Free calculator
Self-employed caregiver in Germany: agency or own business?
Our self-employment calculator shows in one minute how much you keep each month as a self-employed caregiver with your own Gewerbe – compared directly with your earnings through an agency.
- Free, no sign-up
- Result in one minute
- For care, nursing support and household help
How the calculator works
Four inputs are enough – you can change every value at any time.
Working days per month
How many days a month do you work for your client? In live-in care this is often 28 to 31 days.
Daily rate
Your fee per day, agreed directly with the family or client. This gives your turnover.
Running costs
Health insurance, travel costs and your membership with us (CLASSIC, €40 per month) are deducted from turnover.
Reserve and result
You set aside a percentage for taxes. The calculator compares the result with your net pay through the agency.
Agency or your own business?
Non-binding example. Your actual taxes and contributions depend on your personal situation.
Example: 30 days at a €95 daily rate
A self-employed caregiver works 30 days a month for a family and agrees a daily rate of €95. That makes a turnover of €2,850.
Health insurance, travel costs and the Deutsches-Gewerbe.de membership are deducted. She also sets aside 10% of her profit for taxes. €2,250 remains – €750 more than the €1,500 she used to receive through the agency.
The figures are examples. Enter your own numbers in the calculator above.
Your month at a glance
- Turnover (30 × €95)
- €2,850
- Health insurance
- − €230
- Travel costs
- − €80
- CLASSIC membership
- − €40
- Tax reserve (10%)
- − €250
- You keep
- €2,250
- Previously through the agency
- €1,500
+ €750 more per month
Apply for your business nowAgency or own business: the comparison
Worth it? Then get started now.
Gewerbe registration online in 10 minutes – a one-off €40 including the official fee. Switching from another office is free.
Advantages of your own business
- You receive the full daily rate without an agency margin.
- You decide who you work for, where and when.
- You can have several clients – this strengthens your self-employed status.
- Registering a Gewerbe in Germany is possible without a residence – we do it for you.
- Switching to us from another office is free of charge.
What to keep in mind
- Avoid false self-employment: do not work under instructions and, where possible, work for several clients.
- Health insurance: as a self-employed person you need your own cover.
- Taxes: set money aside for taxes regularly and register with the tax office.
- Invoices: issue an invoice with all mandatory details for every assignment.
- Breaks between assignments: there is no income during this time – plan a reserve.
Who is self-employment worth it for?
Many caregivers from Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and the Baltic states work in live-in care in Germany. If you work with your own Gewerbe, you invoice the family directly and keep the share an agency would otherwise retain.
Self-employment in care pays off especially if you have your own clients, set your own prices and take care of your insurance. The same applies to household help and everyday companions for seniors.
We register your Gewerbe in Germany, provide a business address and take care of your mail.
Your own business in three steps
Gewerbe registration for a one-off €40 including the official fee – online, no visit to the authorities.
- 1
Apply online – 10 min.
Fill in the form, upload your ID and sign the power of attorney on screen.
- 2
We register your business
We handle the official registration and send you the business licence digitally.
- 3
You work – we do the rest
We take care of your mail, invoices and letters from the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a self-employed caregiver earn in Germany?
It depends on the daily rate and working days. With 30 days at €95, turnover is €2,850 per month. After costs and the tax reserve, about €2,250 remains in the example. Use the calculator to check your own figures.
Is your own business better than an agency?
Often yes: you receive the full daily rate, while the agency keeps part as its margin. In return you take care of health insurance, taxes and invoices yourself. The calculator shows whether switching pays off for you.
How much does it cost to become a self-employed caregiver?
Gewerbe registration with us costs a one-off €40 including the official fee. Business address and office service start at €30 per month (BASIC), with the invoice tool €40 per month (CLASSIC).
Can I register a Gewerbe without living in Germany?
Yes. Using our business address, we register your Gewerbe with the trade office even if you continue to live in your home country.
How do I avoid false self-employment?
Work independently rather than under instructions, set your own prices and work for several clients where possible. Read more in our guide.
How accurate is the calculator?
The calculator provides a non-binding example. Your actual taxes and contributions depend on your personal situation, for example allowances and your insurance.
Non-binding example. Your actual taxes and contributions depend on your personal situation.