German employment law appears complex and confusing when looking from outside view although in some ways there are many similarities to other countries. Other factors that complicate matters include the differences between regions and an inconsistent approach to adherence to laws in different districts. For these and many other reasons the following are only guidelines in the broadest sense, and professional legal services are recommended when employing in Germany.
There are several key areas to be aware of within Germany’s employment regulatory framework, especially for companies that plan to initiate a full local office and human resources department. These challenges can be mitigated by use of a locally sourced payroll provider who is familiar with all of the German laws and rules for both German employees as well as foreign nationals.
Hiring in Germany? Here's our latest article on employment in Germany.Germany requires that workers have employment contracts that meet local standards, and companies must have a professional who can draft local employment contracts.
| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Working on Sundays ? | Under a five-day week, the average working time is between 35 and 40 hours. The daily productive working time generally may not exceed eight hours. A daily working time of up to ten hours productive working time is possible if, over a period of six months, the average daily working time does not exceed eight hours. Working on Sundays and public holidays is generally prohibited. However, there are some exceptions |
| Medical Leave ? | Sick leave is available after 4 weeks of employment, and may be claimed for up to 6 weeks. |
| Annual Leave Accrual Entitlement ? | There are laws that regulate leave periods based on years of service and the type of leave requested. Employees are entitled to 24 working days of annual leave, plus holidays. |
| Maternity Leave in Germany ? | Female employees are entitled to maternity leave throughout the entire pregnancy, as well as 4 months after the birth. Male and female employees entitled to a maximum of three years’ unpaid parental leave per child. The employer may not terminate the employee, and employees have legal right to work part-time (up to 30 hours per week) during parental leave. After expiry of the parental leave, the employer has to offer an adequate working position to the employee. |
| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Termination of Employment ? | For Employees who have been employed longer than six months, unfair dissmisal protections apply. Employees can only be fired for particular reasons such as misconduct or redundancy. Employees who are on parental leave, handicapped or pregnant can not be fired without government approval. A minimum of 4 weeks notice is required prior to termination. The notice period increases according to length of service, and after 5 years the notice period increases by one month in the 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15 years of employment. Termination that adheres to the notice periods is Ordinary Termination. Extraordinary Termination, which ends the employment contract immediately, may be used for serious misconduct. |
| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Probation Period ? | Probation periods are permitted up to 6 months in length. During the probation period the employee is entitled to 2 weeks notice of termination. |
| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pension Requirements ? | The system of welfare and benefits is complex in Germany, and cover sickness, unemployment, disability and retirement. There are requirements for both employee and employer contribution rates based on a percentage of salary. The categories of Welfare Contributions include:
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Companies entering Germany must make a decision whether to use their own resources for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach, or to use a Global Employment Organization to handle payroll and employment responsibilities. A GEO or German Employer of Record solution makes it faster, easier and cheaper to deploy staff if they don’t have a German entity established that can run payroll.
Learn how we've helped clients with employees in Germany in this case article!A DIY approach will typically be delayed until there is a properly incorporated company ready to run payroll and may be a costly option. Shield GEO can deploy foreign staff in 4-6 weeks and local staff in 48 hours. Additionally Shield GEO is responsible for all compliance issues related to the employment.
