What should I consider when travelling? What do I need to take care of when planning a trip? This guide is intended to provide an initial overview for your international activities and point you towards the relevant texts on our website where you can find more detailed information.
If you are an organiser in Germany, please answer the questions from the perspective of the artist you are inviting.
The law on freedom of movement applies within the EU. No visa is required for short or long-term stays. Registration in the destination country is usually required for stays longer than 3 months and when taking up employment. EU nationals have full access to the labour market in any EU country. In principle, these rights of free movement also apply to nationals of Switzerland as well as other EEA countries, but the individual situation should still be reviewed to be sure.
Please note: Different conditions apply to third-country nationals residing in Germany than to EU nationals with regard to travel within the EU. Tourist stays of a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period are allowed. These rules apply to Schengen countries only (incl. CH, ISL, LIE, NO) but not to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen area. A German residence permit does not entitle the holder to work in other EU countries. In such cases, you must check whether exceptions are in place for artistic activities.
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Although German citizens may enter many countries without a visa, other countries do have visa requirements. Entry requirements always depend on citizenship and differ for other EU or EEA nationals.
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Although Germans and other EU nationals may enter many countries without a visa, a visa and residence permit are usually required for long-term stays/moves. It is often possible to apply for a residence permit locally after entering the country.
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Entry requirements always depend on citizenship and must be examined on a case-by-case basis. Third-country nationals residing in Germany may apply for visas both from the embassy of their destination country in Germany and in their home country.
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A visa and residence permit are usually required for long-term stays in or moves to another country. It is often possible to apply for a residence permit locally after entering the country. Third-country nationals residing in Germany may apply for visas both from the embassy of their destination country in Germany and in their home country.
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The law on freedom of movement applies within the EU. No visa is required for short or for long-term stays. After your move, you must register with the local registry office. You must also not forget to deregister when leaving Germany. EU nationals have full access to the German labour market. In principle, these rights of free movement also apply to nationals of Switzerland as well as other EEA countries. Swiss nationals should check whether it is necessary or advisable to apply for a residence permit.
Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit from an EU country may stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. A national visa must be obtained for longer stays. A residence permit in another EU country does not entitle the holder to work in Germany. However, a number of exceptions are in place for artistic activities; these are regulated in Sections 22 and 25 of the Employment Ordinance (Beschäftigungsverordnung, BeschV).
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Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit from an EU country may stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, you will need to apply for a national visa from the German embassy in your country of residence or home country in order to take up gainful employment. Nationals of privileged third countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Canada, Israel, South Korea, United Kingdom) as well as Brazil have the option of visa-free entry with subsequent application for a residence permit from a local foreigners' registration office.
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Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit from an EU country may stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, you must apply for a national visa to take up gainful employment from the German embassy in your country of residence or in your home country. Nationals of privileged third countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Canada, Israel, South Korea, United Kingdom) have the option of visa-free entry with subsequent application for a residence permit from a local foreigners' registration office.
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Third-country nationals generally require a Schengen visa (category C) to enter Germany. However, nationals of some countries have the option of visa-free entry. The visa is usually applied for from the consular representations of Germany in the country of residence or home country. In some countries, consular services are provided by external agencies. A Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen area but does not permit the holder to take up gainful employment. However, a number of exceptions are in place for artistic activities; these are regulated in Sections 22 and 25 of the Employment Ordinance (Beschäftigungsverordnung, BeschV).
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All third-country nationals need a valid residence permit for a stay of longer than 90 days in Germany within a 180-day period. Nationals of most third countries must apply for a national category D visa from the consular representation of Germany in their country of residence or home country. Nationals of privileged third countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Canada, Israel, South Korea) have the option of visa-free entry with subsequent application for a residence permit from a local foreigners' registration office. This option is also open to Brazilian nationals, albeit subject to certain restrictions.
