Private Hospital Operating License

Operating a private hospital, private maternity clinic, or private psychiatric facility in Germany requires a concession (Konzession) under Section 30 of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). This applies to commercially operated facilities providing inpatient treatment. Non-profit facilities with a tax exemption are not subject to this requirement, nor are outpatient-only practices or day clinics.

You apply at the competent state authority (typically the district government or health authority). The authority examines whether sufficient qualified medical and nursing staff is available, whether the premises meet structural and technical health standards, and whether the operator is commercially reliable. The concession can be denied if any of these requirements are not met. The facility is subject to ongoing supervision by the health authorities.