Vivid Editorial Team

The Vivid editorial team writes about company formation, finance and self-employment, with practical guides on business accounts, taxes and funding for founders and the self-employed.

When do you have to register a business in Germany?
Company formation

When do you have to register a business in Germany?

When do you have to register a business (Gewerbe) in Germany? Find out when an activity counts as a trade, who has to register and which deadlines, costs and exemptions apply.

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Becoming self-employed without capital
Freelancing & self-employment

Becoming self-employed without capital

Find out how to become self-employed without any capital: we walk you through financing options, funding, loans, bootstrapping and franchise models starting from €0.

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Vivid vs. Qonto: business account comparison
Comparisons

Vivid vs. Qonto: business account comparison 2026

Vivid or Qonto: which business account is best for freelancers, start-ups & SMEs in 2026? Compare pricing, SEPA transfers, cards and accounting tools.

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Geschäftskonto eröffnen
Business accounts

Business account: what it is and how to open one in Germany (step-by-step guide)

Learn how to open a business account in Germany, step by step, without paperwork, with a comparison and provider overview.

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The best business accounts 2026
Business accounts

Business account comparison 2026: the best business accounts

Business account comparison 2026: compare the best business accounts by features, pricing, and user reviews for freelancers and companies.

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UG vs. GmbH
Company formation

UG vs. GmbH: a comparison of legal forms

Explore the main differences between UG and GmbH in Germany, including capital requirements, costs, and liability, to choose the best legal form for your startup.

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e-Invoicing
Tax & regulation

Mandatory e-invoicing: deadlines, formats and what applies

Mandatory e-invoicing: when it applies, which deadlines run and how XRechnung and ZUGFeRD differ. With an overview of formats and software.

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Sole proprietorship
Company formation

Sole proprietorship in Germany: what it is and how to start one

Learn what a sole proprietorship is, who it’s for, and how to start one step by step. Start your own business easily and quickly with our practical guide!

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Registering as a freelancer
Freelancing & self-employment

Registering as a freelancer in Germany: a practical guide

Thinking about freelancing in Germany? Discover how to register as “selbstständig”, what requirements you must meet, which taxes apply, and what to watch out for in 2026.

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