Apply for voluntary status clarification

If you want to check whether you are self-employed or in dependent employment, you can submit an application to determine your employment status.

If you work as a contractor, but have to allow yourself to be treated like an employee in your contractual relationship, you may be in dependent employment or pseudo-self-employment. In this case, you are subject to mandatory social security contributions.

If you or your clients are unsure whether your activity constitutes dependent employment or self-employment, you can have your social security status examined by the so-called clearing house of the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund).

With the status determination procedure, you gain legal certainty as to whether you are self-employed or in dependent employment. The application for status determination can be submitted by either the contractor or the client.

You can submit your application online, in person, or in writing.

Online application:

• On the German Federal Pension Insurance (DRV Bund) website under "Online Services," you will find detailed information about the procedure.
• If you follow the "Apply" link, you will be guided through the further steps and can select the desired application.
• Alternatively, you can use the online services with registration. For example, you can immediately see which insurance periods have already been recorded. You also save time and do not have to re-enter data that is already known.
• Fill out the application completely and upload the required documents.
• Submit your application online.
• You will receive a transmission confirmation.
• The competent pension insurance provider is reviewing your application.
• You will receive a notification regarding your application.

Personal application:

• Compile the required documents for your application and make an appointment by phone with the DRV Bund.
• During your personal consultation, your application will be recorded electronically and forwarded online to the competent pension insurance provider.
• The competent pension insurance provider is reviewing your application.
• You will receive a notification regarding your application.

Written request:

• Go to the DRV Bund website.
• Download the desired application form.
• You can also pick up the form in person at the information and advisory offices.
• Fill out the application form, sign it, and attach the required documents.
• Send all documents by mail to your pension insurance provider or drop them off at one of the local consultation offices.
• The competent pension insurance provider is reviewing your application.
• You will receive a notification regarding your application.

A trusted person of your choice can also submit the application for you. To do this, please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance provider. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance provider will communicate exclusively with the person you have authorized.

If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can be conducted online. You can either use the electronic mailbox under the online services with registration or De-Mail.

There is no deadline.

There are no costs for you.

• Objection. Detailed information can be found in the notice.
• Lawsuit before the social court. Detailed information can be found in the rejection notice.