Security Company License

Anyone wishing to commercially operate a security business requires a license under § 34a of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). The business operator (Gewerbetreibender) must demonstrate personal reliability and pass the Sachkundeprüfung (competency exam) at the IHK. This exam is also mandatory for certain higher-responsibility roles: door supervisors, retail detectives, city patrol guards, and security staff at asylum facilities or major events.

Basic security employees who do not perform these specialized tasks need only the 40-hour Unterrichtung (instruction) at the IHK, which covers legal foundations, rights and duties, and conflict de-escalation. The license is issued by the local trade authority and requires proof of adequate liability insurance.