Starting a Business

# Licences and authorisations

From driving schools to restaurants to weapons dealerships, some business establishments and activities require special authorisations, and some professions can only be practised with such authorisations. Do you need a special licence? Then you are in the right place.

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Frequently used services

If you wish to use a representation of the federal eagle, you must apply for permission.

Do you have cause for complaint after a train, bus or ship journey? Then you can contact the Federal Railway Authority (EBA).

If you wish to participate in aeronautical and aeronautical navigation radio, the BNetzA will assign you the callsign with the Aircraft Station Licence on application. In addition, you must notify changes, for example, the holder address or the radio technical equipment.

A business registration is always necessary when you start a standing business. This is the case for

  • New establishment of a business,
  • New establishment of a branch office,
  • New establishment of a dependent branch office,
  • Takeover of an existing business, e.g. by purchase or lease,
  • conversion of a sole proprietorship into another legal form,
  • transfer of a business from the area of one authority to the area of another authority (considered as an abandonment by one authority and as a new establishment by the other authority).

The business registration must be carried out simultaneously with the start of the business.

  • The obligation to notify exists only if it is a commercial activity. Excluded from the obligation to notify are the activities specified in § 6 paragraph 1 sentence 1 GewO.
    Excluded are, among others:
  • Primary production (cattle breeding, agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing)
  • Liberal professions (including lawyers, notaries, tax consultants, auditors, doctors, scientific, artistic and literary activities)
  • Education of children for remuneration
  • Education

The purpose of registering a trade is to enable the competent authority to monitor the exercise of the trade and to conduct statistical surveys.

You would like to offer goods for immediate sale occasionally at trade fairs, exhibitions, public festivals or for a special occasion? Then you need a permit for this from the competent body and do not need a travel trade card.

If you run a business or work as a freelancer, you can apply for a parking permit. This allows you to park in certain areas for the duration of your work.
Assistance These Assistance Services support you in exercising your rights and fulfilling your duties in the European internal market.
The pan-European network of  Points of Single Contact can provide you with details of any legal requirements and help you to complete relevant procedures.