Register as a freelancer in Germany

To invoice clients as a self-employed person in Germany, 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.

Good to know — wherever you live

• ✓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.