The Ever-Evolving FAQs for Freelancing in Germany
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Last updated on May 8th, 2024 at 02:50 pm
If you are reading this, you are obviously interested in becoming a freelancer in Germany. Well, you are in the right place!
On this page, you will find all the frequently asked questions that you need to know to kickstart your freelancing career in Germany.
Right from applying for a German freelance visa to freelance taxes and living day to day expat life in Germany.
1. Get your German freelance visa
All foreigners need self-employment or a freelance permit to start freelancing in Germany.
However, the requirements for a German freelance visa can differ from country to country.
Click on the following resources to determine the correct visa application process for your citizenship. Or continue reading more FAQs about working in Germany as a freelancer.
What is the difference between German freelancers visa and an artist visa?
There is NO such thing as an ‘Artist Visa’ in Germany. It is a colloquial term used in Berlin’s immigrant community to simplify self-employment visa.
There have been several cases (particularly) in Berlin when the immigration office caseworkers promptly granted a permit for artistic activities and language teachers. Most likely due to a large influx of international freelance musicians, artists, designers, developers flocking to Berlin more than other German cities.
Over time this came to contribute towards the ‘German Artist Visa’ myth within the international circuits. It’s not a special ‘visa category’ despite what you may have read or heard.
Germany grants ONE residence permit for a ‘liberal professional’ self-employed activity which is simply called ‘Self-employment visa’ AKA Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur selbstständigen Tätigkeit.
FAQs: German Freelancer Visa
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GERMAN FREELANCER VISA AND GERMAN FREELANCE RESIDENT PERMIT?
A visa is short for an entry visa. A visa application grants you entry into a country for a specific purpose e.g. tourism, study, work, family reunion etc.
Certain nationalities must apply for a visa before entering Germany. You will apply for an entry visa at a German embassy/ consulate from your home country. A typical German entry visa has a validity of 90 days.
A resident permit is granted by individual foreigner offices (Ausländerbehörde) in German cities. You may have to submit the same set of documents at the foreigner office which will be processed by a caseworker. If they are satisfied with the paperwork, you will be able to get a long-term resident permit.
A typical German resident permit can last from 12 months to 3 years.
What is the difference between German freelancer visa and German self-employment visa?
Self-employment visa, freelancer visa or artist visa – These are one and the same thing just used interchangeably.
The official German term for this resident permit is Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur selbstständigen Tätigkeit.
Self-employment in Germany has several sub-categories. Freelance is just one of them.
Many expat websites use the term freelancer visa because most foreigners come here to become freelancers instead of taking up other types of self-employment in Germany.
Which nationalities do not need an entry visa to enter Germany?
Citizens of certain Non-EU nations, namely Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, some South American nations, and the United States may enter and stay in Germany for 90 days without applying for an entry visa from their respective countries.
These citizens can enter Germany and apply for a freelance resident permit without needing an entry visa.
Which nationalities need an entry visa to enter Germany?
The citizens of the rest of the world (also known as Third-Country nationals) need to apply for a German entry visa from their home countries.
Once they have entered Germany they can apply for a German freelance resident permit at their responsible foreigners’ office.
Can anyone apply for a German freelance visa?
Currently, there are no known restrictions for a German freelancer visa. Anyone who meets the requirements for this resident permit can apply for a German self-elf-employment visa.
Read the full list of requirements for the German freelance visa here.
Can I convert my current German resident permit into German freelancer visa?
Yes, if you have a long term valid German resident permit and you qualify for the requirements for the freelancer visa, you can definitely start the process to convert your current German resident permit into a German freelancer visa.
This is how I converted my German job-seekers visa into a German freelance resident permit.
What documents do I need for German freelancer visa?
The document requirement can differ from case to case. Nationality and career history plays a big role in your visa application process.
Here is a list of documents that I had to prepare for my visa application as a long-term resident in Germany
What expat health insurance do I need for my visa application?
Everyone needs health insurance in Germany – it’s mandatory.
You can easily signup with travel or expat insurances, however, not all of them are approved by German immigration authorities.
Here are some German foreigner offices approved health insurances that you can use for your German freelancer visa.
