Insurance Intermediary License

Working as an insurance broker or insurance agent in Germany requires a license under Section 34d of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). Insurance advisers who provide fee-based consulting also need a separate license under the same provision. The license is issued and registered by the competent IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

Requirements include passing the IHK professional competence exam (Sachkundeprüfung) consisting of a 160-minute written test and a 20-minute practical simulation, personal reliability (verified through a police clearance), orderly financial circumstances (no insolvency), and professional liability insurance. Qualified insurance professionals such as insurance salespeople (Versicherungskaufleute) or certified specialists are exempt from the exam. Once licensed, you are entered into the national intermediary register (Vermittlerregister) and must comply with ongoing obligations including documentation, advisory protocols, and continuing education of 15 hours per year.