Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture Authority

Apply for a fishing license for the Elbe and the harbor

If you want to fish from your boat on the Elbe or in the port of Hamburg, you need a permit.

Use Online-Service

Permission to fish from a boat

Detailed description

If you want to fish from a boat in the waters of the Elbe or the Port of Hamburg, you need a permit. You must apply for it at the relevant authority. The permit will be issued in the form of a fishing license. The permit may be subject to certain conditions.

 

Information

Prerequisites

You are in possession of a valid fishing license.

Documents required

  • double-sided copy of identity card
  • Copy of valid fishing license

Please note

Due to the hazardous nature of the waters in these areas, a boat fishing license is required for every person fishing in a boat. For the Dove and Gose Elbe rivers above the Tatenberg Lock, a boat fishing license is only required for the boat operator.



When fishing, you must have the following documents with you and show them to the inspectors upon request:

  • Boat fishing license,
  • fishing license,
  • Fishing fee certificate
  • Identity card or passport

You are not allowed to fish from a belly boat.

Deadlines

The permit is valid for the period from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

Procedure

  • You submit your informal application by email, in writing or in person and provide the following information
    • First and Last Name
    • postal address
    • Telephone number
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any missing documents or information from you.
  • If you pass the exam, you will receive written permission.

Processing time

Up to a week.

Fees

30.00 EUR


You can only pay the fee by debit card. Alternatively, you can receive an invoice and transfer the amount.

Payment methods available

  • Girocard
  • SEPA transfer

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 42, paragraph 1, item 2 of the Port Traffic Regulations


https://www.hamburg-port-authority.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Hafenverkehrsordnung_Stand_August_2019.pdf

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture Authority

Agriculture

Mon, Wed and Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tue and Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
We have a limited number of customer parking spaces. To reserve a parking space, please contact our receptionist by e-mail at zugang@bsw.hamburg.de or by telephone on +49 40 428 40 - 50 50. Our working hours are: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m , Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

If you would like to speak to us in person, please come to our customer service point in Hamburg-Rothenburgsort, Entenwerder 10, during the stated opening times.

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: Fishing from a boat on the Elbe (Hamburg area only) Fishing from a boat on the Elbe (only Hamburg area) Elbe fishing permit (only Hamburg area) Elbe fishing license (only Hamburg area) Bille boat fishing license

Last updated: 08.06.2026