Updated: August 16, 2026 · Freelance visa
Freelance residence permit and pension contributions: why you shouldn't delay a § 21 application
Right now, pension contributions are optional for most freelancers in Germany: you can pay into the state system or build your own savings. But the rules may change.
What's being proposed
A government commission has proposed making pension insurance mandatory for new self-employed people (Selbstständige). For those already self-employed, the commission suggests an option to opt out of compulsory insurance.
What it could cost
- The contribution rate for statutory pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) is 18.6%.
- The standard contribution for categories of self-employed people who already have to pay is €735.63 per month in 2026.
For a freelancer just starting out, that's a significant expense to factor into the financial plan for the residence permit.
Why it matters for a § 21 permit
Pension provision already plays a role in immigration procedures: applicants over 45 must prove adequate pension provision, and permanent residence usually requires pension contributions or comparable savings. More in German freelance visa: from visa D to citizenship.
The law hasn't been passed yet, and the final version may differ from the commission's proposal. But if you're planning a freelance residence permit under § 21 AufenthG, we recommend considering applying in 2026 rather than putting it off.
We help with freelance residence permits
Strategy, a financial plan that accounts for insurance, and the full document package — from client letters of intent to the Ausländerbehörde application. More on the Freelance visa page.
FAQ
Do freelancers in Germany have to pay pension contributions?
Right now contributions are optional for most freelancers: you can pay into the state system or build your own savings. A government commission has proposed making pension insurance mandatory for new self-employed people.
How much could the contributions cost?
The contribution rate for statutory pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) is 18.6%. The standard contribution for categories of self-employed people who already have to pay is €735.63 per month in 2026.
Would compulsory insurance affect people who are already self-employed?
For those already self-employed, the commission suggests an option to opt out of compulsory insurance. The law hasn't been passed yet, and the final version may differ from the commission's proposal.
Why do pension contributions matter for a § 21 permit?
Applicants over 45 must prove adequate pension provision, and permanent residence usually requires pension contributions or comparable savings. That makes contributions worth building into the financial plan in advance.