Freelance registration that's simple & swift

  • Want to go freelance in Germany? Register for free and get your Finanzamt tax ID with no fuss.
  • Guided sign-up in English – 100% online, with clear & jargon-free explanations.
  • Open a business account stacked with tools to manage invoicing, expenses and bookkeeping.
Register for free now

Become a freelancer in 3 easy steps

How to register as a Freiberufler with the Finanzamt.

Step 1
Fill out the online form
Simply enter your details into a clear, easy-to-follow form. We'll securely forward your tax registration to the Finanzamt for you.
Step 2
Open a business account
Try Qonto's business account for free for 30 days - no strings attached. Banking, accounting and invoicing in one intuitive app.
Step 3
Get your tax ID
You'll receive your tax ID by mail in around 4-8 weeks. Once it arrives, your account's active and you're free to freelance!
Register for free now

Become a freelancer – easily and free of charge

Quickly register your freelance business online with Qonto and try out the Qonto business account free of charge for 30 days. Enjoy complete visibility of all your freelance finances from Day 1.

Guided registration with the tax office (Finanzamt)
Free

Guided registration with the tax office (Finanzamt)
Free

  1. Simplified online tax ID forms
  2. Explanations in clear English
  3. No need to sign up with ELSTER
  4. Free trial of our business account
plus sign
Business account & money management tools
Test for free

Business account & money management tools
Test for free

  1. Manage business money separately
  2. Make & receive fast, easy payments
  3. Create & send invoices from the app
  4. Cut the time spent on finance admin
Start now for free

Registering as a freelancer in Germany - what you need to know

With Qonto, applying for your tax ID is quick, simple and fully digital. You don't need a separate ELSTER account or complicated Finanzamt registration. Instead, you fill out a simplified form where every field is clearly explained - with helpful tips in English and no complicated jargon.

We'll then securely transmit your tax registration form to your responsible tax office (Finanzamt). This saves you from bureaucracy so you can focus fully on your business idea - while Qonto handles your freelance registration.

Yes, you can call your Finanzamt to request your tax ID, but they'll require proof of identity for security purposes and will typically send the number in writing anyway. However, for initial tax ID applications, you must follow the written online route.

You'll typically receive your tax ID (Steuernummer) within four to eight weeks of submitting your application. During peak times, it may take a bit longer. If that happens, check with your tax office (Finanzamt) for a status update.

Yes. make sure to Include all the essential information (name, address, date, invoice number, description, amount), then add your tax ID and VAT information later, once you have it. Using the small business tax scheme? Add § 19 UStG to your invoice.

Why a business account is a game changer

Static asset
  1. Boost efficiency: Enjoy seamless invoicing, receipt handling, & expense management.
  2. Clarify finances: Keep personal & business funds separate, and keep control.
  3. Get a professional edge: Gain client & partner trust with a dedicated business account.
Register for free now

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A smart business account, built for freelancers

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Manage invoices

Send, receive and manage invoices easily in the Qonto app, and match them directly to the right transactions.

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Simplify your bookkeeping

With banking, invoice management and receipt management in one place, Qonto handles your bookkeeping prep work automatically.

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Find a tax advisor

Use our tax advisor directory to find the right firm near you, or work with one completely online.

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Keep everything in sync

Connect your Qonto business account seamlessly with over 2,000 business tools across accounting, payments, productivity and HR.

Simple online freelance registration. The way it should be.

Register as a freelancer and get your business off the ground with a Qonto business account.

Register for free now

Frequently Asked Questions

Qonto simplifies your registration process significantly. You fill out a simple, easy-to-understand online form — no unnecessary questions or complex jargon. We then forward your application to the appropriate tax office (the Finanzamt) at no added cost. This saves you time, avoids paperwork, and lets you focus entirely on launching your freelance project.

To make your freelance business official, you need to register with the tax office (Finanzamt) and apply for a tax number (Steuernummer). This is done by filling out the tax registration form. The tax number is essential for handling all tax matters and must be included on all official documents and invoices. The application process can vary depending on the workload and efficiency of the responsible tax office, so it's advisable to take care of this formality early.

By opening a business account immediately with Qonto, you can organize your business finances professionally from the start. You have time to set up your account at your own pace and get familiar with practical tools like invoicing, receipt management, and accounting. Once your tax number arrives, you can hit the ground running. Plus, you can use all features free for 30 days — without any obligation to buy.

No problem – you still have access to your Qonto business account and can still use the features. Outgoing payments will be temporarily paused until you upload your tax number. We guide you through the entire process and will keep you aware of the next steps in good time.

Failing to register your freelance activity with the tax office can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. The tax office may require back payment of taxes and social security contributions, along with fines and interest on the owed amounts. To avoid such issues, it's advisable to register your freelance activity as soon as possible – within a month at the latest – and promptly inform the tax office of any changes in your professional situation.

Freelancers & sole traders can apply for a tax number by completing and submitting the tax registration form to the tax office (Finanzamt). This step is vital for officially registering your work and handling taxes right. You’ll receive your tax number within a few weeks after submitting your forms.

Registering as a freelancer with the Finanzamt (tax office) is free. There are no charges for registering your freelance status, making the process accessible for many aspiring entrepreneurs in liberal professions.

There’s no legal cap on freelance income, but you’ll owe income tax on annual profits over €12,096. You should also keep an eye on your revenue to apply the relevant small business rules. Additionally, once you hit €25,000 in annual sales, you’ll need to pay VAT. Freelancers still need to stay on top of their tax duties and responsibilities.

Getting a tax ID depends on the tax office’s workload and structure. You can typically expect to receive it within four to eight weeks after sending in your tax form.

Forgetting to register your work with the Finanzamt (tax office) can lead to serious repercussions. The Finanzamt might require back taxes and social security fees. They can also add fines and interest to any back taxes owed.

It’s advisable to register as soon as possible – ideally within a month – after you begin, to notify the tax office of your self-employment.