Home›Guides›Business Licenses in Germany — Permits, Gewerbeanmeldung, and Regulated Trades
Most businesses in Germany require a simple Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) to operate. Regulated sectors need prior licences from BaFin, Gewerbeamt, or professional chambers. This guide covers the key requirements.
Gewerbeanmeldung — Trade Registration for All Commercial Businesses
Most commercial activities in Germany require a Gewerbeanmeldung (trade notification) with the local Gewerbeamt before operations begin. This is a simple administrative notification — not a permit — and is typically processed same-day or within a few days.
- Gewerbeanmeldung: filed online or in person at the local Gewerbeamt (municipal trade office)
- Cost: €15–€60 depending on municipality (Berlin €15; Munich €60)
- The Gewerbeamt automatically notifies the Finanzamt, IHK, and other relevant bodies
- Freelancers (Freiberufler) under EStG §18 are exempt from Gewerbeanmeldung — register directly with Finanzamt
- Gewerbeanmeldung is not needed before the GmbH is formed — only once the company is in the Handelsregister
Key Regulatory Authorities by Sector
Germany distributes sector-specific licensing authority across multiple bodies. Identifying the correct authority for your business activity is the critical first step in the licensing process.
| Authority | Regulated Area |
|---|---|
| BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) | Banks, investment firms, insurance, payment institutions, crypto asset services |
| Gewerbeamt / Ordnungsamt | General trade permits, food business registration, hospitality licences |
| IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) | Apprenticeship supervision, some craft exam waivers, certificate of origin |
| Handwerkskammer (HWK) | Master craftsman trades (72 regulated crafts under HwO) |
| Ärztekammer / Apothekerkammer | Medical practitioners, pharmacists — professional registration and Approbation |
| Bundesnetzagentur | Telecommunications, energy networks, rail transport operators |
| BAFA (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle) | Export controls for dual-use goods; energy efficiency audits |
Regulated Trades Requiring Prior Licences
Certain activities require a specific permit or professional qualification before trading. Operating without the required licence is a criminal or administrative offence and may result in a cease-and-desist (Unterlassungsklage) from competitors.
| Activity | Permit / Licence Required | Authority | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking, payment services | BaFin licence under KWG / ZAG | BaFin | 6–18 months |
| Crypto asset services (CASPs) | BaFin crypto authorisation under MiCAR | BaFin | 6–12 months |
| Insurance intermediary | §34d GewO permit + DIHK registration | Gewerbeamt | 4–8 weeks |
| Financial investment advice | §34f GewO permit + proof of knowledge | Gewerbeamt | 4–8 weeks |
| Food business (restaurant, café) | Gewerbeanmeldung + hygiene notification under LMHV | Gewerbeamt / Veterinary office | 2–4 weeks |
| Regulated craft trade | Meisterbrief or §8 HwO exception | Handwerkskammer | Varies |
Freiberufler (liberal professions under EStG §18) — including lawyers, architects, engineers, doctors, and certain IT consultants — are exempt from Gewerbesteuer and Gewerbeanmeldung. They register directly with the Finanzamt. The BFH has ruled that software development qualifies as a liberal profession if it involves creative-technical problem solving.
Checking Your Activity Against the Regulated List
Before formation, verify whether your planned activity appears on the list of regulated trades under GewO (Gewerbeordnung) Anlage A and B and under sector-specific statutes. Key resources:
- GewO §1: general principle — trade is free unless restricted
- GewO Anlage A: trades requiring advance permit (§§30–38)
- Handwerksordnung (HwO) Anlage A: 41 fully regulated master trades
- BaFin authorisation database: bafin.de (financial sector)
- IHK business start-up advisory: ihk.de — free initial consultation available in most cities
Obtaining a German Business Licence
Identify Regulated Activity
Check if your sector requires a Genehmigung under Gewerbeordnung §§34–38
Determine Competent Authority
Federal agency, state ministry, or local Gewerbeamt depending on activity
Gather Documentation
Qualifications, criminal record extract, financial capacity, insurance
Submit Application
Written or electronic; some authorities offer online portals
Await Decision
Typically 4–12 weeks; silence after 3 months may be deemed refusal
4–12 weeksIdentify Regulated Activity
Check if your sector requires a Genehmigung under Gewerbeordnung §§34–38
Determine Competent Authority
Federal agency, state ministry, or local Gewerbeamt depending on activity
Gather Documentation
Qualifications, criminal record extract, financial capacity, insurance
Submit Application
Written or electronic; some authorities offer online portals
Await Decision
Typically 4–12 weeks; silence after 3 months may be deemed refusal
4–12 weeksFrequently Asked Questions
What is a Gewerbeanmeldung and do all businesses need one?
