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Freelancer's Visa for Germany: some questions

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Ubahn
  8/21/2015 18:29 EST

I'm a web designer/developer planning on moving to EU with my wife this fall. I've lived in Germany, speak german, and it seems attractive. (I'm a US citizen, as is my wife)

The artist/freelancer's visa in Berlin seems a good place to start.

• Would my wife be able to remain with me in Berlin if I got a artist/freelancer's visa? Could she seek work of any kind or would she need to obtain her own artist/freelancer's visa?
• Is the freelancer's visa option available in other cities in Germany? (I've lived in Hamburg, and there's less unemployment there I think, so that's a thought)
• If I were in Berlin (or elsewhere) on a freelancer's visa and a full-time position came up, would I be able to apply to a regular work visa without leaving Germany?
• I see in the requirements for the freelancer's visa that if you're over 45 you have to provide "pension insurance", but NOT if you're from the USA. But elsewhere it seems to contradict that. Anybody know the story?

Thanks for any help — if you have links for me to pursue that's great too, but first-hand experiences are best.

kwaaikat
  4/20/2017 07:45 EST

Curious to know whether you ever followed through on the freelance option?

As for your questions. You probably know by now it applies to everywhere in Germany, and that your wife can join. I read somewhere that US citizens over 45 are exempt from the pension requirement initially, for the visa, but do require it for permanent residence.

My question is the practicalities. Is it easier in Germany? Can I visit as a tourist, setup some rental agreement to get the process going? Or can/should I in my home country, in which case do I still need to be registered as a foreigner living in Germany.

If you (or anybody else) can help, I'll appreciate. I am in a similar situation. My wife and I are South African citizens, I am a BI consultant, and I speak German (B2).

I run one man business here in South Africa, which can be transferred, and have have verified financial statements to base a realistic business plan and income projection on. I have a client in Austria.

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