FAQs for artists

KSK, Social Assistance, Insurance, Taxes, Pensions

Künstlersozialkasse KSK

Self-employed artists and publicists are obligated to have social insurance coverage in Germany under the Artists' Social Insurance Act (KSVG). Self-employed artists are covered through the social insurance fund for artists (Künstlersozialkasse, KSK), which provides coverage within the statutory health, nursing care, and pension insurance systems.

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Social Assistance / "Bürgergeld"

Self-employed artists whose income is not sufficient to cover the minimum subsistence level can apply for benefit payments to secure their livelihood and accommodation. On January 1, 2023, the BÜRGERGELD replaced unemployment benefit so-called "ALG II" (according to the SGB II). Anyone who is capable of working and in need of help is entitled to it.

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Taxes

Freelancers are subject to income tax in Germany and must also pay VAT. However, freelancers can benefit from the "small business regulation".

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Insurance

Liability, property and personal insurance as well as unemployment insurance are relevant for self-employed artists.

In Germany, a distinction is made between private, professional (professional liability) and company (public liability / organiser liability) liability insurance.

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Pensions

The old-age provision for artists consists of various combinations of statutory pension insurance, state-subsidised additional provision (e.g. "Riester pension") and private old-age provision.

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Social Hardship

The Stiftung Sozialwerk and Deutsche Künstlerhilfe are contact partners for artists facing exceptional social hardship.

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