![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/56162a32f33f01f4c872c5bcf522fe17.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” 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box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nYou’re able to\u00a0register as a freelancer in Germany <\/strong>even if you don’t have\u00a0permanent residency.<\/p>\n Temporary residence permit holders may need to make a trip to the Ausl\u00e4nderbeh\u00f6rde though, to have freelancing or self-employment added to your Aufenthaltserlaubnis<\/em>.<\/p>\n You should also know that there\u2019s a subtle – but very important – difference between what the Germans classify as freelancing<\/a> versus self-employment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”5px||5px||true|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/stencil.default-6-min.jpg” alt=”register as a freelancer in Germany” title_text=”stencil.default (6)-min” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”60%” width_tablet=”85%” width_phone=”95%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”10px” box_shadow_vertical=”10px” box_shadow_blur=”12px” box_shadow_spread=”1px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Germany, only a certain number of (fairly traditional) professions are considered freelance professions.<\/p>\n The German term is\u00a0Freie Befufe <\/em>for the job titles, or Freiberufler<\/em>\u00a0referring to the person themselves.<\/p>\n If you work in one of these fields, then congratulations, you qualify as a freelancer, according to German tax law and the Institut der Freien Berufe<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instead, it is classed as a \u201cstandard\u201d trade, and must be registered as a Gewerbe<\/em>, or sole-trader business, rather than a freiberufliche T\u00e4tigkeit<\/em>, or freelance activity.<\/p>\n This does, unfortunately, mean you\u2019ll have a few more hoops vs. the registration process for a freelancer.<\/p>\n Perhaps you\u2019re even considering moving to Germany to get a residence permit as a freelancer or self-employed person.<\/p>\n We cover everything you need to know about moving to Germany and obtaining the freelancer visa<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Registering as a freelancer” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a freelancer, then the actual registration process is easy:<\/p>\n First of all, you need to fill out the form Fragebogen zur Steuerlichen Erfassung, which can be downloaded from the Bundesfinanzministerium website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Take (or post) this to your local Finanzamt.<\/p>\n Wait 1-2 weeks (in most cases) and you will then receive your tax number.<\/p>\n You are then legally eligible to start trading.<\/p>\n HOWEVER, make sure you read the other requirements below, as some of them could prove vital.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”CURRENCYFAIR” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] If your business activity doesn\u2019t fall under the professions considered as freelance, then there are a few more hurdles to jump through. Don\u2019t worry though, none of this is particularly difficult. It\u2019s just administrative hassle that Germany is unfortunately famous for.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll first of all need to register your business.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve broken the necessary steps down one-by-one so you can keep on top of your progress.<\/p>\n Before you register, you should collect all the necessary documents:<\/p>\n Depending on your specialisation, you might also need:<\/p>\n You can find out exactly which documents your trade requires by checking out the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) website for the city or region you’re registering in.<\/p>\n The forms you need to fill out for the popular cities are linked to below:<\/p>\n Each municipality may have a slightly different process, because businesses are registered with the local town or city council as opposed to a central, national companies register.<\/p>\n Online registration isn\u2019t available everywhere, but some cities (Berlin included) offer this.<\/p>\n If your online application succeeds, you\u2019ll be able to print out a receipt. In most cases, you have to sign a copy of this and send it to the authorities to make your business registration legally binding.<\/p>\n Another bonus with online registration is that your information is automatically forwarded to other offices such as the tax office, the IHK or HWK.<\/p>\n This saves you another job down the line.<\/p>\n However, there are advantages to visiting the offices in person, too.<\/p>\n Sitting down with a clerk, face-to-face, means there\u2019ll be someone there to help you. They can assist you with the forms and answer any questions you might have.<\/p>\n Although that said, you will need to speak German or take someone with you who can.<\/p>\n Once you have your business licence, you should automatically receive a form from the tax office, known as the Fragebogen zur Steuerlichen Erfassung<\/em>.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t receive this automatically, it can be downloaded from the Bundesfinanzministerium website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once this form is completed, you can take (or post) it to your local Finanzamt.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll then need to wait 1-2 weeks (in most cases) and you will then receive your tax number.<\/p>\n As a trader, you\u2019re also required to become a member of either the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).<\/p>\n Which one you\u2019re obliged to join will depend on your profession.<\/p>\n You should also receive a tax registration form from the IHK or HWK, requiring information on your company and projected income.<\/p>\n You should always provide the information correctly and as precisely as possible. It could well save you money – their membership fees differ based on business size.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_code admin_label=”Ad winSIM” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] <\/p>\n Congratulations! You are now legally eligible to start trading.<\/p>\n However, there are several other things to consider before you start. Make sure you read the other important requirements below before you jump in with both feet\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t already opened one, you will need a business bank account for your expenses and payments.<\/p>\n N26 offers a convenient and easy-to-open bank account<\/a> for freelancers and solopreneurs.<\/p>\n Theoretically, you can use your personal bank account to run your business, but it’s going to be a huge pain separating business from personal expenses.<\/p>\n You will also need to have liability insurance that covers your business activity. Because you\u2019re a freelancer, you are your business and you\u2019re personally liable.<\/p>\n You\u2019re not running a limited company.<\/p>\n Registering a limited liability company in Germany<\/a> (Gesellschaft mit begrenzter Haftung<\/em>, or GmbH<\/em> for short) is a very expensive and bureaucratic process, and you\u2019re unlikely to go down this route unless you\u2019re a startup founder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n VAT is an administrative hassle because it has to be filed each quarter.