Become self-employed
in minutes

Yes. From submitting your tax registration form to opening your Vivid Business account — everything is 100% digital. No paperwork, no appointments, no visits to the Finanzamt.

Yes. To work officially in Germany, you must complete the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung (tax registration form) and submit it to the Finanzamt. Once approved, you receive your dedicated Steuernummer for freelance activities.

Not legally required, but highly recommended. A dedicated business account makes bookkeeping easier, keeps private and business finances separate, and simplifies tax reporting. With Vivid Business, you get an account designed specifically for freelancers.

Yes. You don't need to wait for the tax office letter (which usually takes 4–8 weeks). You can already send invoices, get paid, and deduct business expenses — just make sure to add your Steuernummer once it arrives.

• Freiberufler: Professions involving intellectual or creative services (e.g., consultants, architects, translators, designers, journalists, doctors). Registered only with the Finanzamt, simplified accounting, no trade tax.
• Gewerbetreibender: Business owners and tradespeople (e-commerce, retail, craftsmen, restaurants). Must also register with the Gewerbeamt, may pay Trade Tax, and often face more complex accounting.

If your turnover is less than €25,000 in the first year and not more than €100,000 in the second year, you can register as a Kleinunternehmer. This means you don't charge VAT on invoices and bookkeeping stays simple. However, some clients may prefer working with VAT-registered freelancers because they can deduct VAT.

Usually every quarter (Vorauszahlungen) and once a year with your tax return. The Finanzamt will inform you of the exact dates and amounts.

We're working on a feature that will let you manage your tax payments directly in Vivid — making the process even easier.