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Digital Nomad Visa in Germany: how to get it
Living and working in Germany is possible with the Digital Nomad Visa. Read all you need to know about it in this article!
February 14, 2023
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If you are one of those who like to travel while they work, the digital nomad visa for Germany is an option that you should consider. It was designed for all those travelers who work as freelancers or remotely that want to get to know a specific country and continue working at the same time.
Germany was the first country that regulated this type of Visa, with two alternatives, one for artists and the second one for professionals. You can get this Visa with a stay time from 6 months to 3 years. If you are eager to learn more about it, keep reading this article.
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What is a Digital Nomad?
Because of the pandemic, it was necessary to redesign the way we worked, we had to start working from home, remotely. Now that companies and employees have experienced the benefits of WFH, this trend has spread around the globe and is here to stay.
A Digital Nomad is a person who uses the internet to work from home or remotely, which lets them travel around the world and keep working at the same time.
Living in Germany and working remotely
Germany is one of the best European destinations to work remotely because it is a highly tech developed country, which will let you stay connected to the internet everywhere you go, and you will be able to choose the place you want to work remotely.
Thanks to this new Visa for Digital Nomads it is possible to live in Germany because you can stay there for 6 months to 3 years while you work at home, or in a coworking space.
Benefits of being a digital nomad
Being a Digital Nomad has many benefits, you can read them in the list below:
- You can work anywhere you are: The best thing about working remotely is that you only need to be connected to the internet, any place can be your office.
- You will be able to visit new places: Working remotely will let you visit many wonderful places. If you are in Germany, you can visit new cities in your spare time, or go to another European country.
- You will keep your motivation: As a Digital Nomad, you won’t have time to get bored because you will be able to visit new places all the time.
- You can reduce your costs: This is great because if you travel to a city with a low cost of living, you will be able to save more money.
- You will learn a new language: There is nothing better than learning a new language. We recommend you travel with at least some knowledge of the local language, so you can communicate with the citizens.
Disadvantages of being a digital nomad
The disadvantages of being a digital nomad are fewer if you compare them with the benefits. You can read them below:
- You will be far away from your loved ones: Living in another country you won’t have direct contact with your family and friends, so you may feel a little lonely. But, looking at the bright side, you will be able to know new people and learn about their traditions and culture.
- You will feel tired: Visiting a new place can be exhausting because you will have to move a lot to know new places and explore the country.
- Schedule change: Depending on the country you will experience a huge schedule shift, which can be a problem to sleep or meetings.
- Different laws and rules: It will be great if you familiarize yourself with the laws before you travel to another country because some regions have very strict norms that can be the reason for a penalty if you break them.
How do I get the digital nomad visa?
Living in Germany is not as hard as it might seem because, with the Digital Nomad Visa, you will be able to visit the country with no inconveniences or problems.
Germany is a very secure place to live in, and you will enjoy a very efficient public transportation service, diverse cultures, great living quality, a good health system, and a very varied gastronomy.
Prerequisites to get the Digital Nomad Visa:
- Working remotely, or being a freelancer.
- Prove that you have an income that will let you live comfortably in Germany (not less than €1400).
- Having a pension plan if you are older than 45. (It does not apply to citizens from the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, or the United States).
- Have an address in Germany.
- Ask personally for the Visa.
If you meet the requirements, you will be able to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, but you will have to show the following documentation:
- Valid and current passport.
- Biometric photo: It must be 35 mm x 45 mm. It is important that you have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.
- Fill out the form ‘Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels’.
- Proof or forecast of income. (Located in the forms section)
- In the case of artists and language teachers, they must present proof of regular income, be it their assets, transfers from the representatives in charge, or a declaration of obligation by a solvent third party.
- Fee contract.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Professional permissions.
- Health or life insurance.
- Proof of lease or home purchase.
- Proof of monthly rental costs.
The cost of the general procedure is €100. For those under 24 years of age, €22.80, and for persons over 24 years of age, €37. The duration of the process consists of 5 to 6 weeks.
How do Digital Nomads connect to the internet in Germany?
We are going to tell you below the different ways to connect to the internet in Germany, so you can keep in touch with your loved ones and coworkers.
eSIM card with mobile data for Germany
The eSIM or virtual SIM card is one of the best ways to connect to the internet nowadays, which is available for recent smartphones or high-end devices. Anyway, you can check the eSIM compatibility of your cellphone on the website. This has become popular for nomads looking for a Portugal eSIM and for similar destinations!
With the Holafly eSIM card for Germany, you will have unlimited data from 5 to 90 days, depending on your needs or the plan you get. One of the best advantages of the Holafly eSIM is that you’ll not only have data, but you’ll also be able to share mobile data with other people. This option allows you to share up to 500 MB per day!
When you buy Holafly’s eSIM cards for Europe, which give connections in Germany and other countries, we recommend you download their official app so you can create your profile, manage your purchases and data consumption, and have 24-hour customer service available.
SIM card Germany
If your cellphone is not eSIM compatible, you can obtain the traditional SIM card for Germany, which you can find at the airport or in different malls.
You may be interested in buying one of the eSIM plans available for your trip to Italy if your life as a digital nomad takes you to this destination!
Pocket WiFi
It is a small modem device that creates a private network for you and other devices to connect to. The disadvantage is that to use it, you will have to rent it from an authorized provider online, which means that you will have to pay for the shipping too.
Renting a pocket WiFi means that you also have to pay for anti-theft insurance. We do not recommend this option because it is very expensive.
Local Internet
If you want to connect to the internet and save some money, you can use public networks, which you can find all over the city in places like libraries, cafés, or coworking spots.
Other countries that offer the Digital Nomad Visa:
- Eel
- Old and bearded
- Aruba
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- Cyprus
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curacao
- Dominica
- Dubai
- Ecuador
- Spain
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Grenade
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Iceland
- Cayman Islands
- Italy
- Latvia
- Malaysia
- Malt
- Mauricio
- Mexico
- Norway
- Panama
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Romania
- Thailand
Frequent Questions about Digital Nomad
The salary will depend on the work you do and the country of the company you are working for, so it can vary. But usually, the average salary starts at $20 per hour.
No. Digital Nomads have a visa with residence permit, which means they are different from tourists because they can stay in the country for more than 6 months.
Yes. In Germany and most European Union countries, you pay taxes if you have a residence, so you must register with the German Tax Agency to register your professional activity.
Remember that just like residents, you will be conducting an economic activity in the country so that you will be paying for the rent and buying regular day-to-day products.
All those who travel to Germany from another country must have health insurance issued by a certified or authorized provider. For Digital Nomads, the service will depend on the length of residence in the country because if they decide to stay for more than 6 months, they must get state or private insurance.
The terms and conditions to acquire state or private insurance will differ according to the country of origin and the professional group to which they belong.
