Sebastian324
Junior Member
- May 16, 2017
- 192
- 148
Have you considered moving out of Germany because of taxes? (or you perhaps already moved?!) - if so, what country did you choose and why?
Germans of BHW...
- Thread starter Sebastian324
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BrandingCat
Elite Member
- Jan 6, 2015
- 8,119
- 10,311
I have a German friend who just reinvest most of the earnings,but that's most of us do.
These days running companies online is stupid easy wherever you are. Stripe Atlas is always waiting for you.
These days running companies online is stupid easy wherever you are. Stripe Atlas is always waiting for you.
ATuringtest
Elite Member
- Mar 8, 2019
- 1,625
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Come to England everyone else has 
Nonilol
Elite Member
- Mar 1, 2015
- 1,959
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I wouldn't want to go through all the paperwork and hassle for the few hundred bucks I monthly make as a side income
That being said, I earn enough money to be comfortable and I actually appreciate some of the perks that come with living in a country like Germany and thus don't have that much of a problem with paying for them.
That being said, I earn enough money to be comfortable and I actually appreciate some of the perks that come with living in a country like Germany and thus don't have that much of a problem with paying for them.
Aulig
Senior Member
- Jun 15, 2018
- 870
- 545
For now my plan is to reinvest most of my income to scale my business. Once its at a certain level I plan on selling it. I'll see if I can get around paying taxes on the income generated through the sale by not being a tax resident in any country during the year of the sale
But moving away forever isn't something I'm considering at the moment. I have my family and friends here, which is more important than money.
But moving away forever isn't something I'm considering at the moment. I have my family and friends here, which is more important than money.
Priince1337
Elite Member
- Aug 23, 2013
- 2,250
- 2,298
German here. Yes definitely thought (and still do) about moving to other countries because of taxes. It's crazy, the more you earn the more you have to pay in taxes. Still thinking about moving to Switzerland.
I'll see if I can get around paying taxes on the income generated through the sale by not being a tax resident in any country during the year of the sale
Not gonna work. Wegzugssteuer is there to prevent exactly that. Once you established a successful business in Germany, they have you by the balls. Either leave while it's still small or just stay and live with the taxes and regulations.
Taxes shouldn't be the main factor when you decide whether to move abroad or not, though.
- Mar 22, 2013
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I am German and currently in Germany. Yes, I want to move out. Too much political bullshit going on, society changed a lot, high taxes.
Currently, I am just waiting to move out since many borders are closed. Thinking about incorporation business in Hong Kong (I have been there many times before) and living in Asia later on.
Currently, I am just waiting to move out since many borders are closed. Thinking about incorporation business in Hong Kong (I have been there many times before) and living in Asia later on.
- Mar 22, 2013
- 6,295
- 10,993
I guess it depends on how much money you earn. I know some people paying 30% corporate tax and more than 40% income tax. These are just two of the many taxes...and there are many other kinda taxes and regulations!
Imagine you would just pay 20% income tax less. You could use this money to buy real estate or something else.
Yes, I just want to point out that you have to consider many other factors, too. Do you like the climate and culture in the country you plan to move to? Would you start a family and raise kids there (if that's something you want for your future)? What about safety, medical system, schools? How are the costs of living and doing business? How much red tape is there (Germans think that they have a lot of bureaucracy, but in other countries it's often even worse and dealing with government officials is a lot more frustrating)?
If you're young and single, it's easy to get the f*** out and go somewhere exotic, but I know from my own experience, priorities change over the years, so better plan ahead. I know many Germans who complain a lot, but they are used to the positive things in Germany so much that they take them for granted. A few years abroad and they come crawling back.
The taxes in Germany are high, but not that much higher than in many other tier 1 countries. Plus, you don't have to pay social insurance contributions which is a big plus.
If you just look for countries with low taxes and nice, sunny beaches you are up for a big disappointment in the long run. There are many things to consider; I still wouldn't want to stay in Germany, though. But not because of the taxes, but because of the other things you mentioned: society is changing for the worse, lots of bs going on, and it's certainly not getting better. Tax savings are just a plus for me.
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Aulig
Senior Member
- Jun 15, 2018
- 870
- 545
Interesting, thanks for pointing that out! I'm sure there's some ways around that like selling the business assets to an offshore company or something. I'll worry about that when it's time to deal with it
Selo53
Junior Member
- Aug 20, 2019
- 104
- 25
No matter where you go, it does not get easier for you. Especially since we grew up here with the German system, with order and discipline. That doesn't exist in many other countries, I know many people who left Germany but returned after a few years/months because people abroad work undisciplined and unpunctual. If you have enough money and a secure monthly income, then yes, but otherwise stay here and make yourself independent.
