Freelance Residence Permit ("Freiberufler") · British applicants
Germany digital nomad visa for British applicants (2026)
Post-Brexit, Brits lost the right to simply move to Germany and now face the same Freiberufler process as Americans — proof of freelance work, city-variable requirements, no classic nomad visa. The 90/180-day Schengen limit is the backdrop: without the permit, Brits get three months. Berlin remains the practical hub for British freelancers, but its Ausländerbehörde is also the most overloaded.
Key facts for British applicants
- Minimum income
- €992/month — No official income threshold exists — €992/mo is the 2026 blocked-account (Sperrkonto) subsistence level commonly cited; actual requirements vary by Ausländerbehörde — flag as variable.
- Maximum stay
- Up to 3 years, renewable
- Processing time
- 8–12 weeks typical; varies widely by city.
- Fees
- ~€100 (varies by state)
- Family
- Family reunification is possible, but the income and savings bar rises — you must show you can support your household without public funds. Confirm the current figures with your local Ausländerbehörde.
- Health insurance
- Required — must be valid for the full stay
How to apply from the UK
1Confirm you clear the bar
Germany requires No official income threshold exists — €992/mo is the 2026 blocked-account (Sperrkonto) subsistence level commonly cited; actual requirements vary by Ausländerbehörde — flag as variable.. Run your numbers through our income checker first — it is the fastest way to rule countries in or out.
2Apply from the UK
British applicants apply at the German consulate serving their UK address or at the local Ausländerbehörde after visa-free entry. Expect the process to hinge on the specific city office — research its current requirements before applying.
3Prepare for the permit stage
Visa-free nationals (e.g. US, UK) may enter Germany and apply directly at the local Ausländerbehörde in some cities — practice varies city to city. Nationals who need a visa must secure it at a consulate before arrival.
4Sort tax before you fly
Tax residency usually follows 183+ days of presence, and your home country may still want a return. Read the tax notes below, then confirm your position with a qualified advisor.
Tax notes
German progressive tax applies once you are tax-resident, and freelancers handle their own social contributions (health insurance, pension). If you are over 45, you must additionally show adequate old-age pension provision. Get a Steuerberater (tax advisor) early — German freelance taxation is technical.
Tax rules are simplified here and change often. Confirm your position with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions.
Frequently asked questions
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Not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently and consulates interpret them differently. Always verify current requirements with the official consulate or immigration authority before applying. Official source: Make it in Germany — Visa for freelance business (official government portal).