Germany digital nomad visa
Freelance Residence Permit (Freiberufler) (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur freiberuflichen Taetigkeit) · Europe
Germany offers the Freelance Residence Permit (Freiberufler) for remote workers and digital nomads. The minimum income requirement is No fixed figure (case-by-case viability test), the visa is valid for Initially up to 3 years (yes if the business is viable; settlement permit possible after 5 years), and the government fee is Up to EUR 100 (residence permit). Progressive income tax 0% (allowance ~EUR 12,348) up to 45%; Freiberufler exempt from trade tax; VAT 19% (small-business exemption below ~EUR 22,000). Yes (general family-reunion rules); spouse usually needs A1 German; no fixed per-dependent figure on the freelance route. These figures are a dated snapshot — verify on the official government source before applying.
Source: Make it in Germany (federal government portal). Data as of June 2026.
Germany nomad visa at a glance
| Item | Germany |
|---|---|
| Minimum income | No fixed figure (case-by-case viability test) |
| Visa duration | Initially up to 3 years |
| Renewable | Yes if the business is viable; settlement permit possible after 5 years |
| Government fee | Up to EUR 100 (residence permit) |
| Tax for nomads | Progressive income tax 0% (allowance ~EUR 12,348) up to 45%; Freiberufler exempt from trade tax; VAT 19% (small-business exemption below ~EUR 22,000) |
| Processing time | ~6-10 weeks from abroad; ~4-8 weeks in-country (Berlin slower) |
| Family / dependents | Yes (general family-reunion rules); spouse usually needs A1 German; no fixed per-dependent figure on the freelance route |
Source: Make it in Germany (federal government portal). Data as of June 2026.
Income requirement
No fixed figure (case-by-case viability test). Germany has no dedicated DNV; the freelance permit is the route. No fixed national income figure by design; the local Auslaenderbehoerde judges whether you can finance yourself.
Requirements & eligibility
Viable business plan; proof of financing; demand in Germany (client letters of intent); professional licence if required; health insurance; pension provision if over 45; valid passport.
Tax for digital nomads in Germany
Progressive income tax 0% (allowance ~EUR 12,348) up to 45%; Freiberufler exempt from trade tax; VAT 19% (small-business exemption below ~EUR 22,000).
Tax is the single most variable part of nomad life. Whether you owe tax in Germany depends on how long you stay (most countries treat 183+ days as tax residency), where your income arises, your citizenship, and any double-tax treaty with your home country. This is general information, not tax advice — confirm with Germany's tax authority and a cross-border tax professional.
Family & dependents
Yes (general family-reunion rules); spouse usually needs A1 German; no fixed per-dependent figure on the freelance route.
Processing time
~6-10 weeks from abroad; ~4-8 weeks in-country (Berlin slower).
Data quality for Germany
Partly from secondary sources — verify on the official source. Verified against the official Germany source. Figures are a snapshot as of June 2026; income thresholds in particular change (several are tied to local minimum or average wages and recalculated yearly). See our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income requirement for the Germany digital nomad visa?
No fixed figure (case-by-case viability test). Germany has no dedicated DNV; the freelance permit is the route. No fixed national income figure by design; the local Auslaenderbehoerde judges whether you can finance yourself. Always confirm the current figure on the official source, as it can change.
How long is the Germany digital nomad visa valid, and can I renew it?
The initial validity is Initially up to 3 years. Yes if the business is viable; settlement permit possible after 5 years.
How much does the Germany digital nomad visa cost?
The government fee is Up to EUR 100 (residence permit). This excludes lawyer, translation, apostille and insurance costs, which vary.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Germany?
Progressive income tax 0% (allowance ~EUR 12,348) up to 45%; Freiberufler exempt from trade tax; VAT 19% (small-business exemption below ~EUR 22,000). This is general information, not tax advice — verify with Germany's tax authority and your home country, because your liability depends on tax residency and where your income arises.
Can my family join me on the Germany nomad visa?
Yes (general family-reunion rules); spouse usually needs A1 German; no fixed per-dependent figure on the freelance route
Other Europe nomad visas
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CroatiaDigital Nomad Residence Permit · $3,900/mo
CyprusDigital Nomad Visa · $3,800/mo
CzechiaLong-term Business Visa (Zivno) · No income requirement
EstoniaDigital Nomad Visa (Type D) · $4,900/mo
GeorgiaRemotely from Georgia / 1-year visa-free · $2,000/mo
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Last updated: 2026-06-20