For a USA citizen, you can enter Germany (Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period as a tourist without an entry visa. [3, 26] To stay longer as a digital nomad/freelancer, you must apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit, often referred to as the 'German Digital Nomad Visa' or 'Freelancer Visa') after arriving in Germany at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). [3, 4, 26] You are permitted to be in Germany while this application is processed. Key requirements typically include: a valid passport [3, 4], proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses (around €9,000 annually, though showing more is advisable) [3, 4, 34], proof of health insurance covering your stay [3, 4, 34], a registered address in Germany ('Anmeldung') [3, 4], a business plan, and proof of potential or existing clients (letters of intent or contracts; demonstrating potential German clients can be beneficial, although remote work for foreign companies is the basis for the visa) [3, 4, 33, 34, 40]. The visa can be issued for up to three years and may be extended. [3, 4, 26] The application process can take several weeks to a few months. [3, 31] There is no specific 'visa run' requirement as you apply from within Germany after initial visa-free entry (for US citizens). This visa is designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals whose work benefits the German economy, which broadly includes creative professionals and those in tech. [3, 4]