How to get Germany remote work visa?

Do I need a visa to work remotely in Germany?

Germany remote work visa is a great way to live and work in one of the best European cities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has undergone a significant transformation. The tourism and travel industry has seen the most of this change and has adapted to accommodate the new needs of the workforce. As people continue to be reluctant to travel, economic losses keep mounting for tourism-dependent countries. Employers now allow employees to work outside of the office. This is something most companies expect to embrace in the near future as a way to keep their employees safe.

Countries offering the digital nomad visa are meeting both these needs, namely tourist destinations that want to attract tourists while minimizing the risk of epidemics and workers who need a break from their homes.

Currently, forty-nine countries offer remote work permits for freelancers. One of the most sought-after is the digital nomad visa Germany. The Germany Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the German freelance visa, is a residence permit that allows digital nomads to work remotely from Germany. This visa is for freelancers as well as those who wish to conduct business in Germany.

Germany joins several European countries in regulating remote work Germany and encouraging young entrepreneurs and professionals to move to the country. It is pushing for programs to attract young people because of its declining birth rate.

The German digital nomad visa is not simply a visa. This residence permit allows you to reside in the country temporarily and can be used as a stepping stone toward permanent residency. While becoming a permanent resident of Germany can take three years, many foreigners have used the German freelance visa for temporary living while working remotely.

If you are interested in living as a digital nomad, your first step is to apply for a Germany remote work visa. However, getting one can be difficult and sometimes frustrating due to German bureaucracy. It’s worth the effort if you’re determined to live in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad is someone who lives a nomadic life and uses technology to work from their home country remotely. A digital nomad visa allows someone to work remotely from their home country.

Digital nomad visa is often not used by governments. Most regions give their visas a unique name, such as the Cayman Islands Global Citizen Concierge Program, or use more generic terms like residence permit.

Students and workers can use digital nomad visas. However, the requirements and costs may differ. The Work from Bermuda Certificate, for example, requires that scholars provide proof of their enrollment in a graduate, doctoral, research, or undergraduate program.

While the term “remote worker” has become more common, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a digital nomad. By necessity, all digital nomads work remotely. However, the term “remote worker” can also be used to describe those who work from their home or office. Although laws vary, the law generally prohibits a tourist from working while they are there.

Working remotely in your country wasn’t as common as it is today. Many employers believed that employees would not be as productive if they were away from work. For specific reasons, such as a family emergency or lack of workplace accommodations, those who had to work from home were granted special permission.

However, telecommuting is becoming more common thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies believe that telecommuting can improve productivity. Research shows that those who work remotely spend 1.4 times more time working than their colleagues in the office.

Benefits of a Germany remote work visa

You can legally stay in the country for the specified period without worrying about whether you might overstay your tourist visa. Also you can explore the country and live it as if you were a local. You can also bring your family along with you on some digital nomad visas. It is possible to use the country as your home base for exploring further afield. You can travel within the bloc visa-free if you have a digital nomad visa issued for a Schengen Area country.

You will also enjoy many benefits in the country where you are staying (especially for countries that depend on tourism and were affected by COVID). These Visas provide income injections to the local community and support local businesses through partnerships.

Many countries have also established support groups and communities for digital nomads. This is especially helpful if you’re moving to a new country. These factors make Germany remote work visa popular.

Cons of a Germany digital nomad visa

Remote work in a foreign country can lead to a lack of connections and a sense of being part of a larger community.

But before visiting Germany check new travel regulations. ETIAS Germany is the new European Travel e-Visa system which will start in 2025. European Travel Information and Authorization System, known as ETIAS will replace the current system and change the travel process for many visitors who are heading to Germany, including UK citizens. Until November 2025, British travelers heading to Germany will only need a valid biometric passport.

You should also remember that you will likely need to adapt to different cultures and learn a new language when living in another country. That’s part of why people want to be digital nomads, though, isn’t it?

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Germany?

Officially, the digital nomad visa for Germany is called the Freiberufler Visa. This visa is a residence permit that allows you to work and live in Germany as a freelancer.

There are two types of Germany remote work visa:

1. Freelancer Visa also known as the National Visa (D), this visa can be applied for at the German consulate or embassy near you. Although it is valid for only a few months, it is what you need to enter Germany. It also lets immigration officials know that you are entering Germany to freelance. You can exchange this visa for the Freelancer Residence Permit once you have entered Germany with this visa. This permits you to continue living in Germany and work as a freelancer.
2. Residence Permit for Freelancers –This residence permit allows you to live and work in Germany long-term. Once you have arrived in Germany, you can apply for this permit at the German Immigration Office. The entry visa is no longer valid once you have received the Residence Permit for Freelancers.

