Improvement seen in BFB's summer 2025 business scenario, yet forecast remains modest
The business situation of self-employed professionals in Germany has shown signs of improvement, according to a summer survey 2025 by the Federal Association of the Self-Employed (BFB).
The survey revealed that 39.5% of respondents rated their current economic situation as good, a 2.1% increase from the previous year. This optimistic trend is also reflected in the employment outlook, with 66.5% of self-employed individuals expecting the number of employees to remain the same. Slightly optimistic staff planning is noted, although specific details were not provided.
However, the outlook for the second half of the year remains cautious due to political framework conditions and structural challenges. BFB President Dr. Stephan Hofmeister emphasized the need for less bureaucracy, faster approval procedures, and reliable political framework conditions.
Hofmeister also called for targeted incentives to activate the labour force and strengthen motivation. He described the investment quick program proposed by the federal government as a step in the right direction, but stressed the need for swift implementation and additional measures to secure skilled workers.
The BFB represents over 1.48 million self-employed individuals who employ more than 4.7 million people. The survey results showed that legal, tax, and economic consultants, as well as technical-scientific and cultural professions, rate their situation particularly positively. On the other hand, the independent healthcare professions continue to face the greatest difficulties.
Regarding business expectations for the next six months, only 10.9% of self-employed professionals expect an improvement, while 59.2% expect a stable situation. This cautious outlook is further supported by the fact that 36.5% of respondents are currently working at full capacity, a 1.3% increase from summer 2024. However, 3.8% of self-employed professionals are still utilized up to a quarter. Conversely, 41.7% of respondents report a utilization rate between 75 and 100%.
The BFB has also urged policymakers to improve social security and meet the personnel needs of the self-employed by implementing measures such as better support systems, enhanced social insurance options, and policies that facilitate both financial stability and growth opportunities for the self-employed sector. Specific calls include reforms to provide better safety nets, simplify administrative burdens, and recognize the diversity of self-employment forms to fully utilize their economic potential.
The public interest orientation is a central characteristic of the self-employed, which must be secured and strengthened in the future. Hofmeister added that what is missing are targeted incentives to activate labor force and strengthen motivation. He also demanded reliable political framework conditions, less bureaucracy, and faster approval procedures.
In conclusion, while the business outlook for self-employed professionals in Germany has improved, there is still a need for further measures to ensure sustained growth and address the challenges faced by certain sectors, particularly the independent healthcare professions. The BFB's calls for improved social security, less bureaucracy, and targeted incentives to activate the labour force and strengthen motivation are important steps towards achieving these goals.