| Tax | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Rates | Monthly Taxable Income |
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| Tax Returns Supplied | Yes |
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| Corporate Tax Requirements | 15% |
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| Employers Social Security and statutory contributions |
Employers social security in Germany is extensive and made up of 4 elements. Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung): 9.45% (charged on earnings up until EU 71400) Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung): 1.5% (charged on earnings up until EU 71400) Health insurance (Krankenversicherung): 7.3% (charged on earnings up until EU 48600) Invalidity/Long-term care insurance(Pflegeversicherung): 1.175% (charged on earnings up until EU 48600) |
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| Employees Social Security and statutory contributions |
Total Estimate is 12.5% (there are caps) and is made up of; 18.9% Old Age Pension and 3% Unemployment Insurance (capped at earnings up to Euro 71,400). Split equally between the employee and employer. Health Insurance is compulsory if the employees wage is less than Euro 53,550. Employee/Employer split 14.6%. Contributions are paid up to earnings of Euro 48,600. Employee also has to pay 0.9% surcharge to a max of Euro 36.45 a month. If the employee earns more than Euro 4,462.50 a month then they must contribute to a Private Health Insurance plan, pay the full premium and their employer reimburses them for half the premium up to the max they would receive through the compulsory scheme. Nursing care/invalidity insurance is compulsory and is levied at 2.35% split equally between employer and employee. Childless employees pay an addition 0.25%. |
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| Insurance requirements | Our local entity covers Professional Indemnity Insurance. |
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| Can supply private health care | Yes |
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| Can assist opening bank accounts | Yes |
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| Work Permits | |
|---|---|
| Can Sponsor Work Permit |
Yes for both Blue Card/Resident Permits and Skilled Worker Visas/Resident Permits |
| Work Permit cost | Euro 2500 |
| Work Permit processing time | 8-12 weeks depending on the type of work permit and nationality of the applicant |
| Work Permit process |
The process depends on the type of permit / visa and the nationality of the applicant. For a standard work permit or Arbeitserlaubnis the process is as follows: Non-EU citizens (except nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and USA) must apply in person for a German National Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the German Embassy (Deutsche Botschaft) / Consulate in their country of residence before they can enter Germany. To obtain an appointment can take up to 6 weeks. Once the application is lodged in the appointment it takes 6-12 weeks as the application is sent to the local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) where the employee will reside in Germany. The Aufenthaltserlaubnis is normally issued in conjunction with an entry visa and valid for 3 months. This typically allows the employee to enter Germany and start work – this right will be explicitly stated on the Aufenthaltserlaubnis. The German local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) and Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) must still confirm that the work concerned is suitable and that the employee will not disadvantage the employment of local German or EU employees. This may also involve the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Deutscher Industrie- unde Handelskammertag). After these checks are completed the work permit is granted. The following documents are required Passport copy |
| Can Work Permit be processed in country | Yes but depends on the nationality. |
| Switch Business Visa to Work Permit? | No. However for some nationalities, you can switch from an Entry Visa to Work Permit. |
| Can Spouse work on dependent visa? | Yes. |
| Business Visas | |
|---|---|
| Can do Business Visa | Yes. |
| Business Visa Cost | Euro 500. |
| Business Visa processing time | Depends on the Consulate but generally 5-10 days. |
There are specific rules for payroll and taxation in Germany, depending upon whether your company employs foreign nationals or local German employees. The primary concerns for a foreign company that needs to comply with tax laws in Germany are: individual income tax (IIT) for employees in Germany, social and health insurance costs, payroll tax, sales tax, accident insurance, withholding tax, business tax and permanent establishment concerns.