There are two types of German freelancer visas. Your occupation should determine which type of German Freelancer visa you apply for. The freelance employment visa is the first and is more applicable for digital nomads. This visa is for professionals whose work has made a positive impact on Germany’s economy and culture. Writers, artists, teachers, engineers, and doctors are all examples. A self-employment visa is granted to individuals who own or manage businesses.

Germany’s residence permit allows freelancers and self-employed visa Germany workers to stay in Germany for up to three months. However, this can be extended up to three more years. 26

Necessary Documents

Digital nomads will need to submit the following documents along with the visa application form:

• Passport
• Application form. The form is called the Freelance Residence Permit (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels). Fill out the form correctly.
• Passport-size photo. The photo should be recent and adheres to Germany’s visa photo requirements.
• Proof of income
• Letter of intent from clients. You need at least two letters from clients indicating their intention to hire you for your services.
• If you are a language teacher or an artist, you need proof of regular income, such as from your bank savings account, regular transfers, etc. You can also submit a declaration of obligation from a third party.
• Your CV
• For university graduates, provide proof of degree from a recognized institution.
• Health insurance – you need health insurance that will cover your medical expenses if you get sick while living in Germany. But since statutory health insurers will not enroll you without a visa, you need to acquire a private insurance plan first and then apply for statutory health insurance later.
• Rental lease confirmation from your landlord.
• Proof of address registration.
• If you are above 45 years old, submit proof of retirement plan, such as your savings, pension rights, assets, etc.
• If you will live in Germany as a business owner, here are the additional requirements to submit:
• Business plan
• Financing plan
• Proof of registration from the Trade Register.
• A letter from a university confirming that the education you acquired from the university is relevant to your business.

The application must be presented in person at the nearest German Embassy/Consulate. Prospective travelers must obtain a residence in Germany and register it with their local Residence Registration Office before applying for the residence permit. They will need to open a German bank account and register with the Tax Registration Office.

Why should I be moving to Germany self-employed?

Working remotely in Europe is a lifestyle choice for many. Germany is practically a dream spot for young entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers thanks to its laid-back culture and attractive work opportunities, as well as cosmopolitanism. Germany is an ideal country for digital nomads to live in. It’s rich in culture and offers decent internet speeds, which is a key factor for digital nomads. It has a great transportation system that is efficient and quick, which allows you to travel easily from one city to the next, even if you are on a short vacation. Moving to Germany self-employed is not a hard process.

Digital nomads have the option to choose to live in bustling cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or the snowcapped Bavarian Alps. No matter where you choose to base yourself, you can expect high-quality living while being a digital nomad.

As mentioned above, 2025 is going to be a big year for travelers. When ETIAS goes live in 2025 it will be mandatory for all qualifying people, including UK citizens, to submit an ETIAS application Germany. An approved ETIAS will be necessary for all travelers entering Germany or anywhere else within the Schengen zone.

Although Germany is a major economic player in Europe, it is relatively affordable to live as a digital nomad there. A digital nomad in Berlin can expect to spend an average of $3,912 per month. It is quite affordable to rent a studio apartment in a studio apartment for $1,362 per month.

There are plenty of things to do in the country on days you aren’t at work. You can also enjoy the many famous places of the country or simply relax in a beer garden to drink cold beer. If you feel you have the qualifications to work in Germany as a freelancer, you might consider applying for the Germany digital nomadic visa.

Digital nomads looking to relocate to beautiful, modern European countries have an exciting option: living in Germany. There is a growing digital nomad community in Germany, which one may meet in coworking spaces in major cities such as Berlin.

Germany freelance work visa FAQs

Can I live in Europe if I have a remote job?

Yes, provided you are living lawfully in a European country with a freelance visa scheme. Research has shown that 88% of employees would like to work remotely in cities or countries that have high standards of living. Working remotely is great because you can do it anywhere in Europe. If you are looking to move to Europe to live in luxury, Europe is the ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers.

Do I need a visa to work remotely in Germany?

Yes, to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a self-employed visa Germany, otherwise known as a Germany remote work visa. However, there are additional guarantees that you need to present. You must ensure your German residence permit approval if you are a digital nomad and want to move to Germany to work remotely. You must save EUR10,000 after tax in order to make this happen. This is the legal minimum. You may need to submit bank statements as part of your visa application. This depends on the circumstances. To ensure that you are able to sustain yourself from remote work, tax consultants often look at your work visa.

Does Schengen visa allow remote work?

No, it’s not allowed. A Schengen visa is a tourist visa, and you cannot take up gainful employment. However, many European countries, such as Germany, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Georgia, and the Czech Republic, offer freelance visas to remote workers willing to reside in the country.