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Checklist

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Here are some helpful resources for planning your business and travel activities in Germany. Use our checklists to make sure the most important aspects about your trip and business in Germany are taken into consideration.







 

  1. Checklist: Visa Requirements
  2. Checklist: Types of Visas
  3. Checklist: Starting a Business in Germany
  4. Checklist: Formalities for Registering a Business
  5. Checklist: Contents of a Commercial Invoice
  6. Checklist: Supporting Documents for Customs Declarations
  7. Tips: Choosing the Legal Form for Your Company
  8. Tips: Taxation for Your Business

Checklist: Starting a Business in Germany

  • Are you a freelancer? If you are offering a professional service as a freelancer you only need to apply for a tax number at the Tax Authority Office of the municipality (Finanzamt) where you will be practicing. You may also need to register with the relevant professional association. Since in some cases there is a fine line between operating as a freelancer and as a business, it is wise to double check with the tax authority whether the service that you want to offer belongs to the freelance professions.
  • Are you a small business (Sole Proprietor)? You must register your business with the local Trade Office (Gewerbeamt). This registration includes the simultaneous membership of the local Chamber of Commerce.

Do you plan to offer a trade that involves a skilled craft?  If you answer yes,

  • Your qualifications as a craftsman to operate the business must be recognized by the Chamber of Skilled Trade & Crafts.
  • The business must be entered in the trade register of skilled trade and crafts.
  • Are you planning on starting a large skilled trade business operation? Then, you must register the business with the local Trade Office and in the Commercial Register.