Craft Register Entry (Master Craftsman)

Anyone wanting to independently operate a craft business listed in Annex A of the German Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung, HwO) must be registered in the trades register (Handwerksrolle) of the competent Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Handwerkskammer, HWK). Annex A covers 53 trades with mandatory master craftsman qualification (Meisterpflicht), including electricians, plumbers, roofers, bakers, and butchers. Annex B trades can be practised without a master certificate.

Registration requires proof of the master craftsman diploma (Meisterbrief) or an equivalent qualification. Journeymen with at least six years of professional experience (including four in a senior role) can apply for a practice authorisation under Section 7b HwO. EU/EEA nationals may qualify through their home country credentials. The HWK reviews applications and may grant exceptions under Section 8 HwO. Registration triggers automatic trade registration with the Gewerbeamt and membership in the HWK.