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All third-country nationals need a valid residence permit for a stay of longer than 90 days in Germany within a 180-day period. Nationals of most third countries must apply for a national category D visa from the consular representation of Germany in their country of residence or home country. Nationals of privileged third countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Canada, Israel, South Korea) as well as Brazil have the option of visa-free entry with subsequent application for a residence permit from a local foreigners' registration office.
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If you are only going abroad for a short stay, you generally remain subject to unlimited tax liability in Germany. This means that all income that you earn worldwide is taxed in Germany. The situation may be different if you stay in another country for more than half a year.
Exceptions: In many countries, withholding tax (a type of double income tax; other common terms are "tax at source" or "foreigner tax") is levied for artistic performances or for the exploitation of rights of use. If a double taxation agreement (DTA) is in place between your destination country and Germany, you can usually have the tax you have paid refunded or the fee that has already been taxed abroad can be exempted from tax in Germany. In order to do this, you must submit proof of the tax withheld abroad with your tax return. If you do not do this, double taxation may occur.
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If you are going to stay in another country for more than half a year, your unlimited tax liability will usually shift to that country as well.
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If you are only going abroad for a short stay, you generally remain subject to unlimited tax liability in Germany. This means that all income that you earn worldwide is taxed in Germany. However, most double taxation agreements stipulate that even in the case of short-term employment, payroll tax is paid at the place of work by the employer. As a rule, this income, which is taxed abroad, is tax-free in Germany, but is subject to the "exemption with progression" proviso.
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If you are going to stay in another country for more than half a year, your unlimited tax liability will usually shift to that country as well. This also applies if your employer is resident in Germany. They must then pay payroll tax for you in your destination country.
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Please note: In principle, all worldwide income is taxable in your country of tax residence. The question of which country is your country of tax residence can sometimes be very complex. If there is any uncertainty in this regard because you regularly reside in different countries, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice! Exceptions: Tax is deducted in Germany for artistic performances and the transfer of rights of use even in the case of short stays. This tax is called withholding tax, tax at source or also "foreigner tax". You may have the tax that has been deducted refunded in your country of tax residence or claim an exemption before it is deducted.
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If you are going to stay in in Germany for more than half a year, your unlimited tax liability will usually shift to Germany as well.
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If you are only going to Germany for a short stay, you generally remain subject to unlimited tax liability in your country of residence. This means that all income that you earn worldwide is taxed there. However, most double taxation agreements stipulate that even in the case of short-term employment, payroll tax is paid by the employer at the place of employment. Employers in Germany have the option of paying taxes according to the standard procedure or paying a flat-rate payroll tax of 20%. The standard procedure is much less complicated, but may result in a higher tax deduction.
As a rule, the income taxed in Germany is tax-free in your country of residence.
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If you are going to stay in in Germany for more than half a year, your unlimited tax liability will usually shift to Germany as well. This also applies if your employer is based abroad. They must then pay payroll tax for you in Germany.
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The taxation of revenues is subject to various regulations within the EU, which must be checked before the service is performed and the invoice is issued. In principle, you must check who is responsible for paying the value-added tax and in which country it must be paid.
Important: The small business regulation and other national VAT exemptions are not relevant in an international context.
If the recipient of the service is not a private individual, both parties require an international VAT ID (EU-VAT), which must be applied for in advance.
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In principle, you should check who is responsible for paying the value-added tax and in which country it must be paid.
Important: The small business regulation and other national VAT exemptions are not relevant in an international context.
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If you are going to stay in another country for more than half a year, your unlimited tax liability will usually shift to that country as well. This also means that you will usually have to register for VAT there and issue invoices specifying the tax number you are assigned in that country.
In principle, you should check who is responsible for paying the value-added tax and in which country it must be paid.
Important: VAT exemptions in the country of residence are not relevant in an international context. If the client in Germany is exempt according to Section 4 20a UstG, it is possible to apply for such an exemption for the contractor as well.
In the EU context, if the recipient of the service is not a private individual, both parties require an international VAT ID (EU-VAT), which must be applied for in advance.
