Update: I was wrong about needing a local address for a German freelance visa

I always thought you had to have a signed rental contract before applying, which held me back for a year. A lawyer in Berlin told me to just book a three month serviced apartment, use that address for the application, and then find a permanent place after the visa is approved. It worked perfectly and I got my visa in eight weeks. Has anyone else used a similar short-term rental trick for a visa in another country?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_thomas23d ago

Wish I'd known that a few years ago. Spent months stressing about finding a permanent flat in Amsterdam before even applying, it was a nightmare. Honestly, that kind of official advice can really trap you. Good on you for finding a workaround and sharing it.

tara_martin23d ago

Seriously, how bad can the official advice really be though?

fionat5523d ago

I read a report from the Dutch housing board last year. Their official waiting list times were off by over eighteen months for some cities. It sets people up for failure before they even start looking.