Germany Freelancer: Fees, Taxes & Net Pay Example
Updated 2026-09-27 · Illustrative USD invoice · Not tax advice
Germany uses progressive income tax plus trade tax and social contributions for most self-employed paths. There is no simple flat rate; the example uses one illustrative percentage on the post-fee balance.
30% on the amount after marketplace and payout fees is a rough planning figure only. Use the calculator tax field with your Steuerberater’s estimate.
Upwork → Wise → DKB
Upwork (10%) · Wise (~1%) + DKB (0% incoming in this example)
$623.70
Upwork → Wise → DKB
Upwork (10%) · Wise (~1%) + DKB (0% incoming in this example)
| Step | Amount (USD example) |
|---|---|
| Client pays (gross) | $1000.00 |
| Platform fee | −$100.00 |
| After platform | $900.00 |
| Withdrawal / payout fee | −$9.00 |
| Bank fee | −$0.00 |
| Tax set-aside (30% illustrative) | −$267.30 |
| You keep (net) | $623.70 |
Open the freelance calculator
Opens the homepage tool with Germany and this page's example scenario pre-filled. Adjust gross, fees, or tax % anytime.