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If you are going to stay in in Germany for more than half a year, your unlimited tax liability will usually shift to Germany as well. This also means that you will usually have to register for VAT here and issue invoices specifying the tax number you are assigned in Germany.
For EU and EEA/Swiss nationals who live in Germany and are subject to social security coverage here, their social insurance covers short stays in other EU countries as well as EEA countries and Switzerland. A (self-)posting must be arranged for all stays in a professional context, regardless of whether you will be employed or self-employed in your destination country. This applies to all planned stays of up to 24 months. An A1 form must be requested for the posting and carried on the trip.
Important: In the case of regular stays in a particular country, you may be obliged to contribute to the social security scheme there.
If you are insured through the Artists' Social Security Fund (KSK), you should inform the KSK about any professional stays abroad.
Please note: Your German health insurance fund will only cover costs to the extent that they would be covered in Germany. The difference in costs must be borne by the insured person. Private supplementary insurance policies that will cover this difference are available and must be taken out in advance of the stay.
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For people who live in Germany and are subject to social security here, their social insurance usually covers short stays in other EU countries. However, restrictions apply to third-country nationals traveling to Denmark (EU), the EEA countries or Switzerland for a stay.
A (self-)posting must be arranged for all stays in a professional context, regardless of whether you will be employed or self-employed in your destination country. This applies to all planned stays of up to 24 months. An A1 form must be requested for the posting and carried on the trip.
Important: In the case of regular stays in a particular country, you may be obliged to contribute to the social security scheme there.
If you are insured through the Artists' Social Security Fund (KSK), you should inform the KSK about any professional stays abroad.
Please note: Your German health insurance fund will only cover costs to the extent that they would be covered in Germany. The difference in costs must be borne by the insured person. Private supplementary insurance policies that cover this difference are available and must be taken out in advance.
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Your social insurance obligation in Germany usually expires if your stay abroad is longer than 24 months. Your social security obligation in Germany also expires if you have not yet planned your return at the time of departure, or if the stay abroad is not related to your professional activity. For shorter stays, you can arrange a (self-)posting using the A1 form.
Please note: If your stay lasts longer than 24 months, you may be able to take advantage of a bilateral exemption agreement. This is useful, for example, if you expect to stay in your destination country for up to 36 months and do not want to give up your KSK insurance.
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Your social insurance obligation in Germany usually expires if your stay abroad is longer than 24 months. Your social security obligation in Germany also expires if you have not yet planned your return at the time of departure, or if your stay abroad is not related to your professional activity. For shorter stays, you can arrange a (self-)posting using the A1 form. However, restrictions apply to third-country nationals traveling to Denmark (EU), Switzerland or other EEA countries.
Please note: If your stay lasts longer than 24 months, you may be able to take advantage of a bilateral exemption agreement. This is useful, for example, if you expect to stay for up to 36 months and do not want to give up your KSK insurance.
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Although Germany has concluded bilateral social security agreements with numerous countries, these do not necessarily concern all aspects of social insurance, but may, for example, only apply to pension insurance.
You will first need to check whether a social security agreement is in place and which aspects of social security this agreement covers. In the case of non-contractual foreign countries, you must check whether a (self-)posting is possible and also whether social security coverage must be obtained in your destination country.
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Your social insurance obligation in Germany usually expires if your stay abroad is longer than 24 months. Your social security obligation in Germany also expires if you have not yet planned your return at the time of departure, or if your stay abroad is not related to your professional activity. For shorter stays, you must check whether a (self-)posting is possible.
Please note: If your stay lasts longer than 24 months, you may be able to take advantage of a bilateral exemption agreement for countries with an existing social security agreement. This is useful, for example, if you expect to stay for up to 36 months and do not want to give up your KSK insurance.
There is also the possibility of obtaining prospective entitlement. This is relevant if you cannot obtain statutory health insurance coverage in your destination country and would like to secure the right to membership in the statutory health insurance fund after returning to Germany.
