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Let’s take a closer look at who is considered a “freiberufler” in Germany, how a liberal profession differs from a trade (“Gewerbe”), how to notify the tax office, and what taxes to pay in 2026.
- I already live in Germany
- Work, career and education
- Start freelancing
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Articles that directly answer the selected question.
Freelancers in Germany: Who Qualifies as a Freelancer and What Taxes Do They Pay? Let’s take a closer look at who is considered a “freiberufler” in Germany, how a liberal profession differs from a trade (“Gewerbe”), how to notify the tax office, and what taxes to pay in 2026. Open article Freelancing in Germany: Registration, Residence Permit, and Taxes How to Start Freelancing in Germany: What to Check in Your Residence Permit, How to Submit the “Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung,” the Difference Between “Freiberufler” and “Gewerbe,” and When the “Kleinunternehmerregelung” Applies. Open article Freelancing in Germany for Foreigners: Visa, Taxes and Freiberufler Registration How a foreigner can become a freelancer in Germany: the difference between Freiberufler and Gewerbe, residence permission, registration with the Finanzamt, VAT, insurance and Scheinselbstständigkeit risks. Open article How to Start Your Own Business in Germany: Self-Employment, Gewerbe and Taxes Open article Work and Part-Time Jobs in Germany by Residence Permit Type: What Is Permitted Open article How Foreigners Can Start a Business in Germany: Registration, Visa, and Taxes A step-by-step guide for foreigners who want to start a business in Germany: Freiberufler or Gewerbe, legal forms, residence permit, Gewerbeamt, Finanzamt, ELSTER, taxes, and insurance. Open article The Tax System in Germany: Income Tax, VAT, and Business Taxes How the tax system works in Germany: progressive Einkommensteuer, VAT, tax brackets, the Kleinunternehmerregelung, and what freelancers and entrepreneurs need to consider. Open article Remote work for a foreign company from Germany: taxes, insurance, and registration How a German resident can set up remote work for a foreign company: employment contract, freelance work, taxes, social security contributions, Krankenversicherung, Elster, and the SV-Meldeportal. Open article
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Articles that provide additional context.
What Jobcenter Can and Cannot Prohibit for Bürgergeld Recipients A breakdown of Bürgergeld recipients' rights: Ausbildung, studies, work, business registration, self-employment, Jobcenter sanctions, and appeals. Open article AVGS Voucher in Germany: Free Coaching for Job Search and Starting a Business What an AVGS voucher is, when Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit may pay for coaching, how to choose a provider, and how to prepare for a meeting with your adviser. Open article Visas for Freelancers and the Self-Employed in Germany: Requirements and Documents How visas and residence permits work for the self-employed and freelancers in Germany: the differences between “Gewerbe” and “freiberufliche Tätigkeit,” the requirements under Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), the necessary documents, and the application process. Open article Digital Nomads in Germany: Is There a Specific Visa, and What Are the Alternatives? Germany does not have a separate digital nomad visa. Let’s break down the realistic options: freelancing under §21 AufenthG, business, salaried employment, and restrictions on remote work. Open article Cosmetologists in Germany: Work, Training, Diploma Recognition, and Salary How to work as a cosmetologist in Germany: what a Kosmetiker/in does, which training program to choose, when you need your qualifications recognized, what restrictions apply to NiSV procedures, and what salary range to expect. Open article Section 24 in Germany: How to Prepare Early for Your Next Status After Temporary Protection What Ukrainians with protection under §24 AufenthG need to know: extensions, work, study, family, self-employment and the risks of waiting until the last moment. Open article
