Simplifying the Prüfungsbericht: What expats need to know

When internationals in Germany are suddenly asked for a Prüfungsbericht as part of their residence or naturalisation process, many feel overwhelmed. The financial audit report is unfamiliar, time-sensitive and highly formal, and German authorities will only accept it when it is prepared and signed by a certified tax advisor.

For Joseph, a Tax & Financial Professional at Consentes and a former Tax Officer, supporting freelancers through this process has become a daily mission. Consentes is a family-run, fully digital tax consultancy in Cologne, helping expats, solo entrepreneurs and small business owners manage German tax obligations.

“We work with clients from all over the world,” Joseph explains. “Most of them are freelancers, artists or small business owners who need clear guidance and fast communication.” As requests for the Prüfungsbericht have surged, Consentes has become a trusted partner for internationals navigating this requirement.

What is a Prüfungsbericht... and why do you need it? 

A Prüfungsbericht is an official financial assessment used by the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) to check whether freelancers have been financially stable over several years. It is now commonly required for:

• Residence permit renewals
• Long-term residence
• Permanent residency
• Naturalisation

Unlike a simple income summary, the report provides a detailed analysis of a freelancer’s income, expenses and net profit, all verified by a licensed tax advisor. 

“It shows your financial stability for the last three years plus the current year,” Joseph explains. “We audit income, expenses and profit, and we verify the transmitted tax returns and tax assessments.”

The report needs to include:

• Annual income and profit
• Verified tax returns and assessments
• Net profit calculations (EÜR)
• Health and pension insurance contributions
• A professional statement confirming the plausibility of all figures

Authorities rely on this data to determine whether applicants can independently support themselves and, where relevant, their spouse or family. 

Example of the Prüfungsbericht

Know what to expect 

Many freelancers only discover the requirement when they prepare for an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde. Some even receive last-minute requests.

“They calculate if your profit is enough for your living. It depends on whether you are single or married, but the authority uses fixed amounts to check whether you meet the minimum financial requirement,” Joseph says.

While the exact calculations differ between cities, authorities typically compare a freelancer’s average monthly profit to standardised cost-of-living benchmarks. Consentes helps clients understand this during the initial consultation, so they know what to expect.

A digital, fast and simple process

One reason freelancers choose Consentes is the streamlined, modern workflow. Clients upload their documents through the secure Taxdome portal, which is available via both desktop and mobile apps. 

“Our portal makes everything easier,” Joseph says. “Clients can upload all their documents, and we can chat with them directly. It’s much faster than sending 1.000 emails.”

The process timeline is one of Consentes’ strongest advantages:

• 6–10 business days for standard delivery
• 5 business days for urgent requests (with an additional fee)

“We call clients within five to 10 minutes of receiving a request,” Joseph adds. “Every case is individual, so that first call is important.”

Clear pricing that respects freelancers’ budgets

While many tax consultancies charge 1.500 euros or more for a Prüfungsbericht, Consentes follows a different approach. “We adjusted our pricing because many freelancers don’t have big profits,” Joseph explains. “Plus, they already have to pay immigration costs. We want our services to stay accessible.”

The Prüfungsbericht at Consentes costs 425 euros + VAT (around 500 euros total). This includes verifying all financial documents and preparing a comprehensive report in accordance with the local authority's requirements.

Tailored support for internationals

Consentes’ multilingual team supports clients in English, Spanish, Turkish, Russian and more. This is especially valuable for expats dealing with German tax terminology and official letters.

“We know how confusing German tax rules can be,” Joseph says. “Even native speakers struggle. That’s why we guide clients through everything, including bookkeeping, VAT questions, and communication with the tax office.” 

Their services include:

• Tax returns
• Tax returns with international implications involving foreign income, e.g., US citizens or other nationalities
• VAT/Trade-Tax declarations
• Coaching for bookkeeping / preliminary bookkeeping
• Income letters for foreigner authorities, health insurance companies, landlords and banks
• Preparation of an income surplus statement (EÜR), business analysis (BWA), or list of totals and balances (Summen-und Saldenliste)
• Communication with the tax office
• Online consultations
• Company registration and tax numbers

Several team members have previously worked in the German tax office, which enables them to anticipate how authorities evaluate financial documents.

Reliable support when it matters most

Every case begins with a personal call and a tailored document checklist. Whether a client uses professional bookkeeping software or only an Excel spreadsheet, Consentes adapts the process to ensure the report meets all administrative requirements.

“The Prüfungsbericht has to be signed by a tax advisor. Freelancers cannot do it themselves,” Joseph emphasises. “We make sure everything is correct, complete and ready for your appointment.”

Get your Prüfungsbericht with confidence

If you need a Prüfungsbericht for your residence permit, permanent residency, or naturalisation, Consentes can guide you through the process professionally, digitally, and with fast communication every step of the way. Contact Consentes to get started.