Kontist

Kontist is a Berlin-based neobank built exclusively for freelancers and the self-employed in Germany. It combines a German business bank account with automated tax forecasting, making it one of the most practical financial tools for independent workers.

The flagship feature is the real-time tax provision calculation: every time money lands in your account, Kontist automatically sets aside the correct amount for income tax and VAT in a virtual tax pocket. This means you always know how much of your balance is ‘safe to spend’ versus what you owe the Finanzamt — a critical distinction that catches many freelancers off guard when quarterly payments arrive.

The account comes with a Visa business card, IBAN, and full online banking functionality. Kontist also integrates with popular accounting tools and offers an optional tax service via its partner network, where a human tax advisor can handle your full declaration.

For international freelancers who’ve just registered as self-employed in Germany, Kontist’s English-language support and transparent fee structure make it a particularly welcoming starting point. The basic plan is free; premium tiers add the automated tax separation and advisory features.