include Freelance.de, Europe Language Jobs, Association of Freelancers (VdR), among others.

6. Migration-specific organizations: Organizations such as Caritas, Diakonie or ProAsyl provide support and advice for individuals moving to Germany, including assistance with visa applications.

7. Local language schools: If you are planning to freelance in an area where German is the main language, it may be beneficial to enroll in a language course before moving there. This will not only help you integrate better into society but also increase your chances of finding clients who require German-speaking freelancers.

8. Online resources: There are various online resources available that offer guidance on obtaining a long-stay freelance visa for Germany. Some good examples include the official German government website and Expat.com.

9. Professional immigration lawyers: If you have a complex case or are unsure about any aspect of the visa application process, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional immigration lawyer who specializes in German visas. They can guide you through the process and help ensure all required documents are submitted correctly.

10. Online forums and communities: There are many online communities or forums for expats living in Germany where you can find answers to your questions and connect with others who have gone through the same process. A popular forum is Toytown Germany, which has a section specifically for freelancers.