Funeral Services License

Starting a funeral services business (Bestattungsunternehmen) in Germany requires a trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) and membership in the regional Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Handwerkskammer), as it is classified as a craft-like trade. No master craftsman qualification or formal professional exam is required, though completing the three-year training as a funeral specialist (Bestattungsfachkraft) is recommended.

If you plan to operate a body cooling facility on your premises, you need a separate permit from the local health authority (Gesundheitsamt). Each federal state has its own burial law (Bestattungsgesetz) setting additional rules on transport, storage, and documentation of the deceased. These state laws may include further registration or notification requirements.