A Gewerbeanmeldung is a trade notification filed with the local Gewerbeamt before starting commercial activity. Most commercial businesses must file one. Freelancers (Freiberufler) under EStG §18 are exempt and register directly with the Finanzamt instead.
What licence does a fintech or crypto company need in Germany?
Financial services businesses require a BaFin licence under KWG (banking), ZAG (payment services), or MiCAR/KAGB (crypto/investment). Obtaining a BaFin licence typically takes 6–18 months and requires detailed regulatory filings, qualified management, and minimum capital requirements.
What is the difference between a regulated trade and a liberal profession in Germany?
Regulated trades (Gewerbe) require Gewerbeanmeldung and often specific permits; they are subject to Gewerbesteuer and IHK membership. Liberal professions (Freiberufler) under EStG §18 — lawyers, doctors, architects, certain IT consultants — are exempt from Gewerbeanmeldung and Gewerbesteuer and register directly with the Finanzamt.
Do I need a Meisterbrief to start a craft business in Germany?
For 41 fully regulated craft trades listed in HwO Anlage A (including electrical, plumbing, masonry, and optical work), a master craftsman qualification (Meisterbrief) or a §8 HwO exception is required. The §8 exception can be granted based on equivalent qualifications or long professional experience.
How much does a Gewerbeanmeldung cost in Germany?
The fee for Gewerbeanmeldung varies by municipality. Berlin charges approximately €15; Munich charges approximately €60. Most cities charge between €20 and €60. The process is typically completed same-day or within a few business days.
What is the §8 HwO exception and how does it work for craft trades?
HwO §8 (Ausnahmebewilligung) allows the Handwerkskammer to grant an exemption from the Meisterbrief requirement for regulated craft trades where the applicant demonstrates equivalent practical ability — typically through long professional experience (at least 6 years including managerial responsibility). A §8 HwO exemption is personal, non-transferable, and must be obtained before operating the regulated trade.
What licences does a food business need in Germany?
A food business (restaurant, café, bakery, food delivery) needs: (1) Gewerbeanmeldung at the local Gewerbeamt; (2) notification under the LMHV (Lebensmittelhygieneverordnung) to the local veterinary or food safety authority; (3) HACCP food hygiene documentation; and (4) a Gaststättenerlaubnis if serving alcohol. Staff handling food must hold a valid Gesundheitszeugnis (health certificate) from the local Gesundheitsamt.
What is a Gaststättenerlaubnis and when is it required?
The Gaststättenerlaubnis is a permit to operate a licensed food and beverage establishment serving alcohol, issued by the local Ordnungsamt or Gewerbeamt. It is required for any restaurant, bar, or venue that serves alcohol for on-site consumption. Requirements include: personal reliability (Zuverlässigkeit), sufficient food hygiene knowledge, and compliance with building and fire safety regulations. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.
Do I need a BaFin licence to operate a crypto exchange in Germany?
Yes. From 30 December 2024, operating a crypto asset exchange, custody service, or any MiCAR CASP service in Germany (or passporting to Germany from another EU state) requires BaFin authorisation under MiCAR. Class I services (advice, portfolio management) require €50,000 minimum capital; Class III (custody + exchange) require €150,000. Operating without authorisation is a criminal offence under WpIG §84.
What is the difference between a Freiberufler and a Gewerbetreibender for licensing purposes?
A Freiberufler (liberal profession, EStG §18) is not subject to Gewerbeanmeldung, Gewerbesteuer, or mandatory IHK membership. They register only with the Finanzamt. A Gewerbetreibender (commercial trader, EStG §15) must file a Gewerbeanmeldung, pay Gewerbesteuer, and join the local IHK or HWK. The classification is determined by the nature of the activity — not by the applicant's preference.
What employment agency licence (Arbeitnehmerüberlassung) is required for staffing companies?
Companies that place employees at third-party businesses (Arbeitnehmerüberlassung — temporary staffing/leasing) must obtain an AÜ licence from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit under AÜG §1 before commencing operations. Applications are submitted to the Agentur für Arbeit branch in the applicant's district. The licence is issued for 1 year initially and renewed indefinitely upon demonstrating compliance with AÜG rules including equal pay provisions.
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