Working with German customers in 2021, is it possible?

[zonkkk]

I don't know, but one of my LinkedIn recruiter connections has just been promoted to Head of European Contracts Division... I wonder if it's just a move to make it easier to get rid of him in the new year...

[dsc]

Thank you for the answers.

Normally the agencies are located in Germany, I have asked a couple of agencies and some of them will continue working with UK limiteds and some others not...

I see 3 different options:

• Keep working through UK limited - Best case.
• Create a Branch in Germany of my UK limited, BUT it depends on the Brexit output Because maybe they are not recognise as a companies anymore.
• Create a company in Germany (I have EU passport), but this option implies paying 2x accountants, etc..

If anyone has a better one, I would love to hear it!

Perhaps create an LTD in an EU country and use that to deal with the German branches? Just not sure how easy that would be as normally residency is required for this me thinks.

This is what I'm planning to do if Brexit causes issues and the Danish agency I'm going through decides that enough is enough (I've got Polish citizenship, so can set up shop there).

[clearedforlanding]

Freiberufler status is also an option. A local steuerberater (accountant) would be helpful to ensure your application to the Finanzamt is presented correctly. There is an old post against my profile describing my experience working in Germany.

It is the only sensible option. Prepare to spend some cash if you want a GmbH.

I would not consider using a UK LTD with no withdrawal provision for service companies.

[lecyclist]

It is the only sensible option. Prepare to spend some cash if you want a GmbH.

I would not consider using a UK LTD with no withdrawal provision for service companies.

OP can check this link also for more info (not sure how current it is, but the application process is clearly explained):
How to Become a Freiberufler in Germany! — Nomaden Berlin

[ViatoremDiEfa]

The Freiberufler (Freelancing Professional) status is not the easiest solution, since you will be cross-checked by both the Finanzamt (Tax Office), and the Rentenversicherung (State Pension Fund). They both want to prove that you are not a Freelancer. Look into ways to avoid the "Scheinselbständigkeit" (fictional self employment). The state pension fund is especially interested to have their cut of your money. At the very latest in 2030 the Freelancers will also have to pay into a pension plan regulated by the Government[1]. Just set up a GmbH and buy stocks or whatever at the end of the year to not have to declare the revenues as profits.



[1]https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article220588440/CDU-Papier-zur-Rente-Beamte-sollen-ab-2030-in-Rentenkasse-einzahlen.html