Long term health insurance for self-employed in Germany
Expat health insurances are temporary and often not accepted for visa extensions in Germany.
If your goal is to stay in Germany for several years, consider switching to a valid long term statutory or private health insurance – before your existing freelancer visa expires.
Read more about how to pick the right health insurance as a long-term resident in Germany.
2. Set up your business as a freelancer in Germany
Getting your German freelance visa is only the start. If you want to work as a freelancer you have to register yourself one with the German tax authorities (Finanzamt).
At this stage, you will have to formally decide the types of self-employment in Germany and the German tax system.
Registering as a freelancer in Germany with Finanzamt is a fairly simple process, but it can be really difficult for anyone new to the German language.
Below are some helpful resources and more FAQs about the entire process.
Other must-have insurances for freelancers in Germany
Health insurance is not the only essential insurance that freelancers in Germany need.
It is highly recommended to have private liability insurance when you live in Germany. Most German freelancers don’t start their business without a Verdienstausfallversicherung (Loss of Earnings Insurance) and Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung (Occupational Disability Insurance).
Here is a list of essential insurances & tools for every expat freelancer in Germany.
FAQs: Getting started as a Freelancer in Germany
How can you find clients in Germany?
Now that you are in Germany, you have to find clients. Did you know that remote work is quickly becoming a big trend in Germany? Here is a list of websites where you can find remote work in Germany – whether freelance projects or (full-time work).
If you are interested in becoming a freelance marketing consultant like me, here are some of the high paying remote marketing jobs that can earn you adult-sized paychecks.
What is Scheinselbstständigkeit or fake self-employment in Germany?
There is a so-called ‘fake-freelancing or fake-self-employment‘ trap in Germany. Those found guilty can expect repercussions, back payments and get their self-employment privileges or licence revoked.
As a responsible freelancer in Germany, you are expected to educate yourself about this. Learn here what is Scheinselbstständigkeit or fake self-employment in Germany (& how to avoid it)?
Can I freelance while employed full-time in Germany?
Depends on your German national visa and your employers’ policy. Check the accompanying documents with your visa. Does it say Selbständige Tätigkeit gestattet? If yes, then good news for you. You can take up freelancing in Germany besides your normal work. But before you take on your first client, you will still need written permission from your main employer that you can actually freelance in Germany or not.
Can I freelance as a student in Germany?
According to § 21 paragraph 6 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), non-EU students may freelance in Germany along with their studies.
As a full-time student, you are permitted to work 120 days or 240 half-days. There’s no upper limit on your income. You will have to pay freelancer taxes once you cross a certain income threshold.
You have to apply for a separate German freelance permit to be able to work as a freelancer in Germany.
Existenzgruender.de explains here in more detail.
Can I work remotely while living in Germany?
Yes, you can! I have been working remotely in Germany since 2014, so way before Corona pandemic enforced a nationwide remote work situation.
In the post-Corona world, you can expect to find a number of remote jobs in Germany as a freelancer. Here are some high paying remote marketing jobs that you can do in Germany (or pretty much anywhere really!)
Where can I find remote jobs in Germany?
Online, mostly! I found a lot of remote work in Germany using platforms such as Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer.de etc. Here is a list of websites that regularly post remote work in Germany.
Can I work via freelance marketplaces as a freelancer in Germany?
Yes, absolutely! I got my German freelancer visa with only Upwork clients in my portfolio. At the end of the day, your visa officer is concerned about your monthly or yearly income, and not the geographical origin of your clients. Having said that it is helpful to have some German clients to avoid raising any unnecessary issues during your visa processing.
Should you have a client-freelancer contract with your client in Germany?
You should always create a service agreement contract in Germany. This adds a layer of protection for you in case the client is late on a payment or claims some damages from you.
Learn everything about the German freelancer contract in this detailed post.
3. Managing finances as a freelancer in Germany
As a freelancer in Germany, you will have to create invoices for your client and even do some accounting on your own. Here are some beginners guides on how to create legal VAT invoices in Germany and what to do when a clients misses a payment.
Financial stability as a freelancer in Germany
As a freelancer, you can go broke at the drop of a hat.
Financial stability is really important, especially for freelancers. And even more so if you live in a foreign country.
