GermanyBusiness and self-employment

Germany self-employed and freelancer visa (§ 21)

Residence permit for self-employment and freelancers (§ 21 AufenthG)

In short

Founders and freelancers can get a residence permit under § 21 of the Residence Act if the business serves an economic interest or regional need, is expected to have positive effects on the economy and is properly funded. Freelancers in liberal professions are assessed on their client base and licences. The permit runs for up to three years and can lead to settlement after three years.

Apply on Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Up to three years.
Fee
€75Visa fee; residence permit EUR 100; settlement permit for the self-employed EUR 124.
Work
The self-employed activity described in the plan.
Family
Spouse and children can join; spouses of § 21 holders are exempt from the A1 German requirement.
Path to permanent residence
Settlement permit after three years if the business has been successfully established and your livelihood is secured.
Where to apply
German mission responsible for your place of residence, or online via the Consular Services Portal for categories handled there.

Freelancers

Members of liberal professions such as artists, journalists, translators, IT freelancers or doctors in private practice can be admitted under § 21(5) without the economic-interest test, if they hold any required licence to practise. In practice letters of intent from German clients and proof of income strengthen the application.

Conditions for founders

The business must meet an economic interest or a regional need, be expected to benefit the economy and be funded by own capital or a loan commitment. The foreigners authority consults bodies such as the chamber of industry and commerce, the trade authority or professional chambers about the plan, your experience and the funding. Applicants aged over 45 must also show adequate pension provision.

Business documents

Prepare a detailed business plan with capital requirement and funding sources, a revenue forecast for at least three years, a CV showing relevant experience, proof of capital or loan commitments, and any licences. Freelancers add client letters, portfolio and qualifications.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport with at least two blank pages, signed, plus copy of the data page
  • National visa application (Consular Services Portal) and Section 54 declaration
  • Biometric photo, 35 × 45 mm

Money

  • Proof of capital (bank statements) or loan commitments

Work

  • Business plan with funding plan and revenue forecast

Study

  • Diplomas and proof of professional experience

Insurance

  • Health insurance

Other

  • CV in table form covering your career

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Money

  • Applicants over 45: proof of adequate pension provision

Work

  • Freelancers: letters of intent from clients, portfolio, licence to practise

Settlement after three years

If the planned activity has been successfully carried out and your livelihood is secured, a settlement permit can be granted after three years; the fee is EUR 124.

Family

Spouses of § 21 permit holders are exempt from the German language requirement for reunification. Livelihood and living space must be sufficient for the family.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check whether your degree or vocational qualification is recognised: university degrees via the anabin database or a ZAB statement of comparability, vocational qualifications through the competent recognition body.
  2. Book an appointment in the self-employment category as the German mission responsible for your place of residence instructs; for categories processed online you are directed to the Consular Services Portal to file the application and upload documents.
  3. Attend the appointment with original documents, give fingerprints and pay the EUR 75 visa fee.
  4. The mission obtains the Federal Employment Agency's approval where needed and the foreigners authority's consent; you are told when the visa can be collected.
  5. After entry, register your address within two weeks and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority before the visa expires.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum investment?

No fixed amount. The authority assesses whether the funding is sufficient for the plan.

Can freelancers apply?

Yes, under § 21(5) for liberal professions, with any required licence.

When can I get a settlement permit?

After three years if the business is successful and your livelihood is secured.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Germany

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: The visa is usually issued for several months; the residence permit in Germany is normally granted for two years at a time, at least one year, and renewed while studies progress.
  • Language course visa Validity: For the length of the course.
  • Researcher visa Validity: At least one year, or the length of the research project if shorter.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Up to six months for the EU internship permit
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: Six to twelve months

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Appointment waiting times depend on the mission; after submission the Federal Employment Agency approval adds a few weeks. The accelerated skilled-worker procedure shortens this.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the employment contract plus three months if shorter.
  • EU Blue Card Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the contract plus three months.
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: Up to one year; a follow-up Opportunity Card of up to two years is possible for a qualified job that does not yet meet another permit.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Validity: Length of the transfer, at most three years (one year for trainees).
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months, once

Family

  • Family reunification visa Validity: Visa for entry; the residence permit is then issued in line with the sponsor's permit.
  • Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Same appointment system and waiting times as other family reunification visas at the mission responsible for you.

Residence

Faster processing

  • Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: Recognition authority: decision within two months; Federal Employment Agency: one week; mission: appointment within three weeks and decision usually within three weeks of a complete application.

Protection

  • Asylum and international protection Processing time: Regular procedure: six months from the application; accelerated procedure: at most three months; border procedure: at most twelve weeks.

Germany visa guide