Digital Nomads in Germany (2026): What Official Pages Say

Short stays and EU citizens

The Federal Foreign Office says EU citizens do not need a visa to visit, live or work in Germany; they only have to register locally. For nationals of countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area, it says visits to the Schengen area are restricted to 90 days in any period of 180 days. It adds that most non-EU foreigners who want to work in Germany, or stay longer than 90 days for other purposes, usually need a visa. The German Embassy in London, writing for British citizens and other visa-free nationals, says a stay of more than 90 days within any 180-day period needs a D visa and/or residence permit.

auswaertiges-amt.de: Visa for Germany (FAQ) uk.diplo.de: Professional activities not classed as economic activities/ work

Work during a short stay

The German Embassy in London page lists activities that British citizens and nationals of other visa-free countries can carry out without a visa, within the 90-day limit, and says the list is not exhaustive, is a guideline only and is not legal advice. It says any economic activity not listed, and not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period, requires a C visa authorising such activity. For business travellers it says the traveller must keep their habitual residence abroad and the exemption does not apply to self-employed individuals. It does not class consultancy, technical and other services of any kind as standard business travel.

uk.diplo.de: Professional activities not classed as economic activities/ work

After arrival: British citizens

The German Embassy in London page says British citizens may apply to the local immigration office for their residence permits after arrival in Germany and do not need to have obtained a visa before travelling to Germany. It adds that you need to register your new residence with the authorities within 2 weeks of having moved in and apply for your residence permit with the local immigration office within the first 90 days of your stay in Germany.

uk.diplo.de: Professional activities not classed as economic activities/ work

How the Act assesses a business

Section 21(1) of the Residence Act says a residence permit for self-employment may be granted where there is an economic interest or a regional need, the activity can be expected to have positive effects on the economy, and the financing is secured by own capital or a loan commitment. It says the assessment looks in particular at how viable the business idea is, the person's entrepreneurial experience, the amount of capital, the effects on jobs and training, and the contribution to innovation and research. The Act says the expert bodies for the place of the planned activity, the trade authorities, the public-law professional bodies and the authorities responsible for professional licensing must be involved in the check.

gesetze-im-internet.de: § 21 AufenthG - Selbständige Tätigkeit

The freelance residence permit

Section 21(5) of the Residence Act says a residence permit for freelance work may be granted, departing from subsection 1. Section 21(4) limits a self-employment permit to at most three years, but subsection 5 says subsection 4 does not apply to the freelance permit.

gesetze-im-internet.de: § 21 AufenthG - Selbständige Tätigkeit

What this page does not cover

This page does not cover working remotely for an employer or clients outside Germany, fees, taxes, or social security contributions. Check the official pages for them.