Project-related disputes with the clients or accidental third party damage can cost several thousands of euros. Clients may pay late or straight away refuse. These are rare scenarios but they need to happen just once to disrupt the normal flow of your life.
Here is a guide I wrote on how not to go bankrupt as a freelancer in Germany.
FAQs: Finances as a Freelancer in Germany
Do I need a separate business bank account in Germany as a freelancer?
In principle, the scope of services of a private current account and a business account is very similar. However, it is advisable for business owners to open a separate account for business purposes, even if the number of monthly transactions is low in the beginning.
Read my reviews of the best (ENGLISH) business bank accounts in Germany for freelancers.
Should I hire an accountant or do my own bookkeeping?
Both options are possible. However, it may cost more to hire an accountant to handle your monthly bookkeeping. There are also several accounting and invoicing tools that can automate the entire bookkeeping process for you and cost only 5€ per month.
Read about my round-up of the best (ENGLISH) accounting tools for freelancers in Germany.
How do I create VAT invoices in Germany?
Your invoices have to be legally valid to get paid by clients in Germany. Read my guide on how to create German VAT invoice (and download FREE invoice templates!).
What should I do when a client is late with a payment or does not pay at all?
Every freelancer has to deal with late-paying clients. Sometimes, they may not pay at all.
There are specific best practices and legalities around sending payment reminders in Germany.
Here is how you deal with unpaid invoices in Germany (AKA how to send a Mahnung to your clients). You can also download FREE German payment reminder in this post.
4. Understand VAT for freelancers in Germany
If you are freelancing in Germany you should have some background knowledge of how VAT works in the EU.
As an international freelancer in Germany, you will end up working with clients from other EU countries as well as those outside the EU. VAT rules vary by the regions and mistakes can cost dearly.
What is Kleinunternehmerregelung?
Business owners with low turnover are classified as small entrepreneurs. If your turnover in the previous year did not exceed € 17,500 /€22,000 from 2020) and turnover in the current year is unlikely to exceed € 50,000.00 then you are considered Kleinunternehmer or small entrepreneur.
If you use Kleinunternehmerregelung or the small business regulation, you do not have to charge VAT on your turnover.
FAQs: VAT for Freelancers in Germany
How much VAT should you charge your clients in Germany?
Where can you get your VAT ID in as a freelancer in Germany?
A freelancer in Germany can request a new VAT-ID from local tax authorities when they register as a freelancer in Germany.
When you check ‘request VAT ID’ option in your self-employment registration form, your Finanzamt sends you a VAT-ID through the post in a few weeks.
I have clients from other EU countries. How much VAT should I charge them?
Your invoice for your EU clients should show VAT reverse charge.
There is a reversal of the tax liability within EU countries, called the “reverse charge procedure”.
How do I charge VAT to my non-EU clients?
If you have a client from a 3rd country (such as the US, UK, India, UAE etc) then your best bet is to ask them beforehand if they have any VAT obligations. Depending on this you can either charge VAT or leave it out.
What is advance VAT return AKA Umsatzsteuervoranmeldung (UStVA)?
Advance VAT return is the process of making an advance payment of VAT to the tax office. The advance VAT return must be submitted either once a month or once a quarter or once a year.
When should you file Advance VAT Return to Finanzamt?
Freelancers are obliged to submit an advance VAT return by the 10th of each month.
How can you file Advance VAT Return to German tax authorities?
You can submit an advance VAT return as a freelancer in Germany using ELSTER or any popular online tax filing tools that can be integrated with ELSTER.
SORTED is a simple English online tax filing tool for freelancers in Germany that you can use to easily submit your advance VAT report every quarter/ month.
Is there something else to keep in mind about VAT for freelancers in Germany?
Yes, there are some more details that you should keep in mind about VAT as a freelancer in Germany. Here is a list of VAT guides that you can read.
5. Understand German freelancer taxes
Taxes in a foreign country and language is not everyone’s cup of tea. As an expat you may find the tax system too complicated, and too difficult to manage by yourself.
If you are freelancing in Germany you should have some background knowledge of the German tax system.
How to file your German freelancer tax in English
If you’re a freelancer or a sole trader with very simple tax reporting requirements, then you can use one of the many taxation tools designed specifically for the German tax system.
