ROUTE

Register Self-Employment

Step-by-step checklist for registering self-employment in Germany: legal form, Gewerbeanmeldung or Freiberufler status, tax registration with Finanzamt, business account, and health insurance update.

1. 1

   STEP

   Rechtsform: Choosing Your Legal Status

   Freelancer (Freiberufler) or trader (Gewerbe) — this choice determines your taxes, registration requirements and contributions.

2. 2

   STEP

   Gewerbeanmeldung: Registering at the Gewerbeamt

   Mandatory registration of commercial activity at the local Gewerbeamt. Costs €15–65 and takes a single visit.

3. 3

   STEP

   Steuerliche Erfassung: Tax Registration with the Finanzamt

   Submit the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung via ELSTER — mandatory for all self-employed. The Finanzamt then issues your Steuernummer.

4. 4

   STEP

   Geschäftskonto: Opening a Business Bank Account

   A separate account for your business makes tax accounting far simpler. Not legally required for sole traders, but strongly recommended.

5. 5

   STEP

   IHK / HWK: Chamber of Commerce Registration

   After the Gewerbeanmeldung, the Gewerbeamt automatically notifies the IHK or HWK. Membership is compulsory and involves a fee.

6. 6

   STEP

   Krankenkasse: Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

   Going self-employed ends employer-based coverage. Notify your insurer and choose a plan: voluntary GKV, PKV, or the artists' fund KSK.