Here's our most recent article on running payroll and taxes in Germany.| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Remote Payroll ? | A remote payroll in Germany is where a foreign company, i.e. a non-resident company, payrolls a resident employee in Germany. One option for a non-resident company to payroll its employees (local and foreign) in Germany is to use a fully outsourced service like a GEO which will employ and payroll the staff on their behalf. |
| Local Payroll Administration ? | In some cases, a company will register their business in Germany under one of the forms available, but prefer to have another company administer its payroll. This can be accomplished through a payroll provider. It is important to note that the company, as the Employer of Record, is still fully responsible for compliance with employment, immigration, tax and payroll regulations. But the payroll calculations, payments and filings can all be outsourced to the payroll provider. |
| Internal Payroll ? | Larger companies with a commitment to Germany may wish to run their own local payroll for all employees, foreign and local. In order to accomplish this, they will have to complete incorporation, register the business and then hire the necessary staff. There will be a need for in country human resources personnel who have the background needed to manage a German payroll, and can fulfill all tax, withholding, and payroll requirements. This approach carries significant cost and requires some knowledge of local employment and payroll regulations. The company will need a local accounting firm and potentially legal counsel to ensure full compliance with German employment laws. |
| Fully Outsourced Payroll & Employment ? | Companies can outsource the employment and payroll of their staff in Germany to a GEO, like Shield GEO. This is possible for both foreign workers and German nationals. This is the easiest, fastest and safest way to payroll staff in Germany. Shield GEO manages all aspects of payroll for workers in Germany, including taxes, withholding, social security payments and other statutory requirements. Shield GEO becomes the Employer of Record and employs the staff on behalf of the client. Staff are paid monthly with tax and social security deducted at source and paid to local authorities. Shield GEO will invoice the client monthly in advance of the payroll date. The invoice consists of the Total Cost of Employment (Base salary + Employers Statutory Contributions + Additional statutory contributions) and a Management Fee. Shield GEO provides the employees with payslips. Read more about outsourced payroll and employment through Shield GEO. |
| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Currency ? | Euro |
| Documentation Required for New Employees ? |
Germany has very strong data protection regulations. Employers should be aware that whilst an employees personal data can be collected for employment related purposes the information sought and in particular methods used for background checks are very limited. |
| Information | Explanation | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax ? | 29.65% |
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| Income Tax Rate ? |
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| Payroll Tax ? | n/a |
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| Sales Tax ? | 19% |
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| Withholding Tax ? | Divident Withholding Tax 25% Interest Withholding Tax 25% Royalty Withholding Tax 15% Can be reduced based on relevant tax treaties |
| Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Payment Mode ? | Not clear if there is a legal rule but payments are usually transferred electronically via the country’s standardized File Transfer and Access Management (FTAM) protocol. |
| Frequency of Salary Payment ? | Does not seem to be set at law, but the standard appears to be monthly payments (12) |
| Invoice / Payslips required ? | Yes – if you have an employment contract then a written salary advice showing gross payments and detailed deductions is a legal requirement |
| Minimum Wage ? | EUR 1,473.00 per month |
Foreign workers are required to have the proper visas and work permits in Germany, as established by immigration laws. Work permits must be secured for employees, and sponsored by a locally licensed and incorporated entity, which can be a problem for companies just entering the German market. If you have yet to complete the incorporation process you can use an outsourced management company or GEO Employer of Record to sponsor the employee for the necessary permits.
Whether establishing a company in Germany or relocating as a self-employed expat, visas are an important step to consider. It is recommended to check with the consulate or a local embassy whether your trip will require a visa, and which of the following types are most suitable.
For a standard work permit or Arbeitserlaubnis the process is as follows:
Non-EU citizens (except nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and USA) must apply in person for a German National Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the German Embassy (Deutsche Botschaft) / Consulate General (Generalkonsulat) in their country of residence before they can enter Germany. They will need the documents listed below as well as a completed application form. To obtain an appointment can take up to 6 weeks. Once the application is lodged in the appointment it takes 8-26 weeks as the application is sent to the local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) where the employee will reside in Germany. The approval of the Federal Labor Agency and Foreigners Authority can take a long time if they have difficulty going through the “Labor market check” and it coincides with a slow time e.g. European summer holidays.
The Aufenthaltserlaubnis is normally issued in conjunction with an entry visa and valid for 3 months. This typically allows the employee to enter Germany and start work – this right will be explicitly stated on the Aufenthaltserlaubnis.
The German local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) and Federal Labor Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) must still confirm that the work concerned is suitable and that the employee will not disadvantage the employment of local German or EU employees. This may also involve the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Deutscher Industrie- unde Handelskammertag). After these checks are completed the work permit is granted.
The following documents are required
Processing time : 12 weeks+ depending on if Labor Market Check is required
Cost varies depending on local embassy. Please contact us for a quote.
Depending on the Visa type (Blue Card/Resident Permits or Skilled Worker Visas/Resident Permit) and the nationality of the applicant the visa process can take 2 – 8 weeks.
Documentation required (Employee): Two completed application forms, Passport copy, CV, Employment Contract or a Letter of Intent, educational degree certificates (these need to be notarized) and 2 passport copies.
