Private Investigation Agency Registration

Opening a Detektei (detective or private investigation agency) in Germany requires a Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) with your local Gewerbeamt. The registration covers investigative services such as background checks, missing persons cases, insurance fraud investigation, and corporate due diligence.

There is no specific federal license for private investigators, but you must demonstrate personal reliability (Zuverlässigkeit). The Gewerbeamt checks your criminal record and financial standing. Some Länder impose additional requirements. You are also bound by data protection rules (DSGVO) and cannot use police powers or methods reserved for law enforcement.