DirectEmigreren
Chapter 11 of 15

Working & entrepreneurship

Employment contract, Freiberufler vs Gewerbe, business registration, tax office

Summary

The German labor market is strong, with a structural shortage of skilled workers in IT, healthcare, engineering, and construction. As an EU citizen, you have free access — no work permit needed. Employee rights are robust: strong dismissal protection, generous vacation (minimum 20 days), and Kurzarbeit protects jobs in crises. As an entrepreneur, you can choose between Freiberufler (freelance profession) and Gewerbe (commercial business).

What you need to know

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10. Learning German

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12. Social security

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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Anmeldung (Address Registration)

    The mandatory address registration at the BĂĽrgeramt within 14 days of moving. Without Anmeldung you cannot open a bank account, sign an employment contract or pay taxes in Germany.

  • Meldebescheinigung (Registration Certificate)

    Proof of your Anmeldung. You need this document for almost everything: bank account, tax number, health insurance, employment contract. Keep it safe!

  • BĂĽrgeramt (Citizens Office)

    The citizens office where you register your address, request identity documents and handle other administrative matters. Always make an appointment — without a Termin you will not be served.

  • Steuer-ID (Tax Identification Number)

    Your personal tax identification number, automatically assigned after your Anmeldung. Your employer needs this number. It arrives by mail — takes 2-4 weeks.

  • Finanzamt (Tax Office)

    The local tax office. Here you register as a taxpayer, file your Steuererklärung (tax return) and handle all fiscal matters. Much can be done online via ELSTER.

  • Krankenversicherung (Health Insurance)

    Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Choose between gesetzliche (public: TK, AOK, Barmer) or private Krankenversicherung. Employees earning under ~€69,300/year must be publicly insured.

  • Schufa (Credit Score Agency)

    The German credit information agency. Your Schufa score determines whether you get a rental apartment, can get a phone contract or a loan. Build your score by opening a German bank account and paying bills on time.

  • Rundfunkbeitrag (Broadcasting Fee)

    The mandatory broadcasting fee of €18.36/month per household. Everyone with a registered address must pay, regardless of whether you watch TV or listen to radio.

  • Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation)

    A confirmation from your landlord that you live at the address. This document is required for your Anmeldung. Your landlord is legally required to provide it within 2 weeks.

  • Aufenthaltstitel (Residence Permit)

    The residence permit for non-EU citizens. EU citizens do not need to apply for an Aufenthaltstitel, but must register via the Anmeldung.

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