Hello,
I am an Indian IT professional staying in Darmstadt on a dependant visa with my husband since December 2005.My husband holds a 5/7 year work permit(/GC-not sure). My visa says:
Aufenthalterlaubnis.(30 AufenthG)-"Erwerbstaetigkeit nur mit Erlaubnis der Auslaenderbehoerde gestattet."
I want to know if my visa can be converted to a freelancer's work visa.

Earlier, I had checked at the Auslaenderbehoerde for work permit in case I am offered permanent employment and that is possible in my case. The company offering me employment needs to fill up a form and then i have to submit it at the Auslaenderbehoerde office and they would give me a WORK PERMIT in 2-3 weeks.

However, I am not sure if the same process/visa can work for a freelancer's job. Am I eligible to get a freelancer's work visa? If yes, does anyone know how I can go about it?

I have some companies ready to offer me freelancer work if I have answers to these questions. Please help!

Hi,

I am a freelancer. My original visa took 2-3 weeks also.

Funny thing though: until recently when I recieved NE ( permanent residence ), my visa explicitly stated I was only allowed to be self-employed and that fulltime employment was not allowed. I have read many of the people on this forum stating that they have been allowed fulltime employment only and not self-employment.

Don't know why the Auslanderbehoerde are so interested in allowing you one but not the other - likely just a control issue - but then again try to explain much of their in this country in general????

Anyways, if you happen to be in the Frankfurt area, I could recommend a very good "relocation specialist". they did all my visas for me, were quite reasonable, and certainly saved me a hell of alot of headaches!!

This is news! I have also heard of people having work permit but no freelance permit.

Well, I am in Darmstadt and that is close to Frankfurt. It would be good if you can send me these contact details on my mail id(aasthavij@gmail.com) . It may help!

Thanks.
Aastha