Auctioneer License

Anyone who commercially auctions third-party movable property, real estate, or rights needs a license under Section 34b of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). This applies to auction houses, art auctioneers, and online auction businesses that sell goods on behalf of third parties. Publicly appointed auctioneers and certain industry-specific auctions (such as agricultural commodity auctions) are exempt.

You apply at the competent trade authority. The authority checks your personal reliability (certificate of conduct, no relevant criminal convictions in the past five years) and orderly financial circumstances. There is a legal right to the license if no grounds for denial exist. Particularly qualified auctioneers may additionally apply for public appointment and swearing-in under Section 34b(5) GewO.