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Frage

I am an EU-citizen and I’m planning to move to Germany next year to study (Master’s level) and I have been researching the needed formalities. However, I have several doubts about my particular situation regarding work. I currently work as a freelance translator and illustrator, registered in Brazil as a company and paying taxes here. During my stay in Germany, I plan to continue working as I do now and I’m not sure how the rules for freelancing in Germany would apply to me. All my work is done at home and all my clients are either Brazilian or from the USA and UK. At the moment, I have no German clients (and it is unlikely that I ever do, since I don’t translate from German). In a few words, I’d be physically present in Germany, but all my work would be done over the internet, with no German clients involved. In that case, do I need to register in Germany as a freelancer? And, if so, what is the proper process I should go through?

Antwort

Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in studying and setting up a business in Germany.

www.make-it-in-germany.com provides international professionals with information on working and living in Germany. Detailed information on studying (http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/training-learning/study) or setting up a business (http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/working/setting-up-a-business-in-germany/visa-for-self-employment) are also available on “Make it in Germany”.

As a national of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland you are eligible to study in Germany without the need of a visa. If you hold a school-leaving certificate with a university entrance qualification, you will normally be admitted to a German university without the need of a further exam. To enter Germany, you will merely require a valid ID or passport.

Many students in Germany take on jobs during their spare time. Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time, like German students. During the holidays, they are entitled to earn an unlimited amount of money.

Regarding the registration of your company as well as regarding the tax aspects we strongly recommend you to contact a tax advisor to get individual advisory.

We wish you all the best for your future plans.

Source: Justina Alichniewicz
Economist
Projekt „Make it in Germany“
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln e.V.
Oktober 2017

Notice of the editor:

• English version of the business start-up portal
  
• DStV - German Association of Tax Advisers: Adviser-Search
• Federal Chamber of Tax Advisers: Adviser-Search
• Bundeszentralamt für Steuern: Foreign Investors Help Desk
• „Europe Enterprise Network“ (EEN): Local contact point in Brazil