I have been using an online tax filing tool called SORTED to file my last two annual freelancer tax reports completely in English.
Read my step by step guide on how to file your German freelancer tax in English all by yourself.
FAQs: German Freelancer Taxes
Where can I learn about German freelance tax ids?
First and the foremost, learn about various German tax IDs – National tax number, German freelance tax ID and VAT number.
Will I need a tax consultant or can I file taxes myself?
Can I deduct home office as a business expense?
Yes. However, in German law, a home office should be a proper room with walls and a door. Putting a work desk in the living room corner does not count as a home office. Also, the home office should only be used for work-related activities. You cannot use one room as a guest room or home office. It should be used exclusively for your freelancing work.
What else can I deduct as business expenses in Germany?
This post covers several business expenses relevant for freelancers in Germany.
6. Expand your freelance business in Germany
Now that you know the most important details about working as a freelancer in Germany, here are some details about how to grow your business in Germany.
Pension schemes for freelancers in Germany
If you plan to stay in Germany for the long term, then you might want to learn about pension schemes for self-employed people in Germany.
39 Comments
Hajar
Hi Yamini!
I am a dependent and allowed to take up employment. Since I’ve chosen to register as a Freiberufler, can I stay under my spouse’s health insurance?
Thanks and more power to you!
Divya
Hello Yamini,
I have been reading your blog content for freelancers and it’s extremely informative. Thank you for doing this.
I am just going to start freelancing this year and my total revenue for this year will probably not exceed 8000 Euros, as I don’t plan to work for certain months. Would there be a problem if I give too low of an amount to the finanzamt?
Yamini
He Divya, I’m not sure what kind of problem you mean. You should aim for the best income estimate possible. Eventually, you’d declare your income at the end of the year and Finanzamt will know the exact figures anyway 🙂
A Rodeh
Hi! Excellent info here, thank you so much!
I have a question regarding being a freelancer and hiring a minijobber or a werkstudent. I always just worked with freelancers, as a freelancer myself. But now there is someone specific that I want to hire as a werkstudent. I saw that you wrote that it’s possible, but involves some buerocracy. What is the procedure for that? Is there any link that I can follow?
Best and thanks so much in advance,
Alona
Ramona
Hi Yamini,
Thank you for this post! Quick question: does a Freelancer (that’s not a Freiberufler) need to register a Gewerbe first or is it enough to go through the steps your mention with the Finanzamt?
I scoured the internet and your website, but I cannot figure out which I should do first: register a Gewerbe or go through the steps with the Finanzamt (or are they the same thing?).
Thank you!!
Yamini
Hello Ramona,
Gewerbe & Freiberuf are two different things. 🙂
If your self-employment falls under Gewerbe then you’d register with Gewerbeamt. If you qualify as a Freiberufler, then you’d register your business with Finanzamt. -Yamini
Dani
Hi,
I have a question about the Kleinunternehmer rules and VAT.
“If your turnover in the previous year did not exceed € 17,500 /€22,000 from 2020) and turnover in the current year is unlikely to exceed € 50,000.00 then you are considered Kleinunternehmer or small entrepreneur.”
Does that mean €22,000 in the first year and then €50,000 every subsequent year? Or if, for example, one earns €20,000 in the first year, €45,000 in the second year, then €45,000 again in the third year, would one need a VAT number in that third year?
I hope that makes sense, thank you in advance for your help!
trailingspouse
Hello Yamini!
I am on my husband’s visa (he is on a working visa in Germany). Is it possible for me to work as a freelancer?
Thanks!
Yamini
Hi there, trailing spouses on valid resident permits are able to apply for a German self-employment permit. Your local ABH could confirm this for you 🙂
Stivens Vlahovic
Hi
I couldn´t find anything useful for my potential situation and I have lost a week of Google searching let´s try here maybe someone knows more.
Currently, I am working in the Wind industry sector as an Electrical Technician/ System Fitter for one company on a normal contract basis. And now I am receiving some offers from the UK recruiters to go work as a freelancer for quite a big upgrade financially and workwise in role Electrical Supervisor.
