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 when

  • Setting up a new business,
  • setting up a new branch office,
  • setting up a dependent branch,
  • 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).

Business registration must be carried out at the same time as 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 listed in § 6 paragraph 1 sentence 1 GewO.
    Excluded are, among others:
  • Primary production (livestock, 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.

If you want to buy and sell firearms or ammunition on a commercial basis, you need a firearms dealer's license.

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.