In a bid to attract global talent and address a widening skills gap, Germany has introduced a streamlined visa programme specifically tailored for self-employed professionals and freelancers — at an application cost as low as €95 (approximately Dh388).
The “Freiberufler” visa, as it is officially known, offers an extended opportunity for non-European Union citizens to live and work in Germany legally for up to three years, with an option to extend further.
The scheme is gaining significant traction among professionals in the UAE, India, and Southeast Asia, especially amid the growing shift towards remote and independent work.
Unlike conventional work visas that require a binding employment contract, the Freiberufler visa permits individuals to establish themselves as independent service providers. Applicants must, however, demonstrate that they possess specialised expertise and a viable business model.
Who is eligible?
According to German immigration authorities, the visa targets highly skilled professionals working in intellectual or service-based professions. Eligible categories include but are not limited to:
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Writers, artists, and educators
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Doctors, psychologists, and legal professionals
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Engineers, architects, and business consultants
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Journalists, translators, and interpreters
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Aviation professionals, including pilots and aeronautical engineers
Applicants over the age of 45 must also present a viable pension plan to secure their long-term financial wellbeing.
Application requirements
To qualify, applicants must submit a comprehensive application package that includes:
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Proof of professional qualifications such as degrees and certifications
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A structured business plan detailing services, expected earnings, and client contracts
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Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support themselves without burdening the state
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Valid health insurance coverage approved for German residency
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Letters of intent or service contracts from potential clients — ideally based in Germany or the EU
The German authorities have underlined that while having connections within Germany or Europe is not mandatory, it significantly strengthens the application, demonstrating a clear intent to integrate into the local economy.
Affordable and flexible
With an application fee that translates to less than the cost of dinner at a high-end restaurant in Dubai, the visa’s affordability is being praised by many in the Gulf’s expatriate community. Social media groups and digital nomad forums in the UAE have recently seen a surge in discussions about the programme.
Hassan Qureshi, a 34-year-old Pakistani marketing consultant based in Abu Dhabi, told Dawn.com that he is in the process of applying. “This visa is a game-changer,” he said. “Germany offers stability, a strong economy, and access to the entire EU. I’ve already secured two potential clients in Berlin.”
No job offer required
The Freiberufler route sets itself apart from Germany’s traditional employment visa in that it removes the job-offer requirement — often a hurdle for freelancers whose work is client-based or project-oriented.
Instead, it encourages entrepreneurial spirit, requiring only a convincing plan, skills, and the financial means to be self-reliant.
