Hello,
I plan to move to Germany next year and I am trying to calculate the costs of being a self-employed computer programmer there. I am a Polish citizen so I do not need any permits.
I work on a contract for a Malaysian company, they pay me, let's say, 2500 EUR a month (actually they pay in dollars, but due to exchange rate the EUR amount changes). Sometimes I do some freelance jobs, but my main income source is this one contract.
How much social/health stuff must I pay in Germany? I heard it's about 40%
How much income tax must I pay? I heard it's up to 40% as well.
Can someone do some sample math for me please? It's very hard to find some reliable information.
Thank you very much in advance.
Self-employed computer programmer
1
24785
Hi jaworskimatt!
Welcome to Expat.com 
Armand
15174
Things are more complicated for a self-employed than for employees. If you don't speak German, get a good tax consultant and accountant to set things up!
The actual tax rate depends on many factors. If you are single and earn EUR2500/month, you'd pay around 16% tax.
You need (compulsory) health insurance, which costs about EUR600/month (for employees, it's usually lower and the company pays half of it). All other social security is optional for self-employed.
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