Germany does not have a specific digital nomad visa. However, they offer a visa for freelancers, known as the Freiberufler Visa. Here are some key details about it:

1. Application Process: To apply for this visa, you need to fill in the application form, pay the visa fee, provide proof of income, and submit documents proving your online activity.
2. Visa Categories: The Freiberufler Visa is divided into two categories:
   • Entry Visa for Freelancers (D Visa): This visa can be applied for at the German embassy or consulate nearest to you and is only valid for a few months. It is essential for entering Germany and for the authorities to know that you intend to work as a freelancer in the country.
   • Residence Permit for Self-Employed Persons: This permit allows you to stay in Germany on a long-term basis, and is applied for at the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) once you are already in the country.
3. Insurance Requirement: You need to take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses during your stay in the country.
4. Work Scope: The visa allows freelancers to live and work in the country with both domestic and international clients.
5. Duration: The visa allows you to live and work in Germany for up to 3 years, as well as to travel freely within the Schengen area.

Eligiblity

To be eligible for the Freiberufler Visa in Germany, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. Profession: Your profession must be needed or financially beneficial to Germany3. The profession you’ve chosen to pursue defines your eligibility for becoming a freelancer1. If the profession you’re thinking of exercising here is acknowledged as a liberal profession ‘Freibe Berufe’, you’ll be able to be a freelancer ‘Freiberufle’. Otherwise, if the job is listed as a commercial profession, you’ll only be able to be a businessperson 'Gewerbe’.
2. Clients: You must prove that there are clients interested in working with you. Your prospective clients must write letters of intent, proving they plan to hire you.
3. Income: You must prove that you have sufficient means to live comfortably – at least €9,000 per year. You must make enough money to support yourself.
4. Education: You must offer an intellectual service and have a degree or equivalent education.
5. Residence: You must have legal residence in Germany.
6. Pension Plan: If you are over 45, you must have an adequate pension plan.

Required documents

To apply for the Freiberufler Visa in Germany, you need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed National Visa Application Form: Fill in the application form correctly.
2. Valid National Passport: Your passport should be valid.
3. Two Recently Taken Biometric Photographs: These photos should be recent.
4. Paid Visa Application Fee: Proof of payment for the German freelance visa application fee.
5. Health Insurance: As a freelancer in Germany, you can decide whether you want public or private health insurance. You may also have to get travel insurance, especially if you need an entry visa. Recommendation Letters from the Previous Employer: Submit recommendation letters from your previous employer.
6. Updated CV: Include your professional and academic experiences.
7. Portfolio of Your Previous Work: Submit printed samples of your previous experience profession.
8. Professional Authorization: Provide a license or other authorization to prove your expertise and relevance to the intended profession. This is needed if you’re planning to exercise a profession that requires prior experience in the field, like in Medicine or law.
9. Certificates of Former Education: Show evidence of academic achievements.
10. Enough Financial Means: Prove that you have enough money to cover your living and freelancing costs. This can be done by providing your latest bank statements.

How to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Germany

Citizens from countries outside of the EU or EEA need permission to live and work in Germany. Anyone from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea can apply directly for the visa in Germany1. Citizens of other countries must apply for the Freelance Visa at their nearest German consulate.

Here are the steps to apply for the Freiberufler Visa from outside Germany:

1. Prepare Early: Search for Clients in Germany. As a German freelance visa applicant, you have to demonstrate that your skills are in demand in Germany.
2. Use The Right Visa Form: Fill in the application form correctly.
3. Prepare Other Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents for the application.
4. Make Your Appointment: Book an appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.
5. Pay The Visa Fee: Pay the application fee for the German freelance visa.
6. Turn Up For Your Visa Interview: Attend your visa interview at the German Embassy or Consulate.
7. Track Your Application and Wait For The Decision: After submitting your application, track its progress and wait for the decision.