Introduction: Why Knowing the Liste der Freiberufler Matters
If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, knowing if your profession is classified as a Freier Beruf is crucial.
Freelancers (“Freiberufler”) enjoy many advantages compared to Gewerbetreibende (tradespeople), including:
No registration at Gewerbeamt (Gewerbeanmeldung) and trade tax (Gewerbesteuer)
Easier accounting (single-entry bookkeeping regardless of the revenue/profit)
No mandatory membership in the Chamber of Commerce (IHK)
In this article, you’ll find the full and official list of Freiberufler professions based on German tax law (§18 EStG) – plus a free ebook to help you start your freelance journey!
The Official Liste der Freiberufler in Germany
According to §18 Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG), these professions are officially recognized as Freiberufler:
Doctors (Ärzte)
Dentists (Zahnärzte)
Veterinarians (Tierärzte)
Lawyers (Rechtsanwälte)
Notaries (Notare)
Patent Attorneys (Patentanwälte)
Surveyors (Vermessungsingenieure)
Engineers (Ingenieure)
Architects (Architekten)
Commercial Chemists (Handelschemiker)
Auditors (Wirtschaftsprüfer)
Tax Advisors (Steuerberater)
Certified Public Accountants (vereidigte Buchprüfer)
Tax Agents (Steuerbevollmächtigte)
Alternative Practitioners (Heilpraktiker)
Physiotherapists (Krankengymnasten)
Dental Practitioners (Dentisten)
Journalists (Journalisten)
Press Photographers (Bildberichterstatter)
Interpreters (Dolmetscher)
Translators (Übersetzer)
Pilots (Lotsen)
✅ Even if your profession isn’t listed here, you might still qualify as a Freiberufler if your activity is consulting, scientific, artistic, educational, or writing-based.
Related Freelance Professions ("Ähnliche Berufe")
The list is not closed.
The German tax offices also recognize similar professions if the activity is:
Scientific
Artistic
Literary
Teaching
Educational
Some accepted examples include:
Psychologists
Historians
IT Professionals (Informatiker)
Consultants
Physiotherapists
Ergotherapists
Teachers
Scientists
Whether you are a designer, photographer, software engineer, or consultant, there’s a chance you fall under the freelance category!
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Want the complete list of 40+ recognized Freiberufler professions plus a simple explanation of:
Freelancers vs. Gewerbe
How to avoid mistakes when applying for your Steuernummer
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How to Check if You Are a Freiberufler
If you're unsure whether your job is classified as freelance:
Check the list above.
Look at your main activity:
Is it based on your personal expertise (intellectual work), or do you sell products?Education helps:
Often, specialized education helps distinguish freelancers from solo traders. Anyone can start an Etsy shop, but medicine or law requires years of education.Consult the Finanzamt:
You can ask for clarification when submitting your "Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung."
📜 In many cases, freelance status is decided based on how you describe your services. A strong description helps convince the Finanzamt.
💿 Selling digital goods like digital art or software licenses will also fall into the Gewerbe zone.
Why freelance status is a big advantage
Being a recognized Freiberufler gives you real benefits:
Simpler registration and reporting
Save thousands by avoiding Gewerbesteuer
Simplify your accounting - no complex double-entry perspective
Conclusion: Your Checklist to Becoming a Freiberufler
✅ Find your profession in the official Liste der Freiberufler.
✅ Download the free ebook to see 40+ examples and tips.
✅ Register with the Finanzamt accurately describing your profession.
✅ Start your freelance business effortlessly!
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FAQ: Liste der Freiberufler
Q: What happens if my profession isn’t listed?
A: You can still qualify if your work is intellectual, scientific, creative, educational, or writing-based.
Q: Is software development a Freiberufler profession?
A: Yes – especially if you have an academic background or proven deep expertise.
Q: Do Freiberufler need to register a Gewerbe?
A: No. You simply register your freelance activity directly at the Finanzamt (tax office).