Bonn · Freiberufler anmelden

Register as a freelancer in Bonn

To invoice clients as a self-employed person in Bonn, you register with the Finanzamt and receive a tax number (Steuernummer). Liberal professions (Freiberufler — designers, developers, writers, consultants) register directly with the tax office; a commercial trade (Gewerbe) registers at the Gewerbeamt first.

⏱️Free. The Steuernummer arrives by post about 2–4 weeks after you file the questionnaire.

💡To invoice clients as self-employed you register with the Finanzamt via a free ELSTER account and the 'Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung' — there's no in-person appointment. You'll be posted a tax number (Steuernummer) for your invoices. Liberal professions (Freiberufler) register here directly; a commercial trade (Gewerbe) needs the Gewerbeamt first. If you'll earn little, the Kleinunternehmer rule lets you skip charging VAT.

What you need to bring

• Tax ID (Steuer-ID)Required

  How to get it: Mailed automatically ~2–3 weeks after your first Anmeldung. Lost it? Find it on a payslip or tax assessment, or request it again from the BZSt online.

• MeldebescheinigungRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).

• Residence permit allowing self-employment (non-EU)If applicable

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: Issued by the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) of your city after your application appointment. Renewals: apply well before expiry — slots are scarce.

• German IBAN for the tax accountIf applicable

  How to get it: Download as PDF from your online banking. Offices usually want the last 3 months.

Can you do it online?

The Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung is filed online through ELSTER — no office visit needed.

Good to know

• File the 'Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung' online via ELSTER — there's no in-person appointment for freelancers.
• If you'll earn under the threshold, the Kleinunternehmer rule lets you skip charging VAT — tick it on the form if it fits.
• Non-EU residents need a residence permit that allows self-employment — check your Aufenthaltstitel before you start invoicing.
• Set aside roughly 25–30% of income for tax, and keep every receipt — Germany lets you deduct a lot of business costs.

Frequently asked questions

Checklist last verified 2026-06-13. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.