Events & Entertainment

Film and television productions that use public spaces in Germany typically need a filming permit (Drehgenehmigung). A permit is required whenever the production involves setting up equipment, blocking sidewalks or roads, using special effects, or otherwise exceeding the normal use of public space. Small crews filming handheld without obstructing anyone generally do not need one.You apply at the municipal regulatory office (Ordnungsamt) or, in larger cities, the local film commission. The application should be submitted at least two weeks before shooting and must describe the location, dates, crew size, equipment, and any road closures needed. Fees vary by municipality and production scale. If filming on private property, you need the owner's permission separately. Many cities have a dedicated film office to simplify the process.

Issued by: Public Order Office / Film Commission

Displaying fireworks of category F2 (outside the New Year period from January 2 to December 30) or categories F3 and F4 year-round in Germany requires a notification to the competent authority under Section 23 of the First Explosives Ordinance (1. SprengV). Category F3 and F4 fireworks may only be handled by holders of an explosives permit (Erlaubnis) or competency certificate (Befähigungsschein) under the Explosives Act (SprengG).The notification must be filed at least two weeks before the event (four weeks near railways, airports, or federal waterways). It must describe the location, date, type and quantity of pyrotechnic articles, and safety measures. The authority may impose conditions or prohibit the display. Operators of F3 fireworks must be at least 18 years old, and F4 operators at least 21. Violations can result in fines up to 10,000 euros.

Issued by: Public Order Office

Operating a zoo, wildlife park, or any permanent facility that exhibits live wild animals for at least seven days per year requires a permit under Section 42 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). The permit covers a specific site, operator, number of animals per species, and type of operation. This also includes aquariums, reptile houses, and similar exhibition facilities.The application is submitted to the nature conservation authority of the relevant state. Requirements include species-appropriate enclosures meeting biological and welfare needs, a veterinary care programme, an animal inventory register, and public education measures. The state may combine this permit with the animal keeping permit under Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act (Tierschutzgesetz). The authority conducts regular inspections and can order improvements or close the facility if animal welfare standards are not met.

Issued by: Lower Nature Conservation Authority / Veterinary Office

Fairground operators (Schausteller) running rides, shooting galleries, food stands, or other amusement facilities at fairs, Christmas markets, and folk festivals need an itinerant trade card (Reisegewerbekarte) from their local trade office. If you operate gaming machines with prizes, an additional gaming device permit is required.Amusement rides and other temporary structures (fliegende Bauten) must have a type-specific design approval and undergo a building safety inspection at each new setup location. Liability insurance is mandatory for rides that transport or move people, such as roller coasters and carousels. The itinerant trade card is valid nationwide and requires proof of personal reliability. Your rides and structures must meet the technical safety standards and undergo regular inspection by authorized engineers.

Issued by: Trade Office / Building Supervisory Authority

Operating a gambling hall (Spielhalle) with gaming machines that offer cash prizes requires a license under the Interstate Gambling Treaty (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV 2021). In most states, operators need both a permit under the State Treaty on Gambling and a trade law permit under Section 33i GewO.You apply at the competent regulatory authority. The license requires proof of personal reliability, a suitable business concept, and compliance with strict distance requirements. Gambling halls must maintain minimum distances from schools, youth facilities, and other gambling halls. The number of gaming machines per hall is limited, and halls must employ trained staff for player protection. Social concept documentation showing responsible gambling measures is mandatory.

Issued by: Public Order Office

Any use of public roads, paths, or squares that goes beyond normal public traffic (for example, outdoor dining areas, merchandise displays, scaffolding, advertising signs, or construction containers) requires a special use permit (Sondernutzungserlaubnis) from the road authority, which is usually the municipality.You apply at your city or municipal administration, describing the intended use, location, and duration. The authority checks whether your use is compatible with traffic safety and pedestrian access, ensuring that minimum sidewalk widths and emergency routes are maintained. Permits are typically granted for a fixed period, often one year for recurring uses like outdoor dining. Fees are set by local ordinance and vary by municipality, use type, and area occupied.

Issued by: Road Construction Office / Public Order Office

Public events such as fairs, markets, concerts, sporting events, or street festivals generally require a permit from the competent regulatory authority (Ordnungsbehörde). The permit requirement applies when an event takes place on public land, attracts large crowds, or may affect public safety and traffic.You apply at your city or municipal regulatory office, ideally at least three months before the event. Depending on the event type and scale, additional permits may be needed: a special use permit for public roads, a temporary food service license, noise exemptions under immission control law, and fire safety clearance. The authority coordinates across departments to assess crowd management, emergency access, sanitation, and noise impact. Fees depend on the event size and local regulations.

Issued by: Public Order Office

Any business that plays music in customer-facing areas in Germany, whether in a restaurant, shop, hotel, gym, or office reception, must obtain a music license from GEMA (Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte). GEMA is the collecting society that manages performance rights on behalf of composers, lyricists, and music publishers. Playing music without a license, including via radio, streaming, or playlists, constitutes copyright infringement.You register directly with GEMA, specifying the type of use (background music, live performances, DJ events) and the size of your premises. Fees are calculated based on room size, type of business, and frequency of music use. Annual contracts offer discounted rates. Live music events must be reported to GEMA at least three days in advance. Non-compliance can result in back-payments, surcharges, and legal action.

Issued by: GEMA (German Music Rights Society)

Organizing a lottery or raffle where participants pay for a chance to win requires a license under the State Gambling Treaty (GlüStV). The state gambling authority (Glücksspielaufsichtsbehörde) issues permits for both commercial and charitable lotteries. The application must detail the prize structure, ticket pricing, draw procedure, and intended use of proceeds.Important distinction: free promotional prize draws (Gewinnspiele) where no purchase or payment is required to participate are not classified as gambling under the GlüStV and do not need a license. Only lotteries and raffles involving paid participation fall under gambling regulation. For large-scale lotteries operating across multiple states, a coordination procedure among state authorities applies.

Issued by: State Gambling Supervisory Authority

Operating a physical betting shop for sports betting requires a license under the Interstate Gambling Treaty 2021 (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV). Since the 2021 liberalization, private operators can obtain sports betting licenses, but strict conditions apply to physical betting premises.The betting shop license is tied to the sports betting operator's license. The operator applies at the competent state gambling authority for a permit covering the specific premises. Requirements include compliance with distance rules (from schools, youth facilities, and other betting shops), player protection measures, and a prohibition on installing monitors for live event viewing. Betting terminals are generally not permitted in licensed premises. Additional building and trade law requirements apply, and the specific rules vary by state through their respective implementation laws.

Issued by: Landesglücksspielaufsicht / Bezirksregierung