Digital Nomad Visa Germany: Guide to Working Remotely in Germany

Germany has been one of the most desirable countries in the world to live for generations. The economic powerhouse of Europe, Germany has one of the world's highest standards of living. It's also a country with a rich and fascinating history and culture that is open to new ideas while still preserving what makes it unique.

Partly because it's so desirable, life here isn't cheap. If you want to live in Germany, you'll need a solid income. And that's where the German Digital Nomad visa comes in. This entrepreneur and freelancer visa lets you live in Germany with a remote source of income so that you can enjoy everything the country has to offer.

Of course, getting a digital nomad visa in Germany isn't as simple as just asking for one. You'll need to meet specific requirements, including a requirement to have German clients which might rule this out as a digital nomad destination for you.

Let's take a look at the visa application process and the requirements you'll need to meet before you can apply for a freelance or remote work visa.

Does Germany Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes and no. Germany has no official digital nomad visa , but depending on your situation, you may be able to find a German visa that will let you stay in Germany and make money remotely.

What they do have is the Freiberufler, a D visa which gives visitors a residence permit that allows them to stay beyond the 90 days extended to tourists. The Freiberufler is open to self-employed freelancers, including artists, and is the most common way for digital nomads to stay in Germany and apply for residence permit.

There is also the Selbständiger, a residence permit for entrepreneurs and business owners. This requires you to establish a business in Germany, so you will need a solid business plan. For digital nomads looking to stay more than 90 days but possibly not forever, this may be more trouble than it's worth.

Germany’s Digital Nomad Visa Options: Freelance vs. Self-Employed

Both the Freelance Visa and Self-Employment Visa grant temporary residency (usually 1–3 years) and let you work in Germany. However, there are key differences:

• Freelance Visa (Freiberufler) – For independent professionals offering services (no formal company needed). You must work in a field that is of “liberal profession” and benefits the German economy. This is ideal if you’re an individual freelancer (e.g. writer, designer, developer) providing services to clients. The initial freelance residence permit is often issued for 1 year and can be extended up to 3 years. It’s generally easier to obtain than the self-employed visa and is the route most digital nomads take.

• Self-Employment Visa (Selbständiger) – For entrepreneurs and business owners who plan to launch a startup or invest in Germany. Approval requires a viable business plan and proof your business will significantly benefit the local economy (creating jobs, innovation, etc). It can also be issued for up to 3 years and lead to settlement if the business succeeds. This path is more complex, because you need to show that you have a realistic business plan, plus the expertise and capital to launch a successful business.

  
  

Which one to choose?

These two visas are effectively the same, but the eligibility requirements change according to the kind of work you do. That's why it's important to think hard about which visa applies to you before you apply for a visa for Germany.

The freelance visa covers a wide range of professions. Designers, software engineers, writers, consultants, online tutors, and marketers can all be covered by this visa. If you have clients who pay you on a project basis instead of a salary, you probably qualify as a freelancer.

The self-employment visa is more complex. This visa allows you to start a business in Germany, but you'll need to demonstrate a solid business plan to the German immigration authorities. However, for some common remote work projects like dropshipping, this may be the way to go.

The German government does not allow you to change your visa after you start the application process, so think carefully about the kind of work you do and what visa is appropriate before you start.

What about remote workers?

If you have a salaried position with a foreign company that lets you work from anywhere, you won't qualify for either of these visa types.

That doesn't mean you can't relocate to Germany and live the Digital Nomad lifestyle. But it does mean that you will need to apply for a different kind of residence permit, which may vary depending on the kind of work you do.

You should also note that this option is only open to citizens of:

• Andorra

• Australia

• Israel

• Japan

• Canada

• Republic of Korea

• Monaco

• New Zealand

• San Marino

• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• United States of America

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria to Get a Digital Nomad Visa

The German freelancer visa is open to non-EU/EEA nationals who work in approved freelance professions. Naturally, it's not open to EU citizens, because they already have the right to live and work in Germany without visa.

Approved Professions: Germany restricts the freelance visa to specific professional fields that they consider liberal or self-employed professions. Eligible “digital nomad visa jobs” include:

• Creative & Artistic fields – e.g. writers, designers, artists, photographers, journalists, translators.

• STEM and Technical – e.g. software developers, engineers, architects, scientists.

• Business & Consulting – e.g. marketing consultants, accountants, auditors, lawyers.

• Medical & Educational – e.g. doctors, dentists, medical specialists, language teachers, researchers.

The range of potential jobs is quite broad, and because new types of jobs are created almost every day, there is no definitive list of what counts and what doesn't. Just know that to apply for freelance visa in Germany, you'll need to be able to demonstrate that you're not an employee of a foreign company, but that you work for yourself.

It's helpful if you hold relevant qualifications or experience in your field, because German officials want to see that your work has economic interest to Germany before they offer digital nomad visas. The more stable and impressive your work history, the higher the chances of success when you apply for the visa.

But be aware that there is one major caveat that may make it impossible for you to apply for this visa. You need to have German clients.

