Permission to run a small company in Germany

I know this topic has been addressed in many ways before, but I have a strange situation and I need some help. I have a company out of the states (I am American, here with my husband, also American, who is working to support the family) that would like me to represent their children's product. So, I would be talking to children't boutiques throughout Germany to see if they are interested in carrything this product. Dealing with the importing of the product and so on.

I don't suppose that it's technically self-employed as I would be representing the American firm. I also don't think I will make that much money at it, but it is a product I like and I would enjoy selling to these stores. I don't really want to go to the trouble of starting my own business as that has already been established back home.

The questions are, what type of paperwork/permit will I need? How do I go about getting it? Is there a maximum amount of money that I can make in order to keep taxes down. I don't have to worry about health insurance or retirement accounts as that is already handled in the states through my husbands job.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

I think the best thing to do is contact a good tax consultant. They'll usually give you start up advice for free. (They'll see you as a potential new client). I personally found it is surprising easy to set up a company. But it was very important to have the

1. right form of company (sole trader, partnership, limited company etc).
2. tax clearly explained to you.
3. tips about possible funding or support from the state or local government.

Make an appointment (it's free) to speak to the IHK.
WH