Germany Freelance / Self-Employment Visa (§21)

Min investment

On request

Time to status

~1–4 months

Path to citizenship

Self-employed (Selbständige): settlement permit possible after 3 years if the business succeeds; freelancers (Freiberufler): PR after the standard 5 years. Citizenship after 5 years (3 for exceptional integration). Dual citizenship now allowed.

Residency requirement

Run a viable freelance/self-employed activity and remain self-sufficient.

Visa-free destinations

Not specified

Dual citizenship allowed

Yes

Notes

Residence for freelancers (Freiberufler) and the self-employed/entrepreneurs under §21 AufenthG. No fixed minimum capital — you must show a viable activity, secured financing, and (for freelancers) client contracts/letters of intent plus relevant qualifications; for businesses, a genuine economic interest/impact. Self-employed can qualify for a settlement permit after 3 years if the business is successful; freelancers after the standard 5 years.

About Germany

Healthcare

★★★★★

Safety

★★★★★

Cost of living

High

Climate

Temperate