Trade License
What is a trade license?
The trade license is the official confirmation that a business is officially operated and is formally issued by the trade office after registration. This is important because in Germany all income must be taxed at the relevant tax office.
When is a trade license required?
Anyone wishing to work full-time or part-time as an actor, model or extra must register this. A distinction must be made here as to whether it is a trade or a freelance activity, whereby the responsible tax office will provide information on this.
However, if you only work as a model or extra occasionally, this is not necessary. In this case, you will be registered as an employee for individual jobs and deregistered in the evening. In this way, you will be paid as an employee. Taxes and social security contributions are paid immediately.
FAQ
When does my hobby become a business?
You can earn up to €410 per year with a hobby. As soon as your (self-employed) income exceeds this amount, you should register a business.
What do I have to do to get a trade license?
In order to obtain a trade license, an application must be completed at the relevant tax office and submitted with an official photo ID. Depending on the type of business, further documents may also be required.
When does the trade license have to be renewed?
As a rule, the trade license must be renewed if the business activity changes or every few years at the latest. The exact deadlines vary depending on the authority.
Does it cost to issue a trade license?
Yes, there is a fee for issuing a trade license. The amount of the fee varies depending on the type of trade and regional legislation.
What information is contained in the trade license?
The trade license contains information such as the name of the trader, the type of trade, the place of business and the official permit.