Residence permit/visa for self-employment or freelance work in Germany

Residence permit/visa for self-employment or freelance work · Germany visa route

remote · last reviewed 2026-06 · all Germany routes

For setting up a business: economic interest or regional demand, positive economic effect, financing through own capital/loan, pension provision if over 45. For freelancers in liberal professions: sufficient funds to finance projects, required professional licences, pension provision if over 45.

Route overview

Typical timeline / duration: Initial visa/residence permit for self-employment up to 3 years; may be extended if successful and living costs are covered; settlement permit may be possible later.

Important notes

No fixed remote-worker income threshold on official page checked; must show sufficient funds/financing and ability to cover costs.
This authorises self-employment/freelancing/business in Germany, not merely remote employment for a foreign employer.
It should not be labelled a digital nomad visa.

Official source

Official source: Germany official source

Also look at similar visas from these countries

Greece Financially independent residence Open this route → Spain International teleworking visa / residence authorization for digital nomads Open this route → Croatia Temporary stay of digital nomads Open this route → Portugal Remote Work / Digital Nomad temporary-stay visa or residency visa Open this route →

Visa rules change frequently. This page is a research guide, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the official source before applying.