Many will have, but I tell you this:
The grass is not greener on the other side
Why the US? Food for thought:
- If you do NOT work as an employee you can only get Healthcare through the ACA (also known as Obamacare). The rates suck, so does the coverage, but your only shot at getting insurance especially when you have pre-existing medical conditions.
- Also did you know that car insurance here costs an arm and a leg as well? It insurers drivers, not cars like in Germany. Say goodbye to German premiums, and even more so German coverage. You won't get a few million Euro in liability coverage at all.
And well yes, unless you get a green card, or invest at least $500k through a certain type of Visa forget about it. And as I said, gras not greener...
This.
People keep forgetting what the taxes get them. You will now of course say, nothing...but that would just be ignorant. Have you lived in another country long enough to make fair comparisons? Most will go for a few months/year but then go back etc., so never get to live through the BS they would face in each country.
Unless you are rich, forget about it. But hey, you could still move inside of Europe if you please,see one advantage over being a US citizen: They get taxed on worldwide income no matter the residency
This
Well, have fun. You will realize there is BS everywhere, and there is NO exception. If you have not lived FULL TIME abroad for years you can't compare this.
Sure, there is tons of BS in Germany, but move abroad and at some point you will realize oh man that BS was not even that bad.
I mean I thought before GEMA was some super BS (still do lol), but once you have to deal with lots of other nonsense and put things in perspective it is not that bad.
However, that is not to say you could like it in another country more, just most look at it wrong when deciding these things. Such as what if I have $0 in country X will it still be so nice (will I survive)?
This again.
If all you look at is taxes then you will be in for a surprise. Also, if you mention Switzerland etc. then come on please do your research. Certain countries are even more strict for providing residency etc., so unless you have legitimately high assets why would they want you?
Change is the only constant.
Yes, a lot has gotten worse, but then tell me how is that working in the US (oh yeah I know what I am talking about). How is it working in Thailand (just a ranomd beach example so don't sweat it)? What if you have no money? Why do Germans still go there but come back for major stuff?
I mean Germany is so bad ...
Either way TLDR
- Look at more than just taxes or you will regret it
- What about healthcare?
- Other types of insurance
- Local government? I mean will you get thrown in Jail for an online review (Thailand), or even worse (Russia, China, etc)... May sound like a joke but consider that as well
Now if you did a real true analysis with Pro & Cons (I guarantee you there are both), then decide and Plan.
Good luck.
Agree. After 5 years in a different country, I certainly learned to value what Germany has to offer. Having kids now, the countries I see as potential destinations have gotten far fewer. I wouldn't go to the US, for example. Not with a family.
Nowadays, I am looking to stay a lot closer to the old home country for various reasons. Fortunately, the often scolded EU has interesting options to offer, and the member states interpret the community-wide regulations very differently.
By the way, you are also right that BS is anywhere, but it tends to bother me less in other countries because I am not as emotionally attached. Maybe that's just me.
No matter where you want to live, you shouldn't compare everything to how it was back home. Otherwise you won't be happy.
Don't wiat until then, it will be too late. Plan accordingly. There certainly are constructs but speak t a tax lawyer (not the internet).Interesting, thanks for pointing that out! I'm sure there's some ways around that like selling the business assets to an offshore company or something. I'll worry about that when it's time to deal with it
Indeed. Your german stereotypes of being punctual, accurate etc. maybe something that you will regret not having in other countries.
Sure, if it is not "your" country you certainly do not care. I mean not my problem if that country goes down, just go back to Germany.
And yep, you need to be years abroad to see the differences. Even 1 year won't let you experience all kinds of BS.
I just see it that many dream about country X, city Y etc... but all they have seen was the beach, the tourist attractions etc.
Now they think it is such a great idea to live there, as the weather is better than Germany and taxes are lower.
Once you move, live for years and have experience healthcare, car insurance issues, work ethics, low quality of buildings and BS coming with it etc. you may then realize it was not all that bad.
Of course, you may then also say I love it and it is better than Germany, but plan accordingly it is not as simple as many make it seem.
SultanSultan
Junior Member
- Apr 21, 2019
- 115
- 190
I'm thinking everyday about it to be honest. My plan is to leave Germany once I'm finished with my bachelor's degree. But man, a life without going to the bakery every morning and the smell of fresh baked German bread. Unimaginable!