If you are coming to Germany to work as a freelancer, you might have already done some research, and are aware that different rules apply compared to regular employees. Freelancers are not mandatorily insured (pflichtversichert) and, therefore, not automatically eligible for statutory/public healthcare, and can have a hard time accessing the public health insurance system. People from outside of Europe can have a difficult time navigating this complicated situation. But, we might have found the solution that could work for you. In this article we are going to explain the option of joining SMART - the cooperative for freelancers.
You are employed by the cooperative – full or part-time, with a mini-job or subject to social security contributions. As your employer, SMART handles the punctual payment of your monthly salary and the deduction of social security contributions and income tax.
When you join SMART you become a "co-owner' of the coop. This means that you buy 1 share for €50 and their fee is 9% of the net total of the invoice amount and technically you are an employee of the company allowing you to give social security contributions.
You need to earn a minimum of €750 net monthly. SMART assists you with things like invoicing and other admin but you still operate your business independently. To join SMART, you need to be legally able to work as an employee in Germany. So if you are Non-EU, you need a work permit stating that you’re allowed to work as an employee for any employer in Germany (Erwerbstätigkeit/Beschäftigung erlaubt).
SMART can also write a statement of employment intent (Anstellungsabsichtserklärung) if that helps you with your visa.
With SMART, you can stabilize fluctuating income: at the end of each month, you will receive a regular, average salary based on the orders you have acquired. Income tax is deducted and you also pay into the pension and unemployment insurance. Your orders, therefore, cover all ancillary wage costs. All ancillary wage costs (the employer and employee share) are covered by the orders: all social security contributions (statutory health, nursing care, pension, and unemployment insurance) and wage tax are withheld and paid by the cooperative.
While being employed through SMART, you can choose your health insurance company freely. So you can simply sign up for public health insurance with Feather and state that you are an employee of SMART.
Visit the SMART website to find out more about them.
To learn more about your eligibility and the conditions of the membership with SMART, we recommend attending their free info sessions available in English and German. Click here for the timetable.