Artist’s Residence Permit:

Germany has a heart for artists but you still have to prove that you are an artist. You generally prove that with an art diploma. But that does not mean, you will have no chance without one. "Having a heart" means that they will grant you a permit for sure if you can seriously show that you can make it here as an artist.

Do you want to know your chances? This is a pretty easy answer: If you can show that you are an artist and have sufficient funds, you are almost here. What are sufficient funds? That much money is needed to finance your private livelihood and what you need for your business and that for the first year. The more you can show the better. For a single, the absolute minimum will be 18 k€ for one year.

Why is this? Simple. Germany is interested in having foreign artists here to enhance the artists' scene.

Persons over 45 Years

If you are 45 years or older, you have to show an adequate pension plan or other retirement provisions. This coverage can be either the state pension plan from home, private savings, having closed a German pension plan, or a mixture of all. The government wants to make sure that you will not be dependent on welfare upon retiring. N.B. This is only relevant for the very first permit!

Immigration Services for Artists Still Abroad  

Artist's Support for Persons Freshly Graduated in Germany t.b.a.