The process for obtaining the Skilled Worker/Resident Permit (National Visa) is as follows:
| Category | Description of Visa |
|---|---|
| Visits ('tourist' visas) | Depending on the activity you will be doing in Germany a tourist visa is generally the easiest option, requiring no special preparation or documents aside from the usual passport. Please note you cannot perform work activities on a tourist visa. While US citizens generally won’t require a visa for trips up to three months long, it is recommended to check with the consulate or embassy before going. Time: None Cost: None |
| Schengen Visas | Although US citizens generally don’t need visas for short-term (up to 3 month) stays, if a visa is required Schengen visas can be issued for short-term visiting or business purposes. Schengen visas allow free movement between ‘Schengen’ states: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. These visas are generally authorized for short periods of time, usually for a 3-month period once in six months. For a longer period of time, national-visas are required. Schengen visas cannot be extended or re-written for any other purpose. 1. Submitting the Application at a Local German Embassy 2. Generally, the original and 2 photocopies of the following documents will be required in English or German: ● Application form, Time: Up to 15 days Please contact us for a quote. |
| Work Permits and National Visas | For trips that will take longer than three months, a national visa will be required. The process is mostly similar to the Schengen Visa process, however there is a significantly longer wait of up to several months. It will also require a residence permit and additional steps registering after arriving in Germany. Note: foreigners from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and the United States are able to freely enter Germany as a non-visa “tourist” but can apply to acquire/change their residence permit even after entering Germany. Citizens of all other countries must apply for visas and residence permits before arriving in the country. For those based in the US, the German Missions in the United States offers more information on their website. How to Apply for a National Visa: 1. Submit Application at Local German Embassy ● Two completed application forms and three recent passport photographs Time: Up to several months Please contact us for a quote. 2. Apply for a Residence Permit ● The business plan *Note that for level of financial investment, immigrants planning to invest at least €250,000 in Germany are highly likely to obtain a residence permit almost automatically. The residence permit will be valid for a limited period of time, and will afterwards need to be renewed at the local immigration office in Germany. 3. Apply for Certificate of Health for Residence Permit (Gesundheitszeugnis für Aufenthaltserlaubnis) If already in Germany, these can be obtained from a German doctor or local health office (Gesundheitsamt). There are no clear guidelines on acquiring one before entering Germany, though it is expected that any doctor can provide suitable certification. A local German embassy would need to provide advice. Time: 1 day Please contact us for a quote. 4. Apply for Certificate of Good Conduct (Führungszeugnis) These can be applied for through assistance from your home country’s embassy or consulate. Time: Up to 2 weeks (estimated) Please contact us for a quote. No source of information could be found that indicates the timeframe for this certificate; anticipate several weeks as it must go through international post and processing within Germany and then be sent back. 5. Register at Local Residence Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) Within a week of arriving in Germany you must register at your local residence registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt, also known as Bürgeramt), usually located in the town or city hall. They issue an Anmeldebestätigung which will be required in conjunction with a passport for identification. The following documents are needed: In addition, depending on your circumstances: Time: One to two weeks (while waiting you will receive a certificate stating you are awaiting a residence permit). Cost: None |
| Summary | Visas in Germany can be complex to negotiate because of the number of steps involved and the required involvement from German sponsors. Following the process outlined in this guide should give you a good start, but if you would like more information about visas in Germany or need help getting sponsored please contact us. |
When setting up a company you may want to consider these factors:
Companies entering Germany must make a decision whether to use their own resources for or to use a Global Employment Organization to handle payroll and employment responsibilities. Usually, a GEO solution would be used where a company is looking to setup an office quickly with a manageable cost. The complexity of employment regulations in Germany makes the use of a GEO advisable coupled with local legal counsel to ensure full compliance with employment laws, including the drafting of local contracts for workers.
The company that is expanding into Germany contracts with the GEO to employ and payroll their staff on their behalf in that country. The GEO then assumes the legal responsibility for these employees, sponsoring them on work permits, complying with local employment law and running their monthly payroll. This is especially useful to fulfill all of the specific withholding requirements for pensions and benefits, as well as documenting termination, probation periods and leave requests.
