Prerequisites
- You or your management must provide proof of having completed a master craftsman's examination in the craft you wish to practice, or in a related craft requiring a license.
- Alternatively, registration can be done if your management has access to...
- a degree as a graduate engineer,
- a bachelor's or master's degree or
- a German state or state-recognized examination equivalent to the master craftsman examination
- The prerequisite in these cases is that the focus of study or training corresponds professionally to the trade to be registered.
- In certain cases, an exemption permit or authorization to practice may be granted.
Documents required
For sole proprietorships:
- Copy of identity card or comparable identification document
- Proof of qualification (for example, copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate) of the owner or the employed management.
- Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after registration in the trade register)
In the case of partnerships under civil law (GbR):
- Copies of the identity card or a comparable identification document of the shareholders or authorized representatives
- Copy of the articles of association (unless concluded informally)
- Proof of qualification (e.g., copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate) of the partner(s) or the employed management.
- Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after registration in the trade register)
In the case of legally capable partnerships, i.e., the general partnership (OHG), limited partnership (KG) and corresponding foreign company forms:
- Copies of the identity card or a comparable identification document of the shareholders or authorized representatives
- Proof of the legal form of the company if the company is based in Germany:
- For companies registered in the commercial register: an extract from the register; for general partnerships (OHG), additionally a copy of the partnership agreement.
- If no registration has taken place: copy of the articles of association.
- Proof of the company's legal form for foreign legal forms: extract from the relevant foreign register for companies registered in registers, otherwise
- Copy of the articles of association
- Proof of qualification (e.g., copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate) of the partner(s) or the employed management.
- Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after registration in the trade register)
For legal entities (limited liability company (GmbH), entrepreneurial company (limited liability) or UG (limited liability), stock corporation (AG), registered cooperative (eG)):
- Copies of the identity card or a comparable identification document of the authorized representatives
- Proof of the company's legal form if the company is based in Germany: Extract from the commercial register or cooperative register.
- Proof of the company's legal form for foreign legal forms: extract from the relevant foreign register.
- Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after registration in the trade register)
- Information on the management
When hiring a plant manager, the following documents must also be submitted:
- Operations Manager's Declaration
- Proof of management activities (copy of employment contract)
- Proof of social security coverage for management
- Proof of qualifications of the management (for example, copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate, exemption permit)
If you employ a second person as business manager, for example when practicing several trades requiring a license, you must also submit the aforementioned documents for this person.
Please note
- Registration in the trade register is a prerequisite for full business licensing. Operating a business without registration in the trade register is an administrative offense.
- The craft does not have to be practiced in its entirety. Essential (partial) activities can also be carried out. Even then, registration in the trade register is required.
- You may only practice the craft requiring a license that has been registered. If you practice several crafts requiring a license, each of these crafts must normally be registered in the trade register.
- For nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, special regulations apply to the recognition of professional qualifications within the framework of an exemption permit procedure.
- Furthermore, an equivalence assessment can be applied for for professional qualifications acquired abroad.
- If you employ more than one person as operations manager, you must also register them.
Deadlines
If you wish to operate a craft requiring a license with a fixed business address, you must register in the trade register before commencing operations. Without registration, the business is not permitted to operate.
