When you start a business in Germany, you must fill the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung. This form is how you register your business with the Finanzamt. All self-employed people must do this.
When you fill this form, you get…
- a tax number (Steuernummer)
- a VAT number (Umsatzsteuernummer), if you want one
- an entry in the trade register (Handelsregister), if you need one
Since 2021, there is no paper form. You must fill this form online.1 A tax advisor can do it you. Sorted’s business registration tool also makes it easier.