There are two options which include a Sole Proprietor and a Private Company.
A sole proprietorship does not require any formal incorporation and is ‘automatically’ formed when a person begins conducting commercial business activity under their name. However it can also be formally registered with the local trade office, and this step is sometimes mandatory depending on the type of business.
No minimum capital is necessary. Sole proprietors have unlimited liability and the trading name must include the proprietor’s family name as a main component.
Register at the local citizen office (Bürgerbüro)
To do this you will need the following documents:
Time: 1 day (can be processed within minutes depending on the office and how busy it is)
Cost: Free
Register with the Tax Office (Finanzamt)
You will need to register at the tax office to get a Tax File Number (Steuernummer). The usual term for the application form is Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung, and it is generally not available in English.
Your Finanzamt can be found online by searching for “Finanzamt” plus the local district name. Registration can be done by mail or in person.
In Person
Going in person is recommended as you can get the form checked before submitting it.
After the application is processed and accepted, the tax authority will send a questionnaire asking for personal details, estimated income in the current tax year and whether you want to opt in for the VAT.
Based on the estimated income the tax authorities will assess income tax instalment payments.
Cost: None.
Time: Up to three weeks.
Register with trade office and acquire a trade certificate (Gewerbeschein)
New companies must notify the local trade office (Gewerbeamt). However, whether a specific business license (Gewerbeerlaubnis) or craftsmen’s card (Handwerkskarte) is required depends on the specific kind of business.
Entry in the Register of Craftsmen (Handwerksrolle) is also required for independent, non-industrial operation trades (e.g. bakers, carpenters or precision makers). The trades that are affected are listed in the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (Handwerksordnung). The German Chambers of Industry and Commerce can also help identify any qualifications or certificates you might need for your business (Gewerbeamt).
Cost: General registration costs €20-40.
Additional costs apply if requiring specific business licenses, and depending on the sector the business is operating in.
Note: having a trade certificate (Gewerbeschein) obligates you to pay local trade tax (Gewerbesteuer).
Time: 1 day
Chambers of Industry and Commerce Membership (Industrie und Handelskammer)
Acquiring a trade certificate will legally obligate you to belong to a chamber of commerce, as regulated by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (Industrie und Handelskammer).
Generally the trade office will automatically notify the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Otherwise, you can go to the nearest Chamber of Industry and Commerce branch to find out which chamber you should register with.
Time: Automatic
Cost: A yearly membership fee, usually depending on turnover of the respective company.
The GmbH, also known as “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung” is the typical private company structure and the most common in Germany.
Like in most countries, opening a GmbH company requires the most bureaucratic hurdles, and is subject to the heaviest reporting requirements, and thus has the highest time and cost investment. Plan for around two weeks to register a GmbH.
Obtain Company Name
Obtain the company name at the chamber of commerce.
Cost: Free
Time: Instant (online)
Notarize the articles of association and memorandum of association
A Notary public must notarize the articles of association and memorandum of association. Note that some lawyers (lawyer-notary) can provide this service as well.
Cost: Notary fees generally depend on value of the share capital, with a basic fee calculated as:
| Share capital value | Fee |
| Up to €1,000 | €10 |
| €1,000 to €5,000 | €8 for each €1,000 share capital |
| €5,000 to €50,000 | €6 for each €3,000 share capital |
| €50,000 to €5,000,000 | €15 for each €10,000 share capital |
| Total | €10 up to €7,500 |
Time: 1 day
Open a bank account
The initial capital (minimum of €25,000) must be paid in full.
Cost: None
Time: 1 day
Entry to Public Commercial Register
A corporation must be entered into the Commercial Register (also known as the Register of Commerce). For companies (GmbH), entry falls under Section B. Application is in writing at a local court (Amtsgericht). The signature and the signing of the corporate name must be certified by a Notary Public.
The following must be enclosed with the application:
Note: The minimum share capital required is €25,000.00.
