Moving to Germany as a digital nomad is one of the best ways of verifying if this country suits one’s lifestyle. However, at the moment there is no program under which a foreign citizen can obtain a digital nomad visa in Germany. The country offers two other options, however.
Below, our immigration lawyer in Germany explains the main alternatives to the remote worker visa and their requirements. Should you want to move to Germany under a digital nomad visa, we are at your service.
Table of Contents
Germany is acquainted with the large influx of foreigners coming to work here, which is why it has adapted its immigration regulations to new relocation trends which imply remote workers. The following visas can be treated as alternatives to digital nomad visa in Germany:
Freelance visa
The freelance visa in Germany is known as the “Freiberufler” or “Selbständige Tätigkeit” visa. This visa is designed for individuals who want to work as freelancers or self-employed professionals in various fields. It allows you to live and work in Germany while conducting your freelance activities. Here is some general information to know about the freelance visa:
Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for a freelance visa in Germany, you generally need to fulfill the following criteria:
Application process: The application process for a freelance visa typically involves the following steps:
Duration: The initial freelance visa is usually granted for up to three months, such as in other countries, like Italy, where after 3 months you will need a residence permit. Once you arrive in Germany, you need to apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) within those three months. The residence permit can be extended if your freelance activities are successful and you continue to meet the criteria. This type of visa can successfully replace a German digital nomad visa.
Artist visa
The German artist visa, also known as the “Künstler Visum” or artist residence permit, is designed for artists, musicians, performers, and other creative professionals who wish to live and work in Germany. The general requirements and process for obtaining an artist visa are as follows, and if you have any additional questions, please get in touch with our immigration lawyers in Germany:
Besides these, you will be required to show health insurance, valid passport, passport photos, artistic statement, housing accommodation, etc.
Additionally, it’s recommended to start the application process well in advance of your planned travel to allow sufficient time for processing. If you are thinking about moving about moving to Germany, please consult with our immigration lawyers.
Startup visa
Despite of not having a digital nomad visa, Germany offers a startup visa program known as the “Startup-Unternehmer-Visum.” This visa is designed to attract entrepreneurs and founders who want to establish and operate innovative startup businesses in Germany. The program aims to promote innovation and economic growth by facilitating the entry of international entrepreneurs into the German startup ecosystem.
You are advised to seek guidance from our immigration lawyers in Germany. They can help ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information on a well-suited alternative for a digital nomad visa in Germany. Furthermore, please note that to obtain a permanent German residence permit, a person must live here for at least 5 years. This applies to both EU and non-EU citizens. Depending on your situation, you can get in touch with our lawyers and ask for support to benefit from the attention of a specialist who can help you obtain the desired document.
In order to establish if the freelance or self-employed permit is the best option for you, here are the main conditions a nomad visa for Germany should imply:
From these points of view, both residence permits can help you qualify for them and move to Germany as a remote worker. However, there is one major difference between them:
This is why the most sought alternative to the digital nomad visa in Germany is the freelance permit. However, for this purpose, one still needs to register for taxation here. If you need a digital nomad visa in other countries, such as Netherlands or Malta, we can put you in touch with our local partners who offer business consulting and immigration services.
A freelance permit can be obtained in approximately 5 weeks and is available for the following categories of digital nomads:
In order to obtain such a permit, a foreign citizen must submit various documents. We remind you that if you are an EU citizen, you don’t need to apply for a nomad visa for Germany. This requirement applies to non-EU citizens coming to Germany for the first time.
Our immigration law firm in Germany is at the service of foreign citizens who want to work or become self-employed/freelancers here. We can help them gather and file the documents with the relevant authorities.
Please note that immigration policies and requirements can change over time, and we recommend checking the latest information from our immigration lawyers in Germany for the most up-to-date and accurate information. That being said, here are the general documents you might need to get an alternative for a digital nomad visa in Germany:
Please note that visa requirements and processes can vary based on your nationality and personal circumstances. It’s essential to consult our immigration lawyers for accurate information before applying for a German nomad visa.
While a digital nomad visa in Germany should imply no taxes on your work, obtaining a freelance permit means registering with the Central Tax Office and payment of at least 2 taxes: the income tax and the VAT.
Here are the main tax aspects to consider as a German digital nomad:
If you want to apply for a digital nomad visa in Germany and need more information or support, please contact our immigration lawyer.
We can also advise on citizenship matters. Obtaining German citizenship by descent can go back to ancestors of 1938 before the Second World War. If you need guidance in finding documents that attest to your ties to Germany, our lawyers can advise and help you trace your great-grandparents and claim your own passport.