Hotel/Accommodation Registration

Hotels, pensions, guest houses, vacation rentals, and other accommodation businesses in Germany must register their operation with the local trade office (Gewerbeamt) through an accommodation registration (Beherbergungsstättenanzeige). This is part of the standard trade registration requirement. Additionally, you must comply with guest registration obligations under the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz, BMG).

Since January 2025, only foreign guests are required to fill out a registration form (Meldeschein) upon arrival. You must provide the forms and retain them for one year. Accommodation operators also have reporting obligations under the Accommodation Statistics Act (Beherbergungsstatistikgesetz), requiring monthly submissions of guest statistics to the statistical office. Violations of registration or reporting requirements can result in fines.