Cost: The local court will charge a fee, as will the Notary Public. Despite being controlled by law, notary public fees can vary.
However notarising articles of association can be combined with filing this application and save on fees.
| Court fees: | |
| Application for registration | €250-280 |
| Registration fee | €100-150 |
| Notary Public fees | |
| (attesting documents fee). | €75-250 |
| Total | €425 to 680 |
Time: 7 days
Notify local trade office of business and standards (Gewerbeamt)
New companies must notify the local trade office (Gewerbeamt) to get a trading license (Gewerbeschein). Certain businesses (e.g. restaurants, brokers) must apply for a specialised trading permit (Gewerbeerlaubnis).
For some independent, non-industrial trades (e.g. bakers, carpenters or precision makers) entry in the Register of Craftsmen (Handwerksrolle) is also required. The trades that are affected are listed in the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (Handwerksordnung).
This application procedure also covers registration formalities with the central statistical office, the relevant chamber of industry and commerce, the local labor office, the social security and federal health insurance office.
Cost: General registration costs €20-40.
However, additional costs will apply for companies requiring specific business licenses, and depending on the sector the business is operating in.
Time: 1 day
Register with the professional association of the relevant trade
If covered by a relevant trade association, this may be required, but membership will also cover required occupational accident insurance.
Registration must be done within a week of notarization of the articles of association.
Cost: Free
Time: 1 day
Notify the local labor office
The notification can be in writing and/or by phone. The Labor Office assigns an eight-digit operating number, which is needed to report social security.
Cost: Free
Time: 1 day
Register employees for health and social insurance
The social security and federal health insurance office notifies the local labor office and the annuity insurance carrier (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund). The competent social security and federal health insurance office collects payment for mandatory health, unemployment, and annuity insurance.
Cost: Free
Time: 1 day
Mail documentation to Tax Office (Finanzamt)
After the tax office is notified of the company’s business activity by the trade office (step 5), the tax office will send the company a questionnaire requesting the company’s business data.
Cost: Free
Time: Up to 3 weeks
Register with Chambers of Industry and Commerce
Membership of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (or Chamber of Crafts) is obligatory and should happen automatically on registration with the trade office (Gewerbeamt).
Cost: The costs of membership of the chamber depend on turnover of the respective company.
Time: Automatic
In Germany, you will count as “self-employed” if you are:
A managing partner or managing director of a company
An executive of a joint-stock company (Aktiengesellschaft)
An authorized signatory (Prokurist)
A majority shareholder of a limited liability company (GmbH)
A businessperson who wants to run a trade (Gewerbe), for example, as an artisan, caterer, or producer of goods
A member of a “liberal profession”, also called “activity professions” (Tätigkeitsberufe)
A member of a profession on the “catalogue” list (Katalogberufe), such as:
Self-employed people are divided into freelancers and business people.
The key factor of self-employment in Germany is the distinction between business people (“trade professions” or Gewerbetreibende) and freelancers (“liberal professions” or Freiberufler) professions. Liberal professions include jobs such as lawyers and psychologists, freelancing artists and writers. Trade professions are for businesses that produce goods, artisans, etc. The distinction makes a big difference for registering a business, membership in professional associations, and taxes.
According to German income tax law (Einkommensteuergesetz), a freelancer is described as a self-employed person whose business is either artificial (i.e. painter, musician), scientific, authorial (professional writing), teaching or educational, or if their work is “determined by his or her personal knowledge of particular profession”.
Examples of freelance work include physicians, dentists, journalists, translators, lawyers, business consultants, as well as IT-consultants, masseurs, nurses and more. In general most professional services are likely to fall under the freelancer category.
A few benefits for freelancers:
Apply for a Visa
Before moving to Germany from a non-EU country for self-employed work, a visa and residence permit will be required, which can be applied for at the local German embassy.
Basically, a Schengen visa is suitable for short-term stays of up to three months, while a national visa is required for a longer stay.
The section on Visas outlines the steps and time required to apply for visas and residence permits for both companies and freelancers.