And the offer is valid only as freelance or Self-employed. I would be working for another client, depends which project (Siemens Gamesa, Nordex, Vestas or GE turbines )is in motion regarding building wind parks and mainly out of Germany. And recruiter would provide new projects, work clothes, travel expenses as an allowance as work is mainly out of Germany or Offshore.
And this type of info I cant find specifically for this industry as a technician with all proper certificates, and proof of my electrical education recognized by IHK Fosa when I moved to Germany 6 years ago. All I could find is for an electrician that works as a small company/gewerbe doing construction works as an electrician in buildings, employs more people…..needs a Master and bunch of other stuff that is not needed to acquire in Wind Industry by myself as all the tools and special equipment is always on sites delivered by a turbine manufacturing company.
And not to mention that all the people that I met so far as freelancers either from UK, Poland, Romania or Denmark opened their company’s relatively easy as they do their taxes…
So what, can I do it in Germany? Be freelancer, self-employed or I would be needed to do that somewhere else 🙂
Yamini
Hey Stivens, thanks for dropping by. Your question is completely out of my scope since it’s a very specific case. 🙂 Maybe you can try to contact your local IHK? Sometimes they offer online consultations as well. Good luck, Yamini
kennedy
Is it possible to do full time, mini job and freelance job
Yamini
Hey Kennedy – if you are a non-EU national then your resident permit determines what you’re allowed to do. It’s best you ask your responsible ABH for the right answer.
Han
Hi,
thank you so much for the this article, really helps a lot!
However, I do have a question regarding freelancing as a Non-EU student.
I am currently doing my masters in Aachen and I finished my bachelor in Duisburg. I would like to freelance as a app developer, and I actually have a client now, but I could not issue an invoice because I do not have a freelance permit (or could I?)
And also there is this, Scheinselbstständigkeit, or “fake self-employment” that I am concerned with as I only have one client so far. Would there be a problem?
Thanks!
Yamini
Hey Han, Thank you for the kind words.
Yeah, it could be an issue. YOu need a freelance permit to work as a freelancer in Germany – student or not. You also have to register yourself as a freelancer so the tax office can assign you a tax number and you’re able to report your earnings to them.
For scheinselbststandigkeit related info, please read this post (if you have no already). It answers some of your questions. 🙂
https://madinde.com/what-is-scheinselbststandigkeit-in-germany-and-how-to-avoid-it
Ashley
Thank you Yamini for this. Really insightful.
I would like to know based on oyur personal experience sif I can do freelance work under the 18-month post graduation visa, also while still having a part time job? Or do I need to change to a freelancer visa? Is it possible to hold two different visas at the same time?
I am a non-EU citizen for context.
My part time work pays for my insurance, Social security and taxes. The freelance would be for a company based in Germany
Yamini
hey Ashley thank you! 🙂 For reference, I freelanced while I was on my 18-mon job seekers visa, however, I registered my business with Finanzamt as soon as I started freelancing. I’m not aware of freelancing and having a part-time job at the same time.
Maybe you can look into nebenberufliche Selbständigkeit – which basically means having a side freelance business while you’re employed full-time.
Abu Shad Ahammed
What a wonderful an informative website it is! Thank you Yamin.
I am sure I will like to learn more in future.
Yamini
Hello Abu, thank you! Glad I could be of help 🙂
Viktoria
Hi Yamini, I’m so grateful I found your website! All this information is so valuable – thank you!
Question: end of 2019 I became unemployed and beginning of 2020 I got a Steuernummer (kleine Unternehmen). However, during 2020 I didn’t do any freelance jobs – I remained unemployed and received the benefits until November 2020 when I started a new full-time job.
If I understand correctly, I still need to declare income taxes for 2020 as both freelancer (0€), unemployed (x€) and employed (x€). The employed + unemployed I can together through Elster on my own – but how does it work for the freelance part?
Would truly appreciate your support!
Sunny regards,
Viktoria
Yamini
Hey Viktoria, I’m not informed about taxation in regards to benefits, so I cannot give you a helpful answer 🙂 So sorry! I’ll leave this comment here so someone else could pitch in and share their knowledge about this.
