• You apply for the fishing license at your main residence or at the main residence of the person for whom you are applying for the fishing license.
• You, or the person for whom you are applying for the fishing license, have passed the fishing license examination.
• They are of legal age or
• The minor for whom you are applying for a fishing license as a legal representative must be at least 12 years old or
• They are at least 16 years old and have the consent of a parent or guardian.

Persons who are not yet 15 years old may fish with a hand rod without a fishing license, provided they are supervised by an adult with a valid fishing license.

If the fishing license is issued to a minor, the fishing license must be renewed after the minor turns 18.

Fishing licenses for people without residence in Germany (tourists) and professional fishermen are issued by the Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA). (see Forms, Services & Links)

Fishing licenses from other German federal states, for which an exam is required, are recognized in Hamburg.

Information about waters approved for fishing is provided by the Hamburg Fishing Association (see Forms, Services & Links).