Germany has always been famous for its rich and remarkable history. However, things have changed over the recent years and Germany has begun to gain popularity because of its contemporary development.
If you are planning on visiting here or settling here as a digital nomad, make sure to look into the available visa options. This article delves into just that and explores how Germany accommodates the digital nomad community with its visa policy.
Several digital nomads have been intrigued by its charm and moved there! If you are curious to learn more about the digital nomad visa in Germany then keep reading this ultimate guide.
Does Germany have a Digital Nomad Visa?
EU citizens are free to enter Germany without a visa, whether they are digital nomads or not. However, non-EU citizens must familiarize themselves with the complex yet well-defined German digital nomad visa terms.
While the German government hasn’t introduced a digital nomad visa program per se, there are two alternative options that offer similar benefits. The Germany freelance visa and German self-employment visa allow remote workers with different backgrounds to enter the country.
The former is explicitly for people who are employed by foreign nationals while the latter requires you to possess your own company or brand.
You can also apply for a residence permit if the digital nomad visa doesn’t seem feasible.
Who can Apply for the Germany Digital Nomad Visa?
The German digital nomad visas; German freelance visa and German self-employment visa require applicants to fulfill certain eligibility criteria.
German freelance visa
- Non-Eu citizens
- Applicant must not be a citizen of Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway
- Applicants above the age of 45 must have sufficient retirement plans
- Evidence that German clients wish to work with you
- Must have a liberal profession;
- Scientist
- Artist
- Writer
- Teacher
- Doctor
- Dentists
- Notary
- Engineers
- Architects
- Auditors
- Tax consultants
- Advisor
- Sworn accountant
- Physiotherapist
- Journalist
- Interpreter
- Translators
- Pilot
- Veterinarian
- Photo reporter
- Business Economists
- Lawyer
German Self-employment visa
- Non-Eu citizens
- Applicant must not be a citizen of Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway.
- Your skill set and profession must be beneficial to the German economy
- Meet the minimum income requirements
- Your business must be well-financed
- Regional demand for your product in Germany
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Germany?
While there is no specific German digital nomad visa as of yet, interested parties can apply for a freelance (freiberufler visa) by following the step-by-step guide below.
- Check Eligibility requirements
First and foremost, you need to find out if you are even eligible for Germany’s digital nomad visa i.e. the freelance visa in this context. You can do so by going to their official website or contacting an embassy.
- Make a visa appointment.
Firstly, you’ll need to contact the nearest German embassy in the country of your residence (home country). Although you can visit directly too, it is advised to set a time beforehand. This will help you avoid any delays and get the necessary information about the next steps.
- Gather the necessary documents.
Your agent will guide you regarding the required documents while making the appointment. This step requires special attention because the accuracy of your application determines the processing time. In case you aren’t sure about the required documents, keep reading to get a brief overview.
- Fill out the application form.
Now comes one of the most attention-demanding parts of the process. You can easily download the form online and print it before filling it out. Make sure to be extra careful and double-check all of your information.
- Submit
The next step is to show up to your nearest German embassy or consulate as per your appointment and submit your documents.
- Wait for feedback
Once you have completed all the steps, you just need to sit tight and wait for the authorities to process your application. You’ll most likely receive feedback within 2-12 weeks.
- Enter Germany
You’ll receive a confirmation email if your application is approved. Following that, you’ll need to collect your visa from the German consulate or embassy and enter Germany.
- Apply for a residency permit.
You’ll need to go to the Foreigners Authority office and acquire a residence permit for self-employment.
How Much Does it Cost?
You may be surprised to hear this but the freelance visa to this beautiful European country isn’t all that expensive! While the application fee is somewhere around 75€, the visa cost will depend on the duration of your stay and other factors.
The residence permit and extension application both cost around 100€.
Germany Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
There are some requirements that you must fulfill to get this visa.
Necessary documents
You must have the following documents with you during the time of your visa application.
- Filled out visa application form
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Germany.
- Valid health insurance: health insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Two biometric photographs: must be clear and recent
- Proof of payment: visa application fee
- Proof of employment: Applicants must submit proof that they are recommended by an employer based outside of Germany. This could be proved by submitting a contract of employment or letters.
- Cover letter
- Degree certificates
- Authorization: professional and formal proof for those working in law and medicine
- Financial stability: This means that you have to submit documents that prove that you are self-sufficient and you can financially support yourself while staying in Germany.
You can submit the following.