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Your social insurance obligation in Germany usually expires if your stay abroad is longer than 24 months. Your social security obligation in Germany also expires if you have not yet planned your return at the time of departure, or if your stay abroad is not related to your professional activity. For shorter stays, you must check whether a (self-)posting is possible. This is the case if a social security agreement is in place.
Please note: If your stay lasts longer than 24 months, you may be able to take advantage of a bilateral exemption agreement for countries with an existing social security agreement. This is useful, for example, if you expect to stay for up to 36 months and do not want to give up your KSK insurance.
There is also the possibility of obtaining prospective entitlement. This is relevant if you cannot obtain statutory health insurance coverage in your destination country and would like to secure the right to membership in the statutory health insurance fund after returning to Germany.
Third-country nationals may request to have their pension insurance contributions reimbursed when leaving Germany. If you are moving to a country with which Germany has a corresponding social security agreement, it is possible to have a German pension paid out.
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For people who live in another EU country and are subject to social security there, their social insurance usually covers short stays in Germany. A (self-)posting must be arranged for all stays in a professional context, regardless of whether you will be employed or self-employed in Germany. If you were self-employed before and will now take up employment in Germany, your social security obligation may shift to Germany. This applies to all planned stays of up to 24 months. An A1 form must be requested for the posting and carried on the trip.
Important: If you stay in Germany regularly, you may be obliged to contribute to the social security scheme here.
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Although Germany has concluded bilateral social security agreements with numerous countries, these do not necessarily concern all aspects of social insurance, but may, for example, only apply to pension insurance.
You will first need to check whether a social security agreement is in place and which aspects of social security this agreement covers. In the case of non-contractual foreign countries, you must check whether a (self-)posting is possible and also whether social security coverage must be obtained in your destination country.
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If you move to Germany or work here for more than 24 months, you are obliged to pay social security contributions in Germany. Employees do not need to take any additional steps. The social security contributions are paid by the employer. Freelance artists join the Artists' Social Security Fund (KSK). The KSK is responsible for paying health, long-term care and pension insurance.
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In principle, customs regulations apply to the transport of all goods, be it technical equipment parts, works of art or musical instruments.
Within the EU, there is usually nothing to consider. The movement of goods within the EU Customs Union is not subject to any restrictions.
Please note: Switzerland and the EEA countries are not part of the EU Customs Union. There are regions in the EU that are not part of the EU Customs Union. Exceptions are in place for the transport of "cultural goods".
In principle, customs regulations apply to the transport of all goods, be it technical equipment parts, works of art or musical instruments.
Customs duties usually apply to shipments to countries outside the EU Customs Union. Customs procedures can be long and laborious and should be planned as far in advance as possible.
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In principle, customs regulations apply to the transport of all goods, be it technical equipment parts, works of art or musical instruments.
Within the EU there is usually nothing to consider. The movement of goods within the EU Customs Union is not subject to any restrictions.
Please note: Switzerland and the EEA countries are not part of the EU Customs Union. There are regions in the EU that are not part of the EU Customs Union. Exceptions are in place for the transport of "cultural goods".
Customs formalities are usually involved when transporting goods from a non-EU country to an EU country. Customs procedures can be long and laborious and should be planned as far in advance as possible. Reduced import duties apply to works of art. However, German Customs can be quite hesitant in applying this reduction. You must always be able to prove that the items being imported are works of art.
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Many insurance companies offer at least short-term protection even for stays abroad, especially within the EU. However, this protection usually lapses when you move your place of residence abroad, if not before. Various supplementary insurance policies can be useful for short stays.
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Copyright is the author's right to protection of their intellectual property. In the context of transnational artistic work, it is important to note that copyright law in Europe is not yet fully harmonized. Artists and creatives working abroad within the European Union (and even more so in countries outside the EU) are usually confronted with different legal situations than in their home countries. Territorial regulations apply.
The following also applies to artist mobility: Where possible, efforts should be made to make mobility as sustainable as possible.
You can find all the relevant information for moving to Germany/Berlin on this page.