Contracting in Germany (I know this has been done to death, sorry)

[Bomster1]

Hi All,

As per the title, I know this subject comes up alot, but I think my circumstances are slightly different. I currently plan to proceed as follows, but after researching on here I'm concerned I'm going to get myself into a sh***y situation with the German tax authority!

- Working offshore as a consultant on a wind farm in German waters (approx 45km off the coast). 2 weeks living on a vessel, 2 weeks back in UK at home.
- Operate through my UK Ltd company that I have just set up for this assignment.
- Working for a Danish company, paid in Euros.
- Duration approx 9 months (half of which will be spent on the job, other half at home in UK). Day rate isn't anything crazy (i.e. it's 3 figures).
- I will only be on German soil 2 days a month!

Am I going to end up in bother operating via my UK Ltd? Does the fact I'm operating on a vessel 45km from Germany make me exempt?
Should I go via a UK umbrella instead (I am considering I-PAYE if you guys think I need to go this option).

I am getting to wards the time where I really need to make a decision, so I would really appreciate any help/advice you guys can offer.

Cheers,

Bomster

[scooterscot]

You're a UK resident by the sounds of it, working for a Danish company. What part of that is contracting in Germany?

The Danes might get upset if you call them German

[Bomster1]

You're a UK resident by the sounds of it, working for a Danish company. What part of that is contracting in Germany?

The Danes might get upset if you call them German

Thanks for the response scooterscot, I will be working in German waters, i.e. the wind farm is being build in the German 'Exclusive Economic Zone 1' (think this just means it's German territory even though it's a long way off the coast).

Haha, yes I have already learnt the Danish aren't overly fond of the Germans, but thanks for the heads up anyway

[tarbera]

In general : have you swallowed a German sausage ?

[vetran]

You are still in the Glorious EU, we can all get along together in one big love in!

so it shouldn't cause any problems.




Can I suggest you get a statement from the Danish paymasters as to your tax situation?

[Bomster1]

You are still in the Glorious EU, we can all get along together in one big love in!

so it shouldn't cause any problems.




Can I suggest you get a statement from the Danish paymasters as to your tax situation?

Hi Veteran,

Thanks for your response!

So you think I will be exempt form German tax? Also, what kind of statement should I get form the Danish company, just one stating the tax arrangements?