Working from Germany but employed by an english company

ententecordiale

Hi


I am looking to see if anyone is currently or has previously worked for a UK company but lived in Germany.


I have worked for my current employer for over 12years and they are based in the UK (I was born in the UK and I am a UK resident & taxpayer)


Due to a relationship with a german national I wish to move to Germany.


As I work from home my employer said they are fine with me being based in Germany but I will need to investigate tax and social security contributions myself.


I understand that if I'm living in Germany that I have to pay tax in Germany and possibly social security contributions (this is dependent I gather on if I'm a free lancer or not)


I have been in touch with a tax advisor in Germany and they have said as my employer isn't operating in this market I can either be a free lancer or continue as an employee of my correct company.


It seems to be that I may need to be paid gross by my employer and pay tax and NI to the German authorities myself. I don't even know at this stage if it is possible for my current employer to deduct German tax and NI at source and pay this direct to the German authorities and what would be involved for employer.


I'm not keen on becoming a freelancer if it means I'd lose any length of service protection offered my current employment.


I'm looking to see if anyone has gone through this process (particularly health care advice).


Any advice or comments greatly appreciated!!!

getmore4less

Probably better on one of the expat forums, where this sort of thing comes up all the time.

Will have to search I don't use any.

Derwent

http://www.expatbriefing.com/tax-guide/germany/03-taxation-of-business-people-in-germany.html

ententecordiale

Thank you both for your quick replies, much appreciated

buglawton

Becoming self employed in Germany and billing your UK employer will probably be the solution. Get a local German accountant to do the books. You should be able to write occasional travel to UK meetings off your tax bill. There's practically no chance of preserving your current job security/terms.