How much money should I show?

There is no legal number. Practically, authorities want your projected income and/or savings to comfortably cover Berlin living costs (rent, ~€1,200+/month total) for the permit period. More runway = stronger case.

Freiberufler or Gewerbe — why does it matter?

Different permits (§ 21 Abs. 5 vs Abs. 1), different taxes (no trade tax for Freiberufler) and different paperwork. E-commerce or agency-like businesses count as Gewerbe and face a stricter economic-interest test.

Can I also take a part-time job?

Only if your permit allows it — the title is issued for self-employment. A switch or addition requires Ausländerbehörde approval.

§ 21 Abs. 5 AufenthG

Freelance Visa: from United Arab Emirates to Germany

For liberal professions — developers, designers, writers, artists, teachers, consultants. Famous as the 'Berlin freelance visa'. You must show client interest, a viable financial plan and (over 45) pension provision. No fixed salary threshold, but expect to prove roughly living-cost-level income.

Entry & visa rule: Visa-free for short stays, but a national (D) visa is required to live and work in Germany.

Requirements

Your activity qualifies as a liberal profession (freier Beruf), not a trade (Gewerbe)
§ 18 EStG catalogue: scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, educational activities; engineers, IT consultants, translators etc. Trades need § 21 Abs. 1 instead.
Letters of intent from (ideally German) clients
Berlin practice: at least 2 letters of intent substantially help.
Secured livelihood: financial plan, savings, expected revenue
If 45+: proof of adequate old-age provision
Health insurance valid in Germany

How to apply

Prepare the freelance dossier
CV, portfolio, 2+ letters of intent, financial plan (revenue forecast), proof of savings, health insurance, qualification certificates.
Apply — abroad or in Berlin
Nationals of § 41 AufenthV countries (US, UK, CA, AU, JP, KR, IL, NZ) can enter visa-free and apply at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA). Everyone else applies via the Consular Services Portal first.
Official page ↗
Register your freelance activity
After Anmeldung, file the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung via ELSTER to get your tax number; then you can invoice.
Official page ↗
Plan insurance & pension
Freelancers choose between voluntary public insurance (income-based) and private insurance (age/health-based) — compare carefully; switching back to public is hard.

Full details, FAQs and sources for this path: Residence permit for freelancers (Freiberufler) → · Back to United Arab Emirates →