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I would like to become a freelancer (Kleinunternehmer) and would need help/advice, which option I should choose to become one. It would need to be something art related, because I would also apply for KSK health insurance. My field: custom designed furniture, woodwork.

Antwort

There are many public information centres, which will advise you as you set up your own business. On the Startup Portal, under “advice and information”, you will find the contact information of regional and national information centres for entrepreneurs with a migrant background. A general contact list is available on the Startup Portal. Similarly, the Authority Finder will also tell you about your nearest information centre. Please also check out the webpage Business Startup Network in Berlin.

Please note the following information if you do not live permanently in Germany:

• If you are a citizen of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you are generally free to start up your own business in Germany.
• If you are a citizen of another state, in order to set up a business in Germany, you will need a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment (“Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer selbständigen Tätigkeit”). If you already live in Germany, you need to clarify if your current residence status enables you to start a business in Germany.

Therefore, we recommend you to contact your foreigners’ authority (“Ausländerbehörde”). For a first personal advice according your residence status you may also contact the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” under the telephone number +49 30 1815 – 1111. The service is provided in German and English and is free of charge.

Keep in mind, as you are operating in Germany, a good command of German is important. Even as you prepare your business, you will find that many official documents are available in German only. If your German is not good enough yet, you should make sure to take a language course before you set up your business. Some advanced courses have a special focus on the business world.

For further Information regarding setting up a business in Germany, please visit the Website "Make it in Germany".

We wish you all the best for your future plans.

* Please note:
The information presented here is a general service offering. Only the German missions and the foreigners’ authorities are responsible for the issuance of visa resp. residence permits. For further questions, please contact directly the respective authority.

Source: Justina Alichniewicz
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Internet: www.make-it-in-germany.com
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Februar 2019

Tipps der Redaktion:

• BMWi-Existenzgründungsportal: English version
• Taxes
• Kunst und Medien
• Künstlersozialkasse
• Creative City Berlin: Portal für Kulturschaffende und die Kreativwirtschaft
• Bundeszentralamt für Steuern: Foreign Investors Help Desk
• DStV - German Association of Tax Advisers: Adviser-Search
• Federal Chamber of Tax Advisers: Adviser-Search