Sign up for email updates from SBAReceive helpful business tips and upcoming events in your area.


Privacy Policy
Log in to SBA.gov:
Enter your SBA.gov username.
Enter the password that accompanies your username.

Community Header Banner

Business License if Overseas...

by ericingermany, Window Shopper

  • Created: October 3, 2010, 2:49 pm
Share:
2 comments

Hi!  I have a few questions.  I am currently in Germany, where I have lived for almost a year.  I do not work in Germany, so I do not pay any kind of taxes or such to this country, but my presence here is legal and approved.

 

I want to start offering my web design services online, and any income I make would come from American customers, so the money would emanate from the U.S. and be paid to me online via Paypal.

 

So my questions are:  in this situation, do I need a regular business license just like the kind I would get if I were physically in America?  If not, what kind of license do I need to legally accept revenue from America although I am not currently living there?  And how do I get this license without being in the U.S.?  Can I get it online or via mail?  Bottom line...what do I need to do in my situation in order to legally start selling my web design services online to American customers although I am living in Germany?

 

Thank you for any help!

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Starting & Registering a Business
‹ NY Business Certificate transferable? LLC Admin Dissolved In NC ›

MaryAnnB | Creator | 10/6/2010 - 2:49 pm

Hi Eric, Your locality would matter, not where your customers are from. Most people dealing on Paypal do not have any business setups to collect their funds. You also did not specify where you are from. Assuming you are living in Germany, I think different laws might apply to you regarding your visa status or regarding setting up a shop. I know one thing though. It is not $300 like in US to establish a business in Germany. Fees are costly and you will need to pay Chamber of Commerce, Municipality, an Attorney, etc. I guess it would be wiser to set up the business only and work on your papers as you get income. This is not an attorney advice, just common sense. Also, where are you presently paying any taxes for business? Most countries have dual-tax agreements if you are living abroad.
Professional Web Site: http://proxy.us

waynearln | Contributor | 10/4/2010 - 1:55 am

If you are located in Germany then you need to have a business license over there, it doesn't matter that your costumers are from other countries. It all depends on where is your center of business is. Because your costumers may be from other countries check with an accountant which tax deductions you deserve.
Professional Web Site: http://www.workinghomeguide.com