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If you want to check whether you are self-employed or employed, you can submit an application to determine your employment status.
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
Am Alten Viehmarkt 2
84028 Landshut
84024 Landshut
Ruhrstraße 2
10709 Berlin
10704 Berlin
Pieperstraße 14-28
44789 Bochum
44781 Bochum
If you work as a contractor, but have to be treated as an employee in your contractual relationship, you may be a dependent employee or pseudo-self-employed. In this case, you are subject to social security contributions.
If you or your clients are unsure whether your work is dependent employment or self-employment, you can have your status under social insurance law checked at the so-called clearing office of the German Pension Insurance Association.
The status determination procedure provides you with legal certainty as to whether you are self-employed or employed. You can apply for status determination both as a contractor and as a client.
You can submit your application online, in person, or in writing.
Online application:
In-person application:
Written application:
A person you trust can also submit your application on your behalf. For this purpose, please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance company. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance company will only contact the person you have authorized.
If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can be done online. Either use the electronic mailbox under online services with registration or De-Mail.
There are no costs for you.
There is no deadline.
If you are self-employed and do not pay contributions, you may lose any benefit entitlements you have already acquired under the statutory pension insurance scheme. You can prevent this by applying for compulsory insurance.