Hamburg police

Apply for a branch office license for arms manufacturing and/or arms trading

If you want to appoint another person to manage a branch for the commercial manufacture of weapons or for the commercial trade of weapons, you need a representative permit

Detailed description

If you trade in or manufacture weapons commercially and you want to appoint another person to manage a branch of your company, you will need a deputyship permit.



The responsible authority issues the authorized representative permit for a specific person. The authorized representative permit can also be issued for a limited period of time and limited to specific types of firearms and ammunition.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • They carry out the manufacture or trade of weapons commercially or independently within the framework of a commercial enterprise.
  • You can provide evidence of a valid reason for the need for representation (for example, personal or financial reasons).
  • You and the person appointed to represent you
    • have already reached the age of 18.
    • have the necessary reliability and, in particular, have no criminal record.
    • have the necessary personal suitability and, in particular, there are no facts that justify the assumption that they are legally incapable, alcoholic or mentally ill.
    • have proven expertise in the commercial arms trade (for example, by passing an examination at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry or by registering a gunsmith business in the trade register)

Documents required

  • identification document
  • Proof of expertise
  • Proof of expertise
  • Proof of branch and business premises
  • if applicable: copy of previously issued weapons manufacturing/trading permit
  • if applicable: extract from the commercial register

Please note

As the holder of a permit under the Weapons Act, you must notify the competent authority of the commencement and cessation of operations, as well as the opening and closure of a branch or a dependent branch office.

Deadlines


  • There is no application deadline. However, you must have the permit before you begin acting as a substitute.

  • The authorization to act as a representative expires if your representative does not start the activity within one year of the authorization being granted or does not carry out the activity for one year.

Procedure

  • You submit an application and the required documents
  • The required documents will be checked; if necessary, you may be required to submit additional documents or information.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your application and inform you of the decision in writing.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

300.00 EUR - 2,000.00 EUR

Legal remedies

Contradiction


suit

Legal basis

Section 21a Weapons Act (WaffG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__21a.html


Section 21 Weapons Act (WaffG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__21.html

Address and contact information

Hamburg police

Mon 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tue 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thu 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to many telephone inquiries, we are sometimes difficult to reach by telephone.



All firearms and hunting law matters can also be handled in writing


to be edited. Applications as well as hunting and weapons law documents can be sent by post,


Email or by putting it in your home mailbox.



Due to the current situation, processing at the hunting and weapons authority may take several months.


We ask for your patience and will get back to you without being asked.

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: deputy Deputy Weapons Arms trade representative permit Head of Branch

Last updated: 14.02.2026