Self-employment: a formal step, but 1.000 questions.

Who is self-employed or what is self-employment?

Self-employment, self-employment or self-reliance or independence operate the people who act at their own risk and on their own account. There are also three other factors that define self-employment: Self-employed are not subject to the instructions of a third party (supervisor), they do not belong to any third-party work organization (company) and the self-employed can freely determine their working hours.

Legally, professional independence is subject to the principle of freedom of trade. The law therefore stipulates in Section 1 (1) of the Trade Code (GewO) that everyone can start a business and start their own business. In addition, the trade regulations then regulate any restrictions very extensively - for example, the trade regulations also regulate any restrictions that the state has defined to protect the population and avert danger.

How do you become self-employed?

Starting your own business: Starting your own business is initially a purely formal act and relatively easy. A visit to the business registration office or online via the city administration website is sufficient to register a business.

But there are exceptions:
The registration of a self-employed activity, i.e. the business registration is only necessary for traders. However, there are also a number of independent activities that are not subject to the trade regulations - the so-called freelance activity.

What is a freelancer?

Although freelancers also act independently - they act at their own risk and for their own account, but do an activity that does not have to be registered as a trade (or, strictly speaking, cannot be registered).

A liberal profession or a freelance activity are activities that come either from different areas of science, artists, writers, teaching or educational groups. In the following professions, it is very indisputable that these can be clearly assigned to freelance work: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist (at the same time trader), lawyer, notary, patent attorney, engineer, architect, commercial chemist, auditor, sworn accountant, tax consultant, adviser Economist and business economist, midwife, massage therapist, physiotherapist, naturopath, journalist, image reporter, interpreter, translator, pilot, scientist, artist, writer, lecturer, teacher and educator.

What are the advantages of freelance work, what are the differences and how do I become a freelancer?

A freelance activity has two main advantages: 1. You do not have to pay trade tax and 2. You are not subject to the obligation to become a member of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK). So one speaks of chamber-free professions.

What does a Chamber of Commerce and Industry do or what does a Chamber of Crafts do?
Most self-employed and tradesmen automatically become members of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The only exception are craft businesses that become members of the chambers of crafts. However, freelancers and farmers and agricultural companies are exempt from this constraint.

In addition to the membership fees, which are due from the day of registration of the business, the chambers are a first point of contact, especially for founders, as they offer advice (usually free of charge) and with advice and action on many questions about starting a business and self-employment assist.