DE Business & investor Temporary

Germany Self-Employment / Freelance Visa (Sec 21)

Run a business (Sec 21(1)) or freelance (Sec 21(5)) in Germany.

Who this route is for

Entrepreneurs founding a German business and liberal-profession freelancers (Freiberufler) such as IT consultants, engineers, artists, writers and doctors.

Eligibility requirements

Viable business plan or, for freelancers, German client contracts / letters of intent showing demand
Relevant professional qualifications or licence to practise the activity
Proof the venture can finance the applicant's living costs (and a positive economic-interest/regional-need assessment for business founders)
Applicants over 45 must additionally show adequate pension provision or assets
Private or statutory health insurance
No fixed minimum capital required since the 2024 reform

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Germany & Europe visa requirements on VisaGlance — Before the points test, check whether you need a visa just to enter Germany & Europe — and which one fits your passport — on our companion site VisaGlance.

Other Germany & Europe routes

Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)

Temporary

US citizens can live in the Netherlands as self-employed with just EUR 4,500 in business capital.

Netherlands Startup Visa

Temporary

One year to build an innovative startup with a recognised Dutch facilitator.

Portugal D2 Entrepreneur / Self-Employment Visa

Temporary

Start a business or work as a freelancer in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa (Investment Residence)

Provisional

Residence by investment with minimal stay — funds, culture or research, no longer real estate.

All Germany & Europe immigration routes