Freelancers and self-employed workers who sell or buy services across borders must deal with special invoicing, VAT and income tax rules. This seminar gives you an overview of these rules for transactions to and from both EU and non-EU countries. Learn how to invoice correctly, how to manage double/withholding taxation for certain cross-border services (fees for performances and licensing) and how to stay up to date with the new EU-wide Small Business Regulation (effective from 2025).

The online seminar is part of the event series Get started! First steps in self-employment, a cooperation of Kreativ Kultur Berlin and touring artists. In multiple on- and offline events, the speakers offer insights on various topics that are important for your start into self-employment in Germany. In addition, we would like to give you tips, good practice examples and connect you with other artists and creative professionals in Berlin. 

The Lunch Session will focus on important administrative steps involved in importing and exporting artwork across the German-Swiss border. Participants will be invited to share their experiences and helpful information.

Short-term stays in Germany (or the Schengen Area) are subject to time restrictions. Longer stays generally require national visas or residence permits. This may be the case, for example, if artists or cultural workers are completing a residency, if they are hired at a theater for an entire season, or if the rehearsal period for a production lasts longer than three months—or if they want to relocate to Germany. Various residence options for third-country nationals who will be staying in Germany for the longer term will be discussed as well as local administrative practices.

Funding the Future is a two-hour workshop offering concrete tools, insights, and conversation for artists working in the performing arts and beyond — especially for those with transnational backgrounds navigating Berlin’s cultural landscape. Part one dives into the German funding system, Sebastian Hoffmann unpacks the structures of municipal, regional, and national support — including tips on writing successful applications. Part two opens the view across borders; Alessia Caratelli (Culture Moves Europe) introduces the EU’s key mobility grant program, with practical advice on how to access support across disciplines and countries.

What does working as a freelance musician in Berlin or Germany entail? How can you set up the most basic administrative infrastructure, such as writing invoices and preparing tax reports? What business expenses can musicians claim? Why should you join the KSK? Why is it important to have a service contract (Wahrnehmungsvertrag) with the collecting societies GEMA and GVL? Where are the best networking opportunities, and what should you pay attention to when setting up your own structure (e.g. a music label)? The workshop provides some general advice on how to navigate the bureaucratic landscape and demonstrates solutions to common challenges.

Join this networking event to engage with Berlin-based organizations and associations that provide support for your journey into self-employment and networking.

What is the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and how do you become a member? What should you know about the application process and what happens once you’re insured? What if you can’t join the KSK and what other insurance options should you consider?
The seminar is offered twice, providing insights into the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance for artists and freelancers.
Felix Sodemann (touring artists) will introduce the KSK and answer some basic questions.
Another session will be held on Thursday, 16 October, with Felix Sodemann and the experts Kathleen Parker and Andri Jürgensen.

The online seminar is part of the event series Get started! First steps in self-employment, a cooperation of Kreativ Kultur Berlin and touring artists. In multiple on- and offline events, the speakers offer insights on various topics that are important for your start into self-employment in Germany. In addition, we would like to give you tips, good practice examples and connect you with other artists and creative professionals in Berlin. 

What is the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and how do you become a member? What should you know about the application process and what happens once you’re insured? What if you can’t join the KSK and what other insurance options should you consider?
The seminar is offered twice, providing insights into the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance for artists and freelancers.
Felix Sodemann (touring artists) will introduce the KSK and answer basic questions. Afterwards, the KSK experts, Andri Jürgensen and Kathleen Parker will be available to answer your individual questions in breakout sessions.

The online seminar is part of the event series Get started! First steps in self-employment, a cooperation of Kreativ Kultur Berlin and touring artists. In multiple on- and offline events, the speakers offer insights on various topics that are important for your start into self-employment in Germany. In addition, we would like to give you tips, good practice examples and connect you with other artists and creative professionals in Berlin.