If you wish to become self-employed in a health or medical profession, you must register your practice with the relevant health authority.
If you, as a healthcare professional, decide to open your own practice, you must notify the relevant authority that you intend to practice your profession independently, freelance, or on a fee-for-service basis. You must also promptly report any changes to your practice to the relevant authority.
Permission to use the respective professional title of a legally recognized medical profession.
All persons who independently practice a legally recognized medical profession are required to register with the health department, e.g. alternative practitioners, speech therapists, occupational therapists, work and activity therapists, physiotherapists, physical therapists, masseurs, medical bath attendants, podiatrists, midwives/obstetric nurses.
Registration must be done in person (appointment required). Original documents must be presented upon registration.
Please notify us before you begin working:
Midwives and maternity nurses must also submit appropriate hygiene plans, proof of insurance and training certificates (if available).
Furthermore, the following must be displayed:
Deregistration of the business premises must be initiated in writing (informal letter) stating the date until which the old business premises remain in operation.
The change of address for the business premises must be submitted in writing (informal letter) stating when the old address is valid until and when the new address is valid from.
Register your practice before you begin practicing.
Please report any changes, re-registrations, deregistrations or relocation of your practice, business or workplace immediately.
Your report will be processed immediately.
Fees apply. The amount of the fees is calculated by the responsible authority based on the fee schedule for public health services (GebOöG).
No legal remedy is provided for.
Sections 19, 21, 31 of the Hamburg Public Health Service Act
(Hamburg Health Service Act - HmbGDG)
Hamburg - Section 19 HmbGDG | Hamburg State Law | Healthcare Professions | Section 19 - Healthcare Professions | Valid from: January 15, 2025
Specifically for midwives and maternity nurses, Section 3 Paragraph 2 of the Hamburg Midwifery Act of 13 September 1990 and Section 7 Paragraph 2 and Section 10 of the Midwifery Professional Code of Conduct of 25 April 2017 apply.
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Last updated: 13.05.2026