How to Become a Freelancer in Germany as an Expat
If you’ve ever typed "how to become a freelancer in Germany" into Google, you know how confusing the results can be—especially when you’re navigating this system as an expat or immigrant. Between unfamiliar terminology, bureaucratic steps, and legal distinctions, it’s no wonder many talented professionals feel stuck before they even begin.
I created this guide because I’ve been there—and now I help others find clarity and structure through founder coaching. Whether you’re a creative, consultant, coach, or tech specialist, this blog is for you.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to legally and confidently start your freelance business in Germany—without the overwhelm.
What Does "Freelancing" Mean in Germany?
In Germany, not all self-employment is treated the same. There are two main legal paths:
Freelancer (Freiberufler): Applies to certain professions like writers, artists, educators, designers, translators, consultants, doctors, and more. This category is often easier to register and manage.
Trade (Gewerbe): Applies to most other services and businesses. Requires Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration), and usually includes local business taxes (Gewerbesteuer).
If you're unsure where your profession falls, the Finanzamt (tax office) ultimately decides. However, this overview of freelance professions can help you understand if your work is likely to be considered Freiberuflich. You can also contact your local tax office directly for early clarification.
Who Can Become a Freelancer?
If you're an EU citizen, you have full rights to start a business or freelance in Germany. If you’re from a non-EU country, your visa must explicitly allow self-employment.
Tip: If you’re currently unemployed and hold a valid residence permit, you may qualify for support like the Gründungszuschuss or the AVGS voucher, which can finance your coaching or business development.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Freelance Business
Step 1: Validate Your Business Idea
This first step is often overlooked—but it’s one of the most important. Before you register, take time to clarify:
What exactly are you offering?
Who is your ideal client?
What problem are you solving?
Need help? My Founder Discovery Workbook can guide you through this process step by step.
Step 2: Decide on VAT (Umsatzsteuer)
Most new freelancers in Germany must charge VAT—unless they choose the Kleinunternehmerregelung (small business regulation), which exempts them from charging VAT if they expect to earn less than €22,000 in their first calendar year.
This option must be selected at the time of registration and affects how you issue invoices and manage taxes, so make sure you decide before submitting your tax questionnaire to the Finanzamt.
Step 3: Register with the Finanzamt (Tax Office)
Once you've clarified your business idea and VAT status, the next official step is registering your activity with the Finanzamt (tax office). This is where you submit the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung (tax registration form), typically via ELSTER, Germany’s online tax portal. After approval, you’ll receive your Steuernummer (tax number) and confirmation of your freelance status.
Many of my English-speaking clients choose to handle this step through platforms like Accountable, which offer English-language support and digital filing assistance tailored to freelancers in Germany.
Important: While the form itself is straightforward, take time to think before you register:
Have you chosen the right business model for your work?
Are you sure about your VAT status?
Do you understand your estimated income and costs for the first year?
Rushing into registration can lead to mismatches between your actual activity and what’s reported to the Finanzamt—potentially causing issues down the line. I recommend working through a basic financial overview before registering. In my Founder Coaching Program, we go through all of this in detail, using tools like the Financial Planning Workbook to help you estimate costs, income expectations, and taxes before making your first move.
If you're registering a Gewerbe instead of freelancing, you must also register your business with the local Gewerbeamt (trade office).
Step 4: Set Up a Business Bank Account
While not legally required, this makes accounting cleaner—especially if you plan to work with a Steuerberater (tax advisor). Look for a business account that allows easy expense tracking, integration with accounting software, and clear separation between personal and professional finances. Many providers offer freelancer-specific features—compare options based on your needs.
Step 5: Take Care of Health Insurance
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory—and once you become self-employed, you're responsible for covering it yourself. Options include:
Public (gesetzlich): Suitable for most.
Private (privat): Usually better for high earners or those who rarely use medical services.
Talk to a trusted advisor before switching to private.
Step 6: Start Working & Keep Good Records
Keep every invoice, receipt, and contract. Tools like Lexoffice, Sorted, or Accountable (the platform!) make this easier. You’ll need these for tax filings and possibly your Steuerberater.
Common Questions from Expats
"Can I freelance while working part-time?"
Yes, but you must inform your employer and check your visa restrictions.
"What if my visa doesn’t allow freelancing?"
You’ll need to apply for a Freelance Visa at your local Ausländerbehörde. They’ll want a business plan and proof of income potential.
"What if I need help creating a business plan?"
That’s exactly what I help with in my Founder Coaching Program, which is fully financeable through the AVGS voucher.
Final Thoughts: Start with Clarity, Not Perfection
Many expats delay getting started because they fear getting something wrong. But clarity comes through action.
This process can feel overwhelming, especially when German bureaucracy is unfamiliar. But you don’t need to do it all alone.
If you’re still unsure where to begin, I recommend reading these two helpful blogs:
And if you’d like a structured way to explore your business idea or get support through the process, reach out or book a free clarity call with me.
This journey is challenging—but with the right steps and support, it’s absolutely doable. If you're feeling stuck or uncertain, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a personal consultation—I’d love to help you navigate this journey. You can book a free 30 minute consultation with me here 👉 My Calendar
