A quick Q to our German resident friends...

[BlasterBates]

Thanks, that's very helpful, especially as it may run over the 6 months. The other thorny question is should I ask for payment in sterling or euro? They have given me the option, and I'm not sure why.

That's because the customer pays them in Euros, and their commission will be transferred into pounds. I would have thought you should just let them convert the whole payment in one transfer, they'll be making sure they get a good rate for themselves and hence you as well, and save you the hassle.

[northernladyuk]

How long does one have to be in a contract in Germany before having to register for personal tax etc. I'm considering an open ended contract and I need to know where I stand before I can quote a rate. I opened up at a suggested 800 Euros and not an eyelid was batted, maybe I can blame Brexit and whack another 20% on top?

If this is Bavaria, you definitely want to ask exactly what's involved for €800 - that's a fairly niche rate.

[MrMarkyMark]

If this is Bavaria, you definitely want to ask exactly what's involved for €800 - that's a fairly niche rate.

I'm considering an open ended contract and I need to know where I stand before I can quote a rate. I opened up at a suggested 800 Euros and not an eyelid was batted, maybe I can blame Brexit and whack another 20% on top?

Seems quite clear to me

[Mordac]

That's because the customer pays them in Euros, and their commission will be transferred into pounds. I would have thought you should just let them convert the whole payment in one transfer, they'll be making sure they get a good rate for themselves and hence you as well, and save you the hassle.

The other thing I may have forgotten to mention is the agency is not UK based. The fall in sterling seems to reinforce the view that I should go for the Euro option.

[SueEllen]

The other thing I may have forgotten to mention is the agency is not UK based. The fall in sterling seems to reinforce the view that I should go for the Euro option.

Too many variables.

If you are going to be living in Germany and changing money to pounds in bulk then get paid in Euros.