Food Truck Permit

Operating a food truck (Foodtruck or Imbisswagen) in Germany typically requires an itinerant trade card (Reisegewerbekarte) if you sell at changing locations without a fixed establishment. The Reisegewerbekarte is issued once, applies nationwide, and is tied to you personally. If you operate from a fixed location for more than six weeks, you instead need a regular trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung).

For each location on public streets or squares, you need a special use permit (Sondernutzungserlaubnis) from the local road authority or municipality. You also need food business registration with the veterinary office, a hygiene concept, and compliance with the food safety rules under EU Regulation 852/2004. If you prepare food in the vehicle, it must meet commercial kitchen standards. Some municipalities also require proof of adequate waste disposal and noise protection.