First steps

Starting on the side, registering, the first thousand in revenue.

Start a Side Business While Employed: The Ground RulesHow to start a side business while employed without trouble: employment contract clauses, who owns what you build, and tax thresholds in the UK, US and Germany.
Register a Business in Germany: Cost and Steps for 2026What it costs to register a business in Germany: €15 online in Berlin, plus what follows, from the tax questionnaire to chamber fees. Steps for expats included.
Self-Employed in Germany: Costs in Your First YearBeing self-employed in Germany costs at least about €280 a month for health insurance in 2026, plus taxes that arrive a year late. Every cost, with examples.