Business Registration

Who needs to register a business (e.g., small businesses, part-time self-employment):

As a matter of principle, every person engaged in self-employment with the intention of generating profits is obligated to register a business. The registration requirement applies from the start of self-employment, irrespective of whether the business is pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. For more detailed information about the registration requirements, please see our FAQ section under "When do I need to register my business activity?"

Exemptions from the duty to register business activities:

Exemptions apply to various circumstances, including freelance activities, the primary sector of economy, photovoltaic systems installed on self-owned buildings, and one-time activities with no permanent nature. Determining the classification of liberal professions can be a complex process, and the final decision is made by the tax office.

A comprehensive list of exceptions to the business registration requirement is available in our FAQ section under "For which types of activities is a business registration unnecessary?"

The specific documents you need to submit depend on your industry, its associated dependencies, and any unique prerequisites.

In general, the following documents are required:

• A completed business registration form (available as an online form)
• Identification document of the applicant (ID card or passport)
• Residence permit with the indication "Processive Activity Permitted" for applicants from non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Swiss countries
• If applicable, a current registration confirmation in case the ID document lacks a private address indication

In specific cases, additional documents may be necessary, such as:

• Certificate of conduct for submission to an authority (Document Type O),
  • which can be obtained locally at your municipal citizens' office or
  • through an online application via the Federal Office of Justice
• Information from the commercial central register (Document Type 9),
  • accessible through a local citizens' office or
  • via online application via the Federal Office of Justice
• For certain artisanal professions, like those within the pipe and sewer construction industry, a specialist examination by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce may be required.
• If you, as a craftsman, intend to pursue a registered activity (e.g., roofer or mason), detailed information is available on the craft role entry page.
• If you intend to establish your company under a specific legal structure (e.g., OHG, GmbH), comprehensive information can be found on the business startup page.
• For activities subject to authorization (e.g., security, taxi, travel), specific requirements must be met.
• For those planning to operate a restaurant, detailed guidance can be found on the restaurant opening page.
• If your company falls under the category of those needing supervision (§38(1) GewO), a copy of the notarized company contract may be necessary.
• If you plan to engage in the sale of high-quality consumer goods or the distribution of building security systems, additional considerations apply.
• If you aim to provide accommodation services or operate a travel agency, distinct requirements must be met.

To determine whether you require supplementary documents, consult the overview of commercial specialties (Gewerbe-Besonderheiten).