From the point of view of the German authorities, if you make all your money elsewhere, there's really no need for you to live in Germany. You can have clients from anywhere in the world, but some, at least, have to be German before you apply for a residence permit.

That would definitely rule me out, and it's one of the major hurdles you'll have to navigate to get a digital MLB's in Germany.

Requirements and Documents for Germany’s Freelance Visa

To get a Germany digital nomad visa (freelance residence permit), you must prepare a thorough application. Key requirements and documents include:

As always, to apply for residence permit, you need to make sure you have all the documents you authorities might want to see in place.

To apply for a freelance visa, you will need:

• A valid passport that doesn't expire before the end of your plan to stay in Germany.

• Proof of qualifications including degrees and diplomas. This will help to demonstrate that you are in one of the liberal professions qualified you for the visa.

• Portfolio and CV/resume. Show your work history and skills to demonstrate that you can support yourself as a freelancer.

• Letters of intent from German clients who intend to hire you. This is one of the biggest issues most people face when they apply for the freelance visa. You have to be able to show that your work activity will benefit Germany economically and that there is local demand for what you do. Otherwise, you won't qualify for the visa.

• Proof of Finances. You're going to need around €10,000 in the bank at a minimum to show that you can support yourself for at least a year while you're in Germany.

• Health insurance. You'll need health insurance to cover you while you're in Germany, and the more comprehensive your plan, the more likely your visa application will be approved. Note that a good plan could cost you $400-$800 a month or more.

• Proof of accommodation. You need an address in Germany. That can be tricky if you apply from overseas, but they will accept a rental contract or a letter from a landlord. You'll need to register your address when you arrive.

• Completed application forms and passport-sized photos.

• Cover Letter or Business Plan: A written letter explaining your freelance activity, why you want to work in Germany, and how it will benefit the German economy. If applying for the self-employment visa, a detailed business plan with financial projections is required.

• Pay the visa application fee.

  
  

The bureaucracy involved is strict and unyielding. Make sure you get everything in order for your digital nomad visa for Germany before you apply, and if in doubt, provide too much paperwork and proof of your intentions rather than not enough.

Application Fees

It costs around €75-€80 to process your visa application if you make it at a German Embassy in your home country. You can also apply when you're already in Germany, but in that case, the visa application fee is €100.

How to Apply for the Germany Freelance Visa (Step-by-Step)

Getting your residence permit in Germany requires following a strict process. You can apply for a Germany visa from within the country or from outside, before you travel to Germany.

Applicants from the rest of Europe, as well as countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, don't need an entry visa to enter Germany, so digital nomads can apply for these types of digital nomad visas while in the country. However, if you're not in these countries, you may need an entry visa to travel to Germany, in which case, you're probably better off applying via the embassy from abroad.

1. Schedule a Visa Appointment: Contact your nearest German embassy or consulate to book an appointment for a National (D) Visa application. Appointments can be backlogged, so do this well in advance.

2. Gather Your Documents: Assemble all required documents (as listed above) while waiting for your appointment. Ensure translations (to German or English) if needed and make copies. Key items include proof of funds, client letters, insurance, etc.

3. Submit Application and Interview: Attend the embassy appointment on the scheduled date. Submit your application forms and documents, and pay the visa fee (around €75-€80). You may have a short interview about your plans and qualifications. Dress professionally and be ready to explain your freelance work and how it will benefit Germany.

4. Wait for Approval: After applying, expect to wait 3–4 months for processing. Use this time to continue working remotely and prepare for moving (e.g. research housing). Once approved, you’ll receive a 3-month entry visa (national visa) in your passport to travel to Germany.

5. Travel and Register Your Address: Upon arrival in Germany, you must find long-term accommodation within 3 months and formally register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt (registration office). Bring your passport, rental contract, and a landlord’s confirmation letter when registering. This step is critical – without address registration, your residence permit cannot be issued.

6. Obtain a Tax ID and Tax Number: After registration, you’ll automatically get a personal tax ID. Next, register with the local tax office (Finanzamt) by submitting a form (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) to receive your freelance tax number. This allows you to legally invoice clients and pay taxes as a freelancer.

7. Apply for the Residence Permit: With your entry visa, address, and tax number in hand, book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) to convert your visa into a freelance residence permit. Bring all documents again (including proof of local clients, financial resources, health insurance, etc.). You’ll pay a residence permit fee (~€100–€110 for the first issuance, and around €220 in some cases). The permit card may take a few weeks to be issued. Once you have it, you can legally live and work in Germany for the duration granted (often 1 year to start).

8. Renewals and Long-Term Stay: If you wish to stay beyond the initial period, apply for an extension before your permit expires (freelance permits can typically be renewed up to a total of 3 years). After 5 years of continuous residence, you may qualify for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis), and after 8 years (with language/civics exam), you could even apply for citizenship, making Germany a long-term home.

   
   
   
   
   
   

Working Remotely in Germany: Jobs, Taxes, and Regulations

You can probably see by now that applying for a digital nomad visa in Germany is a complex process. But there's more to you next chapter in life than just getting your visa. If you're wondering how suitable for digital nomads Germany really is, let's take a look at some of the nuances of living and working in Germany as a foreigner, and what kind of environment for digital nomads it offers.

