Artists' Social Insurance (KSK)
Künstlersozialkasse (KSK)
You pay only about half of statutory pension, health and long-term-care contributions; the other half comes from a federal subsidy and a levy on companies using creative work. Provided by Künstlersozialkasse (federal, under the Künstlersozialversicherungsgesetz).
Check if you qualify for Artists' Social Insurance (KSK)
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens Artists' Social Insurance (KSK) for you and shows what already fits, what blocks you and what to do next.
- Concrete reasons, not a score
- Deadline and first steps
- Other programs that fit you
Key facts
- Amount
- You pay only about half of statutory pension, health and long-term-care contributions; the other half comes from a federal subsidy and a levy on companies using creative work
- Duration
- ongoing while self-employed
- Type
- Benefit-linked support
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Self-employed activity insured in Germany
Who can apply
- Self-employed artists (music, performing or visual arts) or publicists (writers, journalists and similar)
- Activity is commercial and not only temporary
- Expected annual earnings above EUR 3,900; new professionals are insured below that for their first 3 years
- At most one socially insured employee (trainees and mini-jobs excepted)
- Register with the KSK questionnaire; forms returned by post
What usually blocks applicants
- Activity not recognised as artistic or publicist
- Income below EUR 3,900 after the 3-year starter period
- More than one regular employee
Deadline and timing
Register any time.
Frequently asked
How much does Artists' Social Insurance (KSK) pay?
You pay only about half of statutory pension, health and long-term-care contributions; the other half comes from a federal subsidy and a levy on companies using creative work
Who can apply for Artists' Social Insurance (KSK)?
Stages: idea, prototype, pre-revenue, revenue. Solo founders can apply. You can apply before registering a company. Location: Self-employed activity insured in Germany. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.
When is the Artists' Social Insurance (KSK) deadline?
Register any time.
Where do I apply for Artists' Social Insurance (KSK)?
On the official page: https://www.kuenstlersozialkasse.de/kuenstler-und-publizisten/voraussetzungen. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back Artists' Social Insurance (KSK) or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Artists' Social Insurance (KSK)?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 19 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free
- Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Founder Coaching via AVGS voucherReasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
- Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers