26th February 2010, 10:40 AM
Being Self-Employed in Europe
As you can see, working elsewhere in Europe is now, in general, extremely straightforward. There is one exception to this : self-employment. Rules governing the self-employed vary significantly from one country to another. As an EU citizen, you will be subject to the same rules as native citizens of the country concerned. However, those rules may well be very different from what your experience in the UK has led you to expect.
The details are often baroque so it is difficult to generalise but, though some countries treat self-employment much as it is treated in the UK, others may require you to register as a business, sometimes with multiple authorities, occasionally paying a fee to get a trading licence. In some countries your profession may be regulated, requiring practitioners to pass exams or register with a central professional body. If you are intent on moving to another EU country and earning a living as a self-employed person, you really need to research the practical implications of this in the country concerned.
This would mean you may indeed have to register with the UK inland revenue. A quick call would clear it up.
Newly Self-Employed Helpline
This helpline enables you to register for National Insurance, tax and VAT. They will also arrange for you to attend a free workshop with one of our Business Support Teams to help you get started. Opening hours8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday
8.00 am to 4.00 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Closed bank holidays 0845 915 4515
As you can see, working elsewhere in Europe is now, in general, extremely straightforward. There is one exception to this : self-employment. Rules governing the self-employed vary significantly from one country to another. As an EU citizen, you will be subject to the same rules as native citizens of the country concerned. However, those rules may well be very different from what your experience in the UK has led you to expect.
The details are often baroque so it is difficult to generalise but, though some countries treat self-employment much as it is treated in the UK, others may require you to register as a business, sometimes with multiple authorities, occasionally paying a fee to get a trading licence. In some countries your profession may be regulated, requiring practitioners to pass exams or register with a central professional body. If you are intent on moving to another EU country and earning a living as a self-employed person, you really need to research the practical implications of this in the country concerned.
This would mean you may indeed have to register with the UK inland revenue. A quick call would clear it up.
Newly Self-Employed Helpline
This helpline enables you to register for National Insurance, tax and VAT. They will also arrange for you to attend a free workshop with one of our Business Support Teams to help you get started. Opening hours8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday
8.00 am to 4.00 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Closed bank holidays 0845 915 4515