Viktoria
Hi Yamini, thanks for the reply and leaving my comment nevertheless! 🙏🏻
I try to summarize my question, maybe it’s something you have an idea of still: if I didn’t work as a freelancer during 2020 = made €0 – do I still have to file EÖK and Incometax as a freelancer?
Thank you for your patience and kindness! ✨
Warm regards,
Viktoria
Yamini
Hey Viktoria, no problem at all 🙂 I’m just guessing now but Finanzamt expects us to declare income even when earnings are low. I suppose they would be interested in checking how much you earned in 2020 (if at all). Maybe you can give them a quick call and ask them what to do 🙂 Viel glück and hope someone else can answer your question here.
Carmen
Hi Yamini,
Sorry, me again! I still have a few questions and would love to pick your brain on them!
I am on a student residence permit at the moment and would like to freelance as a consultant on a project basis (I believe it’s the Freier Mitarbeiter category). I am studying my master’s in economics; my bachelor’s was in business administration and I have worked as a full-time consultant previously in Australia. I want to seek permission to freelance according to Section 21.6 as you mentioned above.
My questions are:
1. Due to the lack of Ausländerbehörde appointments, I have emailed the office directly seeking permission. Their reply was, I needed to supply them with a Honorarvertrag / Arbeitsvertrag (mit Angabe der Dauer der Beschäftigung und der Vergütung); which I translated to be a proper contract. It sounds rather paradoxical that I need to secure a contract before I get permission to do so? Have you had any experience with this by any chance?
2. For the freelancer registration and freelancer tax ID with the Finanzamt, do I need to supply proof that the Ausländerbehörde has given me the permission to do so? I am just mindful that this process could take a while and I want to get started on the process since I already have a tax ID with my initial Anmeldung.
3. For the small business VAT exemption declaration, do I have the option to apply for this initially as I do not know how much I will earn and if this changes later on in the year I can change it and get a VAT number then? Is the exemption applicable if I have other EU (non-German) clients? Does this implicate the VAT reversal points above?
Sorry for the lengthy message! Appreciate your help/suggestions!
Best regards,
Carmen
Yamini
Hi Carmen,
No worries, I’ll take a stab at it.
1) For freelancing you’d need an ‘Honorarvertrag’ or letter of intent from potential clients. It’s not so uncommon to secure clients before you get your freelance permit. In fact, even preferred by ABH since it proves that your skills are in demand locally. For reference, I had already been registered with tax authorities, and working as a freelancer here for a year before I got my official freelancer resident permit. I should add that this was after finishing my masters in Germany and was on an 18 months ‘Job seekers resident permit’ at the time.
2) You can apply for your freelance tax number already. As mentioned above, I did the same as soon as I finished my masters in Germany.
3) You can apply for VAT ID at any point. So if you are unsure about your income in the initial phase, you can apply as a ‘Kleinunternehmer’. Later when your income exceeds the minimum threshold, you can request for a VAT ID from Finanzamt.
I hope this helps! 🙂
Yamini
Krishna
Hello Yamini,
firstly thanks for this informative blog!
Regarding your comment “For reference, I had already been registered with tax authorities, and working as a freelancer here for a year before I got my official freelancer resident permit.” I am in more or less in same situation expect that I still have student Visa.
I have been freelancing since more than a year, but actually I was doing my PhD and the contract type was freelancing which I got to know later.
So I have registered at tax office and I also got my VAT number. The only issue now is, I want to apply for freelance visa now and would it be any issue? What might be the consequences?
Thanks in advance!
Yamini
Hey Krishna, Thanks! 🙂 In my case, I started to freelance after I finished my studies and had already changed my permit to the job seekers’ resident permit. This permit allows you to do any kind of work until you find ‘proper’ (self)-employment. So there was no clash with other resident permit types.
From what you mentioned, you are or were on a full-time student’s permit? It is possible to freelance as a student in Germany, but only with an additional self-employment permit. It sounds like you have been freelancing without a proper permit. You may have to explain to ABH how/ why you did not know about your contract type. It is usually clarified from the beginning.
I also don’t know what ‘start date’ you gave when you registered with Finanzamt as a freelancer, hopefully, the accurate one. In that case, Finanzamt will adjust your taxes and you may have some back payments (of course depending on the tax you owe to finanzamt, you could also get a tax refund.)
