Thanks for the insight. Could you share more about how you went about getting a freelance visa as a programmer.

Most of the bullet points for Documents Required in you link actually say "not required for freelance" but then I see:

"Proof of a secure livelihood must also include sufficient health insurance."

Did you have to show a current consulting contract?

Do you have to show that you are currently contracting for a company via invoices?

If so does that consulting contract or invoices have to be from a German company or could it for a company in the US?

Is it possible to contact you off list?