- Bank statements, proof of income
- Income statement of your freelance business
- Blocked German bank account
- Proof of pension plan (for applicants aged above 45)
- Business plan
Financial requirements
A German digital nomad visa “German freelancer visa” also poses a requirement for minimum income. Remote workers need to prove that they can afford their stay in the country.
Germany has a minimum income requirement of €9000 per year for each person.
How Long Does it Take to Get a German Digital Nomad Visa?
There is no standard time for the visa application process but it can be estimated to take 3 months. Ideally, your application will be processed within the first month of submission and you’ll receive feedback. However, you should keep in mind that the time will vary based on factors such as the accuracy of your application, the competency of the departments, the amount of burden they are dealing with, and perhaps even some government policies.
Benefits of the Germany Digital Nomad Visa
Affordable cost of living
Regarding the cost of living in Germany, the country is surprisingly affordable! You’ll find day-to-day expenses to be cheap while the standard of living is high. Digital nomads will also come to experience great value for money. The average costs are budget-friendly! However, the total cost of living varies as per an individual’s spending patterns and personal preferences. Hence, if you live by a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find Germany to be quite cheap.
Decent safety conditions
Germany is generally considered a safe place for tourists, locals, and digital nomads. However, much like any other country, Germany is not immune to petty crime. While the crime rate is low, pickpocketing and tourist scams are not unheard of. As long as you stay vigilant and avoid trouble, you are guaranteed to have a safe experience.
It is a safe place for women and individuals can even walk alone at night, as long as they do so in safe and populated areas. Here are some common tips to follow as a foreigner in a new country.
High-speed internet
The good news for remote workers is that Germany has great internet connectivity. The internet speeds are fairly decent and perfectly suitable for remote work. The country experiences an average download speed of 102 Mbps which shows that digital nomads can keep a remarkable work-life balance. You can depend on Germany’s reliable internet speeds to meet last-minute deadlines and strive at work!
You can also get local SIM cards upon landing in the country. If you wish to take an extra step towards reliability then local providers are your best option. Almost all the cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces offer free and fast wifi so that’s a bonus too.
A rich history and natural beauty
Germany is also considered a cultural tapestry of sorts. The country and its residents have high regard for art, heritage, and traditions which shape its rich culture. There is a lot of diversity in the area as entrepreneurs and nomads from all over the world continue to come and settle here. The local culture represents this diversity and encourages dynamism. In short, Germany’s multiculturalism can be seen through festivals, museums, street art, and theatre.
Despite gaining popularity as a modern and urban country, Germany is still close to nature. There are numerous lakes, parks, and rivers all over the country. There is also a wide scope for outdoor activities and wildlife appreciation.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Germany?
All digital nomads are required to pay taxes on their income but the percentage varies between 0 to 45%. The amount will be determined by your total earnings but you can also contact a tax administrator to gain proper information.
Remember that digital nomads in Germany aren’t subject to corporate taxes but rather personal income taxes.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Germany
Another good thing about the German digital nomad visa is that it has an amazing renewal policy. A German freelance visa initially lasts for a period of 3 months. However, you can extend it for a maximum of 3 years.
A German self-employment visa even offers a pathway to German citizenship and permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the citizens of the European Union enter Germany without a visa?
Since Germany is a part of the Schengen area, EU citizens are free to enter Germany without a visa. They can stay as long as they prefer, live here, work here, and settle down. However, they must register their address to avoid future difficulties.
What are some other visa options for Germany?
Some other types of visas include tourist visas, residence permits, student visas, or employment visas.
How long does a German freelance visa last?
A German freelance visa can be extended up to a period of 3 years. While the visa has an initial duration of 3 months, renewal and extensions can allow you to increase your stay.
When is the best time to visit Germany for digital nomads?
Laying on the latitude, Germany experiences typical British weather. This means that you can expect cold winters and rainy seasons. The country is a good place to visit all year long but the best time is between March to May or September to October.
What is the best place for digital nomads in Germany?
Lying in the eastern part of Germany, Berlin is located on the north German plain in the glacial valley of the Spree River. This city is a UNESCO world heritage site, a digital nomad hub, and a cultural tapestry, perfect for remote workers.
Final Thoughts
Germany, the country that dates back to the 13th century, is nothing short of a gem. Germany is a wonderful place to live for remote workers and tourists. From the high quality of life, big cultural scene, and good infrastructure to fast wifi and a plethora of cafes, this country has everything a digital nomad dreams of.
One thing about German is that the more you explore it, the more you come to appreciate it. If this place has caught your attention then make sure to learn all its digital nomad visa.
We hope this article provides you with the necessary information and clears your doubts. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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