Imprint obligation for self-employed persons - How to protect your private address

Are you self-employed, run a website, or sell your services online? Then you are subject to the legal notice requirement—and therefore also to the question of which address you must publicly disclose. Many self-employed people provide their private home address—but this is neither secure nor professional. In this article, you will learn how to act in a legally compliant manner, avoid warnings, and still protect your private address.

What you can expect in this article

• 1. What is the legal notice requirement?
• 2. Who is affected?
• 3. What information must be included in the legal notice?
• 4. Why you should not give out your home address
• 5. The solution: A virtual business address
• 6. Conclusion & next steps

1. What is the legal notice requirement?

The legal notice requirement is regulated in Section 5 of the German Telemedia Act (TMG). It obliges all commercially operated websites to provide certain information, including a valid address. The aim is to create transparency and enable quick contact.

2. Who is affected?

The legal notice requirement applies not only to companies, but also to solo self-employed persons, freelancers, coaches, consultants, and online shop operators. As soon as your website pursues a commercial purpose—i.e., offers products or services—you must publish a complete legal notice.

3. What information must be included in the legal notice?

• Full name or company name
• Mailing address (no PO box!)
• Phone number or email address
• Tax number or VAT ID (if applicable)
• Job title & relevant chamber (for regulated professions)

4. Why you should not give out your home address

Publicity & risks of abuse

Your address is visible to everyone—including advertisers, warning letter senders, or people with dubious intentions. In sensitive industries (e.g., coaching, therapy, law), this can become a real problem.

Effect on customers

A residential address in the legal notice often appears less professional than a neutral business address—especially for commercial websites.

Example:

A UX designer who runs a modern portfolio website loses credibility if the imprint says "7 Sample Street, 3rd floor right, private apartment."

5. The solution: A virtual business address

With a virtual address from Teeberg.com, you can make your legal notice compliant with the law—without revealing your home address.

This is how it works:

• You will receive a business address in Berlin that can be used for legal purposes.
• You can use these in the legal notice, with authorities, and for customers.
• Mail is received, scanned daily, and sent to you digitally.
• Legally compliant contract, ideal for legal notices, trade offices, and tax offices

Advantages: You protect your privacy—and come across as professional at the same time.

6. Conclusion: Secure, professional, and compliant with the law

The legal notice requirement also applies to self-employed persons – and that means you need a valid address. This should not be your private home address. With Teeberg, you get a legally compliant business address in Berlin that you can use immediately – digitally, flexibly, and without your own office.

Start now with Teeberg

Do you want to secure your legal notice, present yourself professionally, and protect your privacy? Then Teeberg.com is the solution for you:

• ✔️ Business address in Berlin – ready for immediate use
• ✔️ Perfect for legal notices, business registration, tax office
• ✔️ Daily mail scanning & digital delivery

Secure your address now at teeberg.com →

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