Krishna
Hello Yamini,
thanks for the quick reply!
“From what you mentioned, you are or were on a full-time student’s permit?” – YES and I am still on student’s permit.
“You may have to explain to ABH how/ why you did not know about your contract type. It is usually clarified from the beginning.” – Could they agree on it and provide me with a freelance visa?
I shared my contract & even my payslips with them when I applied for my resident permit. At that time they didn’t raised any questions. So, I’m worried now if they will terminate my resident permit with Germany once and for all :/
All I worry is about resident permit, about taxes: in worst case I have to pay some fine.
Thanks!
Yamini
Payslips are for salaried jobs, not for self-employment. Freelancers send invoices to clients, they do not get payslips from them. I think you should check your contract wording again. 🙂
Krishna
Sorry for the wording. I will be writing ‘invoices’ to them with VAT ID.
But the main question here is, if I go to ABH for a freelance visa NOW what could be the consequences? Will my resident permit will be terminated once and for all? Or any huge fines? What could be the situation.
Thanks!
Yamini
I meant you should check the wording in your work contract to verify your employment type. You mentioned you have been ‘freelancing’ for one year. And you also mentioned you received payslips (presumably for one year). This is contradicting in itself.
As for the consequences, I cannot guess on the behalf of ABH. They usually treat each case on its own merits. If I were you I’d be more concerned about Finanzamt 🙂
Krishna
There is no mention in the contract about ‘freelancing’ word itslef. In contract it says that I do not have employement relationshop with Company. So by deafult all PhD thesis writing students are considered as ‘Freelancers’.
I’m in clarification with Finanzamt about taxes. I appointed a Steuerberater and she’s filing my tax registartions. So far no worries from FInanzamt.
My main concern is about ABH, as I’m doing this freelance since some time on ‘Student Permit’ how ABH will react here.
Should I inform them the same thing and ask for an excuse or may be even ready to face consequences like fine or termination of resident permt.
OR
Since there was no questions raised from ABH should I keep under radar until I finished my PhD in another 18 months? After that I plan to leave Germany.
Yamini
I recommend speaking to an immigration lawyer.
Yuliya
Hi Carmen,
Thank you for the great blog.
Do you know is it possible to register once and freelance across multiple professions? For example design and yoga teacher?
Thank you!
Yamini
Hey Yulia, You can register multiple professions but you should clearly mention this in your freelancer registration form.
Carmen
Hi there!
Thank you for such a thorough blog!
I wanted to following up on the part on freelancing as a student:
“CAN I FREELANCE AS A STUDENT IN GERMANY?
As of 2019, students from a non-EU country may freelance in Germany along with their studies. You have to apply for a separate German freelance permit to be able to work as a freelancer in Germany.
However, as a full-time student, you are allowed to work about 180 hours per year. There’s no upper limit on your income. You will have to pay taxes once you cross a certain income threshold.”
Do you have an official source / reference and the required documents and steps? I am having some difficulty with the Immigration Office but cannot seem to locate any official information online on freelancing as a student. Also, do you know if my clients can be within EU but outside Germany? Really appreciate your help on this!
Thank you!
Best,
Carmen
Yamini
Hi Carmen
Sure! I referred to this https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__21.html Please check § 21 paragraph 6 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG).
Existenzgruender.de explains in more detail on the following page.
https://www.existenzgruender.de/SharedDocs/BMWi-Expertenforum/Gruendungsplanung/Ausl-Staatsbuergerschaft/Student-aus-Nicht-EU-Staat-selbstaendig-waehrend-des-Studiums.html
In short:
1) Non-EU students need a separate self-emp permit.
2) The scope of the work should not jeopardise the studies.
3) The student must not spend more than 20 hours a week on self-employment
4) Full-time self-employment is not permitted.
As for the second question – This is just my personal experience. I had plenty of EU clients when I applied for my freelance permit and it was approved.
I hope it helped 🙂
Carmen
Hi Yamini,
Thank you for the prompt reply and helpful information!! 🙂
Carmen
Yamini
You’re welcome, Carmen! Good luck with everything 🙂