Learn how to start freelancing as an expat

Learn how to start freelancing as an expat

Learn how to start freelancing as an expat

Starting self-employment in Germany? Get expert tips and a simplified roadmap for foreign entrepreneurs in this quick guide.

Starting self-employment in Germany? Get expert tips and a simplified roadmap for foreign entrepreneurs in this quick guide.

Starting self-employment in Germany? Get expert tips and a simplified roadmap for foreign entrepreneurs in this quick guide.

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What's inside

What's inside

What's inside

Types of self-employment

Freiberufler, Gewerbetreibender, Kleinunternehmen.

How to register

Notify Finanzant about the start of your freelance.

Getting paid

Learn how to invoice your first customer.

Accounting 101

How to do and what can you deduct from taxes.

Taxes

What to expect and when to file.

Deductibles table

Most common tax deductibles.

Invoice template

What to include on an invoice.

Tax calendar

Tax deadlines in 2024 and 2025.

Built in Germany for

  • Designers

  • Developers

  • Freelancers

  • Consultants

  • Photographers

  • Expats

  • Self-employed

  • Lawyers

  • Copywriters

  • Gewerbe

  • Designers

  • Developers

  • Freelancers

  • Consultants

  • Photographers

  • Expats

  • Self-employed

  • Lawyers

  • Copywriters

  • Gewerbe

  • Designers

  • Developers

  • Freelancers

  • Consultants

  • Photographers

  • Expats

  • Self-employed

  • Lawyers

  • Copywriters

  • Gewerbe

Learn more about taxes and finance in our blog.

FAQ

What exactly is Norman?

Norman is the Accounting Autopilot for modern entrepreneurs. It helps minimize audit risk and save money. Our mission is to make your everyday business life as easy as possible.

I am not self-employed. Can I file my income tax through Norman?

Yes! Norman supports salary from employment, donations, joint filings, etc. Still, we don't cover 100% of cases (e.g., solar installation subsidies).

Can I really do it myself?

Yes! If you use Norman, you usually don't need a tax advisor or accountant. Our mission is to make tax filing more accessible, faster, and less stressful. Thousands of individuals, self-employed, and businesses file their taxes without a Steuerberater. Many even do it on Elster, where it can be challenging to understand the questions and whether they are relevant to you. Norman endorses the official Elster portal.

How much does Norman cost?

The income tax submission for individuals costs €29. The self-employment registration form, smart invoicing, and bookkeeping are free. The monthly plans for self-employed start at €11/€22 for Kleinunternehmen/VAT payers.

Does Norman support Gewerbetreibende:r or is it for freelancers only?

Yes! We equally support Kleinunternehmer, Freiberufler:in, and Gewerbetreibende:r. You can submit the Gewerbesteuererklärung (Trade tax declaration) with Norman.

Can I trust my data with Norman?

Yes! Norman adheres to German data privacy requirements and stores your data only in data centers located in Frankfurt.  When you connect a bank account, Norman NEVER sees the credentials used. Bank connection is provided by a PSD2 licensed Open Banking provider. 

Does AI make a difference?

Yes! Modern AI models are extremely good at categorization and extracting information from documents (like VAT from a receipt). We assembled a collection of best-in-class models to save you hours on bookkeeping and tax filing. We've tuned the top-notch language model to work specifically with German tax law. Still, Norman can make mistakes. Check important information.

What exactly is Norman?

Norman is the Accounting Autopilot for modern entrepreneurs. It helps minimize audit risk and save money. Our mission is to make your everyday business life as easy as possible.

I am not self-employed. Can I file my income tax through Norman?

Yes! Norman supports salary from employment, donations, joint filings, etc. Still, we don't cover 100% of cases (e.g., solar installation subsidies).

Can I really do it myself?

Yes! If you use Norman, you usually don't need a tax advisor or accountant. Our mission is to make tax filing more accessible, faster, and less stressful. Thousands of individuals, self-employed, and businesses file their taxes without a Steuerberater. Many even do it on Elster, where it can be challenging to understand the questions and whether they are relevant to you. Norman endorses the official Elster portal.

How much does Norman cost?

The income tax submission for individuals costs €29. The self-employment registration form, smart invoicing, and bookkeeping are free. The monthly plans for self-employed start at €11/€22 for Kleinunternehmen/VAT payers.

Does Norman support Gewerbetreibende:r or is it for freelancers only?

Yes! We equally support Kleinunternehmer, Freiberufler:in, and Gewerbetreibende:r. You can submit the Gewerbesteuererklärung (Trade tax declaration) with Norman.

Can I trust my data with Norman?

Yes! Norman adheres to German data privacy requirements and stores your data only in data centers located in Frankfurt.  When you connect a bank account, Norman NEVER sees the credentials used. Bank connection is provided by a PSD2 licensed Open Banking provider. 

Does AI make a difference?

Yes! Modern AI models are extremely good at categorization and extracting information from documents (like VAT from a receipt). We assembled a collection of best-in-class models to save you hours on bookkeeping and tax filing. We've tuned the top-notch language model to work specifically with German tax law. Still, Norman can make mistakes. Check important information.

What exactly is Norman?

Norman is the Accounting Autopilot for modern entrepreneurs. It helps minimize audit risk and save money. Our mission is to make your everyday business life as easy as possible.

I am not self-employed. Can I file my income tax through Norman?

Yes! Norman supports salary from employment, donations, joint filings, etc. Still, we don't cover 100% of cases (e.g., solar installation subsidies).

Can I really do it myself?

Yes! If you use Norman, you usually don't need a tax advisor or accountant. Our mission is to make tax filing more accessible, faster, and less stressful. Thousands of individuals, self-employed, and businesses file their taxes without a Steuerberater. Many even do it on Elster, where it can be challenging to understand the questions and whether they are relevant to you. Norman endorses the official Elster portal.

How much does Norman cost?

The income tax submission for individuals costs €29. The self-employment registration form, smart invoicing, and bookkeeping are free. The monthly plans for self-employed start at €11/€22 for Kleinunternehmen/VAT payers.

Does Norman support Gewerbetreibende:r or is it for freelancers only?

Yes! We equally support Kleinunternehmer, Freiberufler:in, and Gewerbetreibende:r. You can submit the Gewerbesteuererklärung (Trade tax declaration) with Norman.

Can I trust my data with Norman?

Yes! Norman adheres to German data privacy requirements and stores your data only in data centers located in Frankfurt.  When you connect a bank account, Norman NEVER sees the credentials used. Bank connection is provided by a PSD2 licensed Open Banking provider. 

Does AI make a difference?

Yes! Modern AI models are extremely good at categorization and extracting information from documents (like VAT from a receipt). We assembled a collection of best-in-class models to save you hours on bookkeeping and tax filing. We've tuned the top-notch language model to work specifically with German tax law. Still, Norman can make mistakes. Check important information.

© 2024 Norman AI GmbH

© 2024 Norman AI GmbH

© 2024 Norman AI GmbH