Trade Registration

Starting any commercial business activity in Germany requires a trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) with the local trade office (Gewerbeamt or Ordnungsamt). This applies to retail, hospitality, manufacturing, services, and all other profit-oriented business activities. Freelance professions (architects, doctors, lawyers, journalists) and primary production (farming, forestry) are exempt. The registration must be filed before or at the time you start the business.

You can register online, in person, or by mail at the Gewerbeamt of the municipality where your business is located. Required documents include a valid ID and, for corporate entities, a commercial register excerpt. The fee is typically 20-65 euros. After registration, the Gewerbeamt automatically notifies the tax office (Finanzamt), IHK or HWK, the trade supervisory authority, and the statistical office. The trade registration is not a permit itself but a prerequisite for obtaining any additional required licenses.