Which jobs qualify for a German Freelance Visa?
Job roles such as doctors, architects, engineers, IT professionals, artists, writers, lawyers, etc. are some of the jobs that qualify for a German Freelance visa. The Freiberufler Visa or the Freelance visa in Germany allows non-EU nationals to reside and work freelance in the country for up to 3 years. With a German Freelance visa, qualifying individuals can work independently in various sectors such as healthcare, IT & Technology, education, accounting and finance, engineering, architecture, and creative fields. The freelance visa is an ideal option for those who wish to work in Germany in professions considered freelance or liberal.
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Who can apply for a Freelance Visa in Germany?
You can apply for a German Freelance visa if you belong to a non-EU country and take up freelance jobs in Germany. According to Section 18 in the German Income Tax Act, certain professions are eligible for a freelance visa.
The table below has the list of professions that qualify for a German Freelance visa:
|
Category |
Qualifying job roles |
|
Healthcare |
Doctors, dentists, veterinarians, therapists, physiotherapists |
|
Legal |
Lawyers, notaries, patent agents |
|
Financial |
Accountants, tax consultants, sworn accountants, economists |
|
Engineering & Architecture |
Engineers, architects, commercial chemists |
|
Creative & Media |
Writers, artists, musicians, designers, photographers, journalists, photojournalists |
|
IT & Technology |
IT consultants, software developers, engineers |
|
Language & Education |
Interpreters, translators, teachers, tutors |
|
Others |
Pilots, surveyors |
Also, read…
Are you a freelancer? You can move to Germany with a Self-Employment Visa.
Why apply for a German Freelance Visa?
The German Freelance visa is a great option for non-EU freelancers looking to live and work in Germany. It is issued for a maximum of three years and can be extended if the eligibility criteria are met.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider applying for a freelance visa in Germany:
- Live & work in Germany for 3 years and can be extended
- Work independently without being tied to a single employer
- Get the flexibility to choose and work for any employer or project of your choice
- Allows family relocation if you have the required funds for it
- Travel within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days
- Apply for permanent residency in Germany after 5 years of residency
- Qualify for citizenship after legally residing in Germany for 8 years

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