Register Self-Employment
DEFINE YOUR SCENARIO
Active steps: …
Rechtsform: Choosing Your Legal Status
Freelancer (Freiberufler) or trader (Gewerbe) — this choice determines your taxes, registration requirements and contributions.
Gewerbeanmeldung: Registering at the Gewerbeamt
Mandatory registration of commercial activity at the local Gewerbeamt. Costs €15–65 and takes a single visit.
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.
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.
IHK / HWK: Chamber of Commerce Registration
After the Gewerbeanmeldung, the Gewerbeamt automatically notifies the IHK or HWK. Membership is compulsory and involves a fee.
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.