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?"

Which authorities require notification or information?

Upon submission of your business registration, the trade office (Gewerbeamt) will forward relevant information to entities such as the Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer), the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Industrie- und Handelskammer), the register court (Registergericht), the tax office (Finanzamt), and the professional association (Berufsgenossenschaft). When you register your commercial activity, you automatically become a paying member of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce or the Chamber of Crafts. These chambers represent the interests of the German economy.

If you plan to hire employees for your business, you must obtain a company number from the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and register your employees with the social security system.

Please note that no tax number will be assigned to your business automatically; you must make a separate application for it. Further guidance on this process is available in our FAQ section under "How do I apply for my tax number/VAT identification number?"

As an entrepreneur running a business, you need to contact the relevant professional association to clarify any insurance obligations. Comprehensive details on insurance requirements can be found on the start-up portal.

An overview of professional associations and their contact information is accessible on the website of the German Legal Accident Insurance (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung - DGUV).

If you want to exercise a craft activity as a self-employed worker, you need an entry in the craftsmen's register (Eintragung in die Handwerksrolle) at your responsible Chamber of Crafts located in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Find more information about the German Handwerksrolle here.

Where to register your business

You can register your business using an online application.

Alternatively, it is possible to complete the business registration process directly at your local trade office or regulatory authority. In small municipalities, the business registration office is often located in the town hall.

What documents do I have to submit?

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).

Costs

In accordance with Subheading 12.1.3 of the General Fee Tariff within the General Administrative Fee Code of North Rhine-Westphalia, the following fees apply for trade registration:

Category	Fee (Euro)*
For natural persons and authorized representatives of non-legal person partnerships	26,00 €
For legal persons, including those representing partnerships	33,00 €
For each additional legal representative of legal persons	13,00 €
For each further legal representative of legal persons	13,00 €

Please note that additional expenses may be incurred when obtaining further documents, such as a certificate of conduct.