Getting a visa as a freelance musician

I'm a musician, composer, and music teacher. I've been intending to apply for a visa based on the fact that I've been studying German in an intensive class. But I'm wondering if it is possible to apply for a visa based on being self-employed as a freelance musician and music teacher. (I currently have a small but stable handful of students which is growing).

Has anyone ever done this? Are the requirements difficult to meet? I was somewhat established in NYC as a jazz performer and composer, and I have a BA in music. Am I naive in thinking that the city of Berlin would look favorably upon those with the potential to enhance the city's art and cultural life?

Would I have to prove I'm currently making a living as a musician? (which would be impossible legally since I've been in Berlin for 2 months). If I can perform here legally, can I also teach private lessons?

Hmmm, you can't apply for a visa based on illegal under the table work income.

Go to your Auslanderbehoerde and tell them that you want to take the German Language and Integration course offered at almost all VHS - Volkshochschules. It costs a lot less, and lasts a lot longer than any intensive German language course, and counts toward your Zertifikat Deutsch. It's about a hundred Euros per month, and you go to school Monday to Thursday or Friday for 3 or 4 hours in the morning.

Register for the course and bring proof that you are registered, when they ask you to for your Visa application.

That was how I got to stay in Germany as an American Passport holder. It was the only way I was allowed to stay. I am a freelance artisan and a home owner. That did not cut it at the Foreigner's office... Not even a teeny tiny little bit.

OR, apply for work at a local private music school - I know then it pays less, but it's at least legal. You have credentials and education. Or, apply for the visa for the language course and then look for work on the side, like I did. With luck you will find a company who wants your unique skills.

Good luck,
CA

You will need health insurance in D.
There is a special Krankenkasse just for Artists - Kunstlerkrankenkasse or similar (try German Google).
Musicians are treated as artists. Advantage is that it is a lot cheaper.
If you are a big earner and will stay that way, you can insure privately

The Krankenkasse for artists is the Künstlersozialkasse. Their helpful website is all in German 'tho

Definitely do this. You will get a student visa, with which you may work, albeit with some sort of proof of an employer. If you can prove that you make enough income and can pay health insurance, have a place to live, etc., it's just like any other freelance job and should be possible. You definitely should NOT say that you've been earning money over the last 2 months, since officially you must have some sort of permit to do so. If they ask why you entered 2 months ago and have not applied for a visa, just say you've been travelling around and decided to stay.


Why is it illegal to take an income in cash? As long as he claims his taxes it's not "under the table.."

Maybe because he would be working without a work visa?

I have Freiberufliche Tätigkeit als Sänger, Gesangslehrer, und Sprachlehrer gestattet.

I presented 'letters of intent to study' from several voice students' including number of lessons per month, schedule, and cost, etc.
I also brought in contracts from gigs and such.

I think 'they' are looking for about €1000 per month income, with health insurance.

if you have any questions, feel free to PM me.