Self-Employed Work
Long-term opportunities in Germany as a freelancer or entrepreneur
Freelancers
If you’re a freelancer (for example, a creative or someone working in a liberal profession) and hold British citizenship, you’ll need a freelance visa or residence permit to live and work in Germany for more than 90 days. You can apply for a visa before you leave – from the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (if you live in Scotland) or from the German Embassy in London (if you live in any other part of the UK). Alternatively, you can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office within 90 days, but you may only start working once your permit has been granted.
Requirements for a freelance visa or residence permit include the following:
- A detailed business plan;
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself until you can generate income;
- Evidence of health insurance cover in Germany (German statutory health insurance or equivalent); and
- A professional CV.
- Some freelancers require a formal license to practise their profession in Germany. This database provides detailed guidance by occupation and location.
- In some cases, you’ll need approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Full details on freelance visas are available on the website of the German Missions in the UK. Details on applying for a residence permit after your arrival are available from the relevant local immigration office in Germany. The fee for a visa is €75. A residence permit obtained in Germany after arrival will usually cost you €100.
Like everyone living in Germany, you must register as a resident with the local authority within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. You’ll need confirmation of your registration to apply for your residence permit, or to have your visa converted into a residence permit.
Other Self-Employed Work / Entrepreneurs
If you’re self-employed and would like to set up a commercial business in Germany, you can apply for a visa or residence permit for self-employment. There’ll need to be demand for your product or service in the region of Germany where you’re hoping to live and work, and your business will need to have a positive effect on the economy. You must also have sufficient funds in the form of capital or loans to get your business off the ground.
Approval of your application will depend on the viability of your business idea; your relevant experience; the level of proposed investment; the effect on regional employment and training; and your business’s contribution to innovation and research. This will be assessed by local and regional trade and industry bodies, as well as the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities. Much will depend on the quality of your business plan. Click here for further guidance on starting your own business from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
As a British citizen, you can apply for a visa for self-employment before you leave – from the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (if you live in Scotland) or from the German Embassy in London (if you live in any other part of the UK). Alternatively, you can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office within 90 days, but you may only start working once your permit has been granted.
Decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis, but the fundamental requirements include:
- Detailed information on the nature of your business or start-up idea, including a business plan, finance and liquidity plan, and revenue and profitability forecast;
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself; and
- Evidence of health insurance cover in Germany (German statutory health insurance or equivalent).
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Full details on visas for self-employment are available on the website of the German Missions in the UK. Details on applying for a residence permit after your arrival are available from the relevant local immigration office in Germany. The fee for a visa is €75. A residence permit obtained in Germany after arrival will usually cost you €100.
Like everyone living in Germany, you must register as a resident with the local authority within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. You’ll need confirmation of your registration to apply for your residence permit, or to have your visa converted into a residence permit.
Disclaimer: the information in this guide has been collated from government, academic, professional and public institution sources available at the time of publication. However, it is subject to change, and errors and omissions are excepted. Please always check directly with the relevant decision-making bodies and/or take professional advice for specific cases.
