Did you know that the KSK supports artists by paying approximately half of their health insurance & pension fees they would usually pay?
We offer expert support, application preparations, and consultations on all things Künstlersozialkasse (KSK)!
Services
Basic Support
120€
1hour consultation/prepare application
fill in an application, review current documents, and advise on what is needed (missing) to supplement
can provide info and coverage for public health insurance
Full Support
240€
1-hour consultation/prepare an application
fill in an application, review current documents, and advise on what’s needed (missing) to supplement
final application review
within 2 weeks after consultation
review & reply to 2 correspondences from ksk
can provide info and coverage for public health insurance
Phone Consultation
60-100€
30 mins @ 60€ | 1 hour @ 100€ consultation
consultation on eligibility for ksk membership
help with correspondences from ksk
help with public health insurance
fee not applicable to other packages
What is KSK
The KSK is a governmental organization that allows professional artists to participate in the social security system with the same rights as an “employee” while working as freelancers (self-employed). This means the artist pays approximately half of the insurance fees they would normally pay; the other half is covered by the KSK.
What is an artist & who is eligible (click to expand):
+ Visual arts/design
- Painter, illustrator
- Sculptor
- Concept artist, experimental artist
- Performance/action artist
- New media artist
- Graphic, UX and photo designer
- Web, media, interface designer (no or very low amount of coding, technical work)
- Game designer
- Industrial, fashion, textile designer
- Instructor in the field of design
+ Writing
- Novel writer
- Script writer (movie, theater, radio, TV)
- Author scientific literature
- Journalist, editor
- Translator
- Lector
- Professional public relations/ advertising (writing)
- Instructor in the field of journalism
+ Music
- Composer
- Song writer
- Conductor
- Musician (pop/rock etc. band, orchestra etc.)
- Singer (pop, rock, opera etc.)
+ Performing
- Actor (theater, movie, advertisement – no extra)
- Singing performer
- Dancer
- Narrator (audio books, movie, advertisement)
- Host
- Comedian, entertainment artist
- Puppeteer
- Choreograph
- Stage, costume, mask, scene designer/builder
- Filmmaker, camera operator, cutter, editor (film)
- Instructor in field performing
- Drama teacher
What preconditions must I fulfill to enjoy the benefits of the Artists' Social Security Insurance Scheme?
All members must work professionally as self-employed/freelance artists with the main purpose of earning a living. The definition of what constitutes an 'artist' can be explained as follows:
Example: For this purpose, a graphic designer is defined as an artist, whereas a cabinet maker is considered a craftsperson rather than an artist.
If professional activities within the artistic domain are only pursued on a part-time basis or as a side job in addition to other professional work, the KSK scheme may only be used to a limited extent or is not applicable at all.
*Source: KSK PDF
Requirements
Recognized artist.
your primary income as an artist is 3,900.00€ per year or 325.00€ per month.
New and emerging artists are granted three years’ probation without a minimum income.
Completed application.
Portfolio showcasing your artistic work.
KSK Membership Fee
The fee is based on your annual income. Here are two examples:
If your income is around 7,000€ per year, you will be paying about 115 EUR per month
If your income is around 15,000€ per year, the monthly fee will be around 250€.
This includes your health, pension, and disability insurance. The KSK typically withdraws monthly payments from your German bank account.
Application
The application process is similar to the one for a job. You will have to provide your portfolio, financial statements and freelance contracts. See our packages on how we can support and guide your application process.
Hear from happy clients (click to expand):
+ Alex was amazing with helping me complete my KSK application.
Alex was amazing with helping me complete my KSK application. He walked me through the application line by line and spent as much time as needed completing it. The application is quite complicated and there are a lot of nuances that I would have never understood even if they were in English. Alex clearly translated the application with probing questions to help provide the best information on my application. I firmly believe because of his help, I was able to be approved with KSK. Otherwise, I would have provided wrong or misinformation because I would not have clearly understood what was being asked on the application. Plus, Alex has extensive knowledge in the insurance industry and with KSK that really added a lot of value. He is excellent at his job, very responsive and always available to answer any questions throughout the process. I would definitely recommend working with Alex! Victoria
+ There is no way we could have done this without him and we are forever grateful!
As foreigners in German there is a lot of bureaucracy to navigate and health insurance is one of the top concerns. After many searches I remembered someone mentioning Alex, he responded almost immediately, listened to my story and said no problem i can help. Alex completely put me and my husband at ease, patiently explained the process, helped us fill out our application step by step and even got us preapproval of AOK insurance. Many people thought we were crazy but sure enough with minimal fuss about 5 months later we got our final acceptance into KSK!. there is no way we could have done this without him and we are forever grateful! Jenifa
+ Holz helped me make sense of the KSK paperwork in a fast and efficient way.
Alex Holz helped my make sense of the KSK paperwork in a fast and efficient way. Plus he is super nice and always available to answer any questions I might have. I couldn't have asked for a better guide through German bureaucracy. Anrike
Alex Holz,
artist support at kulturspace
Alex Holz & Kulturspace provide general educational and informational services for expats. However, we do not offer official legal advice and are not liable for the outcomes of any health insurance, pension, or legal matters you may encounter. In cases of doubt or complex situations, we strongly recommend contacting an official at the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) or a qualified legal advisor for professional and legal advice.
While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, Alex Holz & Kulturspace cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information provided. Users of our services should understand that any reliance on the information provided is at their own risk.
Health Insurance: Please consult with your health insurance provider or a professional advisor to understand your specific situation and options.
Pension Plans: It is advisable to seek guidance from a pension specialist or financial advisor to ensure your retirement plans are well-structured and legally compliant.
legal Matters: For any legal issues or queries, we urge you to contact an official at the KSK or a qualified legal professional to obtain accurate and personalized legal advice.