Time: 2 weeks for Schengen visa. Up to 10 weeks for National visa
Cost: €60
Apply for Residence Permit
After arriving in Germany with the appropriate visa, apply to get a residence permit at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office) within one week of arrival.
See the section below on Visas for details on applying for a residence permit.
Register with local tax authority (Finanzamt)
Register at the local tax authority for a tax file number (Steuernummer) where the district of your office or where you are living (if working from home).
The usual term for the application form is Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung. This form is generally not available in English.
Most tax offices can be found online by searching for “Finanzamt” plus the district name. Registration can be done by mail or in person.
In Person
After the application is processed and accepted, the tax authority will send a questionnaire asking for personal details, estimated income in the current tax year and whether you want to opt in for the VAT.
Based on the estimated income the tax authorities will assess income tax installment payments.
Cost: None
Time: Up to three weeks
Register with relevant professional association
The association will depend upon the particular profession.
The website of the Federal Association of Liberal Professions (Bundesverband der Freien Berufe), has further information at: http://www.freie-berufe.de/ueber-uns/mitgliedsorganisationen.html (German only)
Time: 1 day
Cost: None
Get Health Insurance
While employees will be covered by their employers, self-employed people will be required to get their own health insurance if earning more than €395 income per month, less expenses (as of 2013).
You must either arrange private insurance or report to the state-insurance authority (Krankenkasse) to organise a health insurance policy. Private insurance is generally cheaper for individuals while state-insurance usually covers family so it is better for families.
Note: travel insurance does not count for this purpose.
Time: Up to 1 week
Cost: None
Get Accident Insurance (if employing people)
If your work will involve employing people it will be mandatory to have the appropriate accident insurance coverage.
Time: Up to 1 week
Cost: None
If not falling under any ‘liberal profession’ of a freelancer, business people must follow a process basically the same as setting up a sole proprietor business.
Apply for a Visa
Before moving to Germany from a non-EU country for self-employed work, a visa will be required, which can be applied for at the local German embassy.
Basically, a schengen visa is suitable for short-term stays of up to three months, while a national visa is required for a longer stay.
The section on Visas outlines the steps and time required to apply for visas and residence permits for both companies and freelancers.
Cost: €60
Time: 2 weeks for schengen visa. Up to 10 weeks for national visa
Apply for Residence Permit
After arriving in Germany with the appropriate visa, apply to get a residence permit at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office) within one week of arrival.
See the section on Visas for details on applying for a residence permit.
Register at the local citizen office (Bürgerbüro)
To do this you will need the following documents:
Cost: Free
Time: 1 day (can be processed within minutes depending on the office and how busy it is)
Apply for a Tax File Number (Finanzamt)
You will need to register at the tax office to get a Tax File Number (Steuernummer). The usual term for the application form is Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung, and it is generally not available in English.
Your Finanzamt can be found online by searching for “Finanzamt” plus the local district name. Registration can be done by mail or in person.
In Person
Going in person is recommended as you can get the form checked before submitting it.
After the application is processed and accepted, the tax authority will send a questionnaire asking for personal details, such as estimated income and you will also be required to inform the tax office of profits and loss accounts and a statement of assets and liabilities.
Cost: None
Time: Up to three weeks
Register with trade office and acquire a trade certificate (Gewerbeschein)
Self-employed business people must notify the local trade office (Gewerbeamt). Depending on the specific kind of business registration may also require a specific business license (Gewerbeerlaubnis) or a craftsmen’s card (Handwerkskarte).
For independent, non-industrial operation of certain trades (e.g. bakers, carpenters or precision makers) entry in the Register of Craftsmen (Handwerksrolle) is also required.
The trades that are affected are listed in the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (Handwerksordnung) where they can be consulted. The German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) can also help identify qualifications or certificates you might need for your business (Gewerbeamt).
Cost: General registration costs €20-40.
Additional costs apply if requiring specific business licenses, and depending on the sector the business is operating in.