• Legality of Remote Work: Germany's freelance visa lets you work for clients worldwide and in Germany. Most countries that offer Digital Nomad visas don't want you taking work from locals, but Germany actually insists that you have at least two German clients to show that you are contributing to the local economy. That makes the visa much harder to obtain, but it does help you feel like you're more fully integrated into the country. 

• Remote Jobs vs. Freelancing: The German freelance visa is only for contract-based work. If you have a full-time remote job the foreign employer, you won't be eligible for this visa. That's not to say it's impossible to do remote work in Germany; you can apply for a Blue Card or Chancenkarte if you want to live and work in the country under contract with a foreign employer. 

• Taxes: As with much of the rest of the world, you are considered a tax resident of Germany once you have spent more than hundred 83 days there in a single year. Germany operates a progressive tax system, meaning the rate of tax you pay increases as you make more. It can be anywhere from 14% up to 45%, with the first €9700 of income untaxed. You may also need to charge clients VAT, which is basically a sales tax, if you make more than €22,000 a year. This adds 19% on to your pricing, which may make it harder to keep clients. It also increases the admin you'll have to do.

• Social Contributions: German employees automatically pay into the German Social Security system to cover things like pensions, unemployment, healthcare, and other benefits. Freelancers don't have to pay into these systems, but they also don't get the benefit from them. That's why you'll need your own private health insurance while working in Germany. If you plan to stay long-term, it's worth considering making social contributions so that you will have a pension when the time comes to retire. Taxes and social contributions can add significantly to the already high cost of living in Germany - €900 for health insurance, anyone? 

• Local Regulations: Ensure you register as a freelancer with the tax office (as covered above) and comply with any business licensing if applicable to your field (most liberal professions don’t require special licenses, but a few (e.g. physicians) might). Keep records of your income and expenses, as German tax authorities can audit freelancers.

  
  

Finding Accommodation in Germany (Long-Term Rentals & Anmeldung)

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the problems don't stop once you reach Germany. To apply for a German freelance visa, you need a German address, and finding accommodation in any German city can be extremely difficult. 

 You can search for accommodation with our accommodation finder tool, but over the long term, you'll need a more stable place to stay. Popular housing websites include ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht (for roomshares), Immowelt, and Facebook expat housing groups.

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad in Germany

Is Germany the right choice for your remote work lifestyle? Consider these pros and cons:

Advantages:

• Strong Infrastructure: Germany offers fast internet (median ~96 Mbps) and abundant coworking spaces. You’ll have no trouble staying connected and productive.

• High Quality of Life: Clean cities, reliable public transport, excellent healthcare, and low crime make for a comfortable stay. Germany is very foreigner-friendly and multicultural, with over 14 million expats living in the country.

• Central Travel Hub: Germany’s central European location makes it easy to travel across Europe during your off time. Major cities are well-connected by flights and trains (e.g. Paris is ~2 hours from Cologne by train).

• Professional Opportunities: Germany has a huge economy (4th largest in the world) and is home to many startups and global companies. As a nomad, you can tap into networking events, meetups, or even find new clients locally. Cities like Berlin are start-up hubs brimming with entrepreneurial energy.

• Path to Long-Term Residence: Unlike some nomad visas that cap your stay, Germany’s freelance visa can be a stepping stone to permanent residency and even citizenship if you decide to settle long-term. It’s a good option if you want the option to make Germany your home base permanently.

  
  

Drawbacks and Challenges:

• Complex Bureaucracy: As noted, Germany’s bureaucratic processes are notoriously strict and paperwork-heavy. From visa applications to registering every address change, be prepared for some red tape. Patience and diligence are required to navigate permits, forms, and appointments.

• You Need German Clients. This is very unusual for digital nomad visa, and it might be enough to torpedo your plans to apply for German freelance visa all by itself.

• High Cost of Living: Germany isn’t the cheapest destination. Major cities, in particular, can be expensive (Munich and Frankfurt are among Europe’s priciest for rent). For example, a single person’s monthly expenses in Germany average around €1,800 (not including rent), which is higher than many nomad hotspots in Asia or Latin America. 

• Language Barrier: English is widely spoken in the startup scene and among younger Germans, but official matters (and many everyday situations) may require German. You might need translation help for contracts, and a basic grasp of German will definitely smooth your day-to-day life.

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Conclusion

Germany doesn't have an official digital nomad visa, but the freelancer visa they do offer makes it seem like a good place for your next move.

Add in the large and diverse economy, the fascinating culture, modern infrastructure, openness to foreigners, prevalence of English, safety, and access to other places in Europe, and Germany can start to look like an ideal destination for digital nomads.

But the downsides are substantial. The cost of health insurance in Germany might be enough to put you off all by itself, but if it's not, the requirement to have at least a couple of German clients might make a stay in Germany an unattainable dream - especially if you don't speak German.

If you can jump through the hoops, this is a great country to live and work in. But if you can't meet the stringent requirements, it may be worth looking elsewhere. For example, the Malaysia Digital Nomad visa offers a unique experience with a far lower cost of living.