<\/p>\n You need to register for VAT if your business is expected to turn over more than \u20ac22,000 per full calendar year. If you start your business mid-way through a year, then that figure is prorated.<\/p>\n You can opt NOT to register but then if you cross the threshold you could unwittingly be left high and dry with an unexpected VAT bill that you can\u2019t go back and recover from your customers, especially if you\u2019re selling to individuals rather than businesses.<\/p>\n VAT in Germany is known as Umsatzsteuer, or Mehrwertsteuer, and is levied as a sales tax at 19% on goods and services sold.<\/p>\n There are some exceptions (such as hospitality and catering) which enjoy a lower VAT rate of 7%.<\/p>\n As part of the German government\u2019s economic stimulus to Covid-19, the VAT rate has been temporarily reduced to 16% until the end of 2020, and the reduced rate from 7% to 5% until the end of June 2021.<\/p>\n I would strongly recommend you speak to a tax advisor before making any rash decision on whether or not to register for VAT.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re confident that your business will grow pretty fast or you already have a good pipeline of work lined up, you\u2019re better off registering from the outset.<\/p>\n If your business is a side hustle, then you\u2019re probably unlikely to cross the threshold for registration.<\/p>\n The VAT rules apply to both those who register as a freelancer in Germany, as well as those considered as sole trader businesses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, you do.<\/p>\n There is a difference in Germany between a bookkeeper (Buchhalter)<\/em> and accountant \/ tax advisor (Steuerberater)<\/em>.<\/p>\n Bookkeepers are more administrative in nature. Think more like an admin assistant who is good with numbers and understands a little bit about how the day-to-day running of tax affairs works. Much of what they do these days can be substituted by software.<\/p>\n Accountants, on the other hand, are highly trained professionals who can save you a lot of money in taxes. They will also submit your VAT records to the Finanzamt each quarter for you.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be able to find English speaking accountants and tax advisors in all major German cities. Out in the sticks it\u2019s less common and you may have to seek one out in your nearest large city.<\/p>\n A bookkeeper is a nice-to-have, whereas an accountant is going to be a must-have.<\/p>\n Employees don’t have to submit tax returns<\/a> whereas businesses, obviously, do!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”LINGOKING” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] Getting started with your own freelance or sole trader business is fairly straightforward, but the registration process isn\u2019t as easy as in the US, UK and other more business friendly countries. You won\u2019t be up and running in a couple of days.<\/p>\n The local chambers of commerce<\/a> (for sole traders) and the Insitut der freien Berufe<\/a>\u00a0or Bundesverband der Freien Berufe<\/a> (for freelancers) offer lots of training and courses around the topic of running a business in Germany.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll likely need some help from an accountant and a lawyer along the way too, once you have clients and you start to grow your business.<\/p>\n Disclaimer: This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to running a business. <\/strong><\/p>\n We’ve just covered the things that you need to take care of in the initial stages of registering, to the point where you’re fit to start trading.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”How to Articles” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”0vw|auto|0vw|auto|true|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|2vw|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”LIFE IN GERMANY” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/life-in-germany.png” alt=”life in germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Life in Germany” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEALTHCARE” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/healthcare.png” alt=”health insurance in Germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Healthcare” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOUSING” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/housing.png” alt=”apartments in Germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Housing” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You’re able to\u00a0register as a freelancer in Germany even if you don’t have\u00a0permanent residency. Temporary residence permit holders may need to make a trip to the Ausl\u00e4nderbeh\u00f6rde though, to have freelancing or self-employment added to your Aufenthaltserlaubnis. You should also know that there\u2019s a subtle – but very important – difference between what the Germans […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47809,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[309,305],"class_list":["post-47340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guides","tag-register-as-a-freelancer-in-germany","tag-register-as-self-employed-in-germany"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47340"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48771,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47340\/revisions\/48771"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Should you register as a freelancer in Germany, or are you self-employed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Not covered under these professions? Then you can’t register as a freelancer in Germany<\/h4>\n
Register as a Freelancer in Germany\u00a0(Freiberufler)<\/em><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1afb08527a93355cfbf757751c939d15.gif\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Registering your small business” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nRegister as a Sole Trader in Germany\u00a0(Gewerbetreibender \/ Einzelunternehmer)<\/em><\/h3>\n
Step 1: Collect your documents<\/h4>\n
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Step 2: Complete the registration form<\/h4>\n
Step 3: Fill out your tax form<\/h4>\n
Step 4: Fill out the registration form of the IHK or HWK<\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/209ce3120a8be61eeceea86201f14083-3.gif\")
<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”After registration” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nWhat do I need to do after registering my business?<\/h3>\n
Open a business bank account<\/h4>\n
Get personal liability insurance<\/h4>\n
Do you need to register for VAT (Mehrwertsteuer)<\/em>?<\/h3>\n
Do I need an accountant?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/f270737ab845defa452911f8cddcae35.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nConclusion<\/h3>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1f5069142727648138a54524b5beeb58.gif\")
[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Registering your small business” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n