Note: having a trade certificate (Gewerbeschein) obligates you to pay local trade tax (Gewerbesteuer).
Time: 1 day
Chambers of Industry and Commerce membership (Industrie und Handelskammer)
Self employed business people are required to be a member of one of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
If your profession is in the crafts sector or similar, you will need to register either on the Roll of Craftspeople (Handwerksrolle), or the register of activities similar to crafts (Verzeichnis der handwerksähnlichen Gewerbe) at the local Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer).
Generally the trade office will automatically notify the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Cost: A yearly membership fee, usually depending on turnover of the business.
Time: Automatic
Germany has a reputation for having a positive and open attitude towards foreign business and entrepreneurship. German law makes no distinction between Germans and foreigners in the establishment of companies and has no restrictions on the repatriation of profits.
The legal framework for FDI in Germany favors the principle of freedom of foreign trade. According to the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, companies set up by migrants are an important addition to Germany’s services sector, providing around 600,000 jobs.
However the German process is high in bureaucratic processes and rules, further compounded by a plethora of authorities operating down to the district level. Each new business must figure out who they must register with from a range of possible bodies, and this process will repeat each and every time the business expands or moves to a new territory.
Many of the steps and requirements are also determined on the basis of the particular type of work and often on a case-by-case basis, meaning there is no universal approach to establishing a business in Germany. Finally, most or all steps will be strictly German-only and require negotiating a large number of long and complex forms in the language.
Due to these complexities, Germany ranks very low on the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ world rankings, despite the government’s friendly view towards foreign business. Setting up a business in Germany is far from simple and will require preparation and patience.
| Business Type | Cost | Time |
| Einzelunternehmen (sole proprietor) * Main costs will be in necessary licenses, memberships and insurance, which vary depending on the business, the sector and which provide (for insurance, etc) is chosen |
€20-40 | 1 day |
| Gesellschaft (GmbH) | €466 to €8211 | 11 days |
| Freelancer * May face additional costs for insurance, employees, etc. |
€0 | 7 days |
| Visa Type | Cost | Time |
| Short-stay, no visa (“tourist”) | €0 | – |
| Short-stay, Schengen visa | $92 | ~15 days |
| National visa | $92 | ~several months |
| Residency permit (Anmeldebestätigung) | €0 | 1-2 weeks |
| Certificate of Health for Residence Permit (Gesundheitszeugnis für Aufenthaltserlaubnis) |
€75-150 | 1 day |
| Certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis) | €60 | ~2 weeks |
E = Einzelunternehmen (sole proprietor); O = One-man GmbH (sole director); UG = Unternehmergesellschaft haftungsbeschränkt (Mini-GmbH); G = (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH); F = Self-Employed (Freelancer of Business person)
– = Not required
■ = Required depending on type of business, case-by-case basis
| Cost | E | O | UG | G | F | Time | |
| Obtain company name | €0 | – | ● | – | ~1 hour | ||
| Open bank account | €0 | – | ● | – | 1 day | ||
| Register at local citizen office (Bürgerbüro) | €0 | ● | – | ● | 1 day | ||
| Register with Tax Office (Finanzamt) | €0 | ● | ● | ● | 3 weeks | ||
| Articles of association and memorandum | €10 to €7500 | – | ● | – | 1 day | ||
| Entry into Commercial Register | €425 to €680 | – | ● | – | 7 days | ||
| Trade office registrationTrade office licenses (Gewerbeschein, etc) | €20-40 varies |
● ■ |
● ● |
– – |
1 day | ||
| Professional Association Registration (see: Bundesverband der Freien Berufe) |
Varies | – | – | ● | 1 day | ||
| Chamber of Commerce membership (Industrie und Handelskammer) |
Varies | ■ | ● | – | 1 day | ||
| Health insurance (e.g. Krankenversicherung) *if income minus expenses > €395 |
Varies | – | – | ■ | 1 day | ||
| Accident Insurance for Employees | Varies | ■ | ● | ■ | |||
| Labor office Registration | €0 | ■ | ● | ■ | 1 day | ||
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