You want to freelance in Germany. We get you the Residence Permit.

You want to freelance in Germany. We get you the Residence Permit.

For artists, consultants, creatives, and independent professionals ready to make Germany home.

Freelance Residence Permit

Freelance Residence Permit

The residence permit for self-employed professionals in Germany.

Overview

Overview

Germany welcomes freelancers but only if your paperwork proves it.

You need a revenue forecast that makes sense, client letters that say the right things, and health insurance that actually qualifies.

Most people get rejected because one of these is off. We make sure yours isn't.

What's included

What's included

  • Revenue forecast preparation

  • Client letter guidance

  • Health insurance check

  • Full document review

  • Application preparation

  • Application submission

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

The exact application types, fields, and situations.

All nationalities

All nationalities

Whether you're from India, Nigeria, Brazil, or anywhere else! Your nationality doesn't limit our ability to help.

Creatives & independents

Creatives & independents

Artists, writers, designers, translators, photographers, coaches, consultants, and similar roles.

Licensed professions

Licensed professions

Doctors, architects, engineers, lawyers, tax advisors — roles that require professional certification.

For all needs

For all needs

Application from scratch, Follow-ups, inaction lawsuit

Requirements

Requirements

Your work qualifies as freelance under German law

At least 2 client letters of intent

German health insurance (public or private)

Pension proof if you're 45+

Process & Timelines

Process & Timelines

Here's exactly what happens when you start with Drift.

1

You send us your documents

You send us your documents

Share your CV, client contacts, and any existing paperwork. We review everything and tell you what's missing.

2

We build your application

We build your application

We build your application

We prepare your revenue forecast and guide your clients on writing letters that won't raise red flags.

3

You attend your appointment

You attend your appointment

Show up at the Ausländerbehörde with a complete file. We prep you on what to expect.

4

Your permit is issued

Your permit is issued

After approval, your electronic residence permit is ready for pickup.

What it costs

What it costs

Immigration law is complex and every case is different, so costs naturally vary. But through how Drift works, our clients pay on average 60% less than traditional law firm quotes.

We charge you one flat fee, Always

We charge you one flat fee, Always

You know the full cost upfront. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices. Lawyers only step in when necessary.

Higher Efficiency, Lower cost

Higher Efficiency, Lower cost

When lawyers are needed, We handle the admin and prep so they focus on review which keeps costs down for you.

Your exact price

depends on your case

Application type, responsible authority, and level of legal support all affect the final quote.

Still hesitant ? Book a free intro call to get a clear number before you commit.

3 Reasons to apply with Drift.

3 Reasons to apply with Drift.

Every case is different, but these three things stay the same.

You end up paying less

One flat fee, no hourly billing. We automate the admin work so lawyers focus on review which keeps costs down for you.

99% of Applications with Drift get approved, on the first try!

99% of Applications with Drift get approved, on the first try!

We check every document and form before submission. Mistakes that cause rejections don't make it past our review.

You always stay on track

You always stay on track

You'll know what's happening at every step. No chasing, no radio silence. We update you before you have to ask.

By the people, for the people.

Inspired, Created and Driven by people like you

We’re driven by the people we serve: Immigrants, families, and founders whose journeys define the solutions we deliver.

"…I am so happy you are working to solve this …"

German bureaucracy is such a big issue here. I am so happy you are working to solve this problem; there is a lot of scope for improvement. I will sign up for sure. Wishing you lots of success. I hope this post reaches other immigrants as well

"An outstanding experience"

My naturalization process had been stuck for months, but they were able to unblock it. Even if they hadn’t reached the final goal, the progress made was already an achievement because I hadn’t heard anything back from the LEA since the very beginning.

Drift asked me to submit my documents at the end of October, and just two months later after a little back and forth with the LEA, I received my citizenship appointment on December 23rd. The team is super responsive, professional, and clearly very competent. I couldn’t recommend them more. Getting the process completed in less than two months was totally worth it.

"This is amazing! Excellent work…"

This is amazing! Excellent work, especially in the times we are living in. I am an immigrant myself, which would be helpful before. Congratulations again!

"Helpful, Patient, Prompt and Informative…"

The Drift Team was extremely helpful and provided great advice from the intro call and right through till the process was successfully completed.


Nouran, the head of immigration, was patient and prompt with all the information we asked and the follow ups with the LEA.


I would highly recommend reaching out to them if you face roadblocks in your immigration process.

"Great first discussion"

Great first discussion, the team took their time to listen and understand what we wanted. Well done!

"…No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone…"

This hits home. I applied for German citizenship in 2022, finally got it in 2023—and even with all the privilege of stability and resources, the process was brutal.


So much waiting, so much paperwork, and so many moments of 'Did I mess this up?' I love what you're building with Drift. No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone. Making the process accessible? That's a game- changer. Cheering you on!

"…I am so happy you are working to solve this …"

German bureaucracy is such a big issue here. I am so happy you are working to solve this problem; there is a lot of scope for improvement. I will sign up for sure. Wishing you lots of success. I hope this post reaches other immigrants as well

"Helpful, Patient, Prompt and Informative…"

The Drift Team was extremely helpful and provided great advice from the intro call and right through till the process was successfully completed.


Nouran, the head of immigration, was patient and prompt with all the information we asked and the follow ups with the LEA.


I would highly recommend reaching out to them if you face roadblocks in your immigration process.

"An outstanding experience"

My naturalization process had been stuck for months, but they were able to unblock it. Even if they hadn’t reached the final goal, the progress made was already an achievement because I hadn’t heard anything back from the LEA since the very beginning.

Drift asked me to submit my documents at the end of October, and just two months later after a little back and forth with the LEA, I received my citizenship appointment on December 23rd. The team is super responsive, professional, and clearly very competent. I couldn’t recommend them more. Getting the process completed in less than two months was totally worth it.

"Great first discussion"

Great first discussion, the team took their time to listen and understand what we wanted. Well done!

"This is amazing! Excellent work…"

This is amazing! Excellent work, especially in the times we are living in. I am an immigrant myself, which would be helpful before. Congratulations again!

"…No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone…"

This hits home. I applied for German citizenship in 2022, finally got it in 2023—and even with all the privilege of stability and resources, the process was brutal.


So much waiting, so much paperwork, and so many moments of 'Did I mess this up?' I love what you're building with Drift. No one should have to go through immigration feeling lost, frustrated, or alone. Making the process accessible? That's a game- changer. Cheering you on!