§ 21 Abs. 5 AufenthG
Residence permit for freelancers (Freiberufler)
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.
Last verified: 21 July 2026 · Legal basis: § 21 Abs. 5 AufenthG
Duration
36 months
Usually up to 3 years; extension if the business sustains you.
Family
Family reunification possible if income and housing are sufficient — freelancer income is scrutinised more strictly than employment.
Permanent residence
Permanent residence after 5 years (§ 9 AufenthG) with secured livelihood and pension contributions/provision; German B1 helps.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.