Apply for a Financial Investment Broker License (Section 34f of the German Trade Regulation Act)
License to engage in itinerant trade (door-to-door sales, market trading, street vending) pursuant to § 55 of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO).
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the Department of Business and Trade in your place of residence
Bring your ID card, a certificate of good conduct, and, if applicable, proof of professional qualifications.
- 2
Background Check
Certificate of Good Conduct and extract from the debtors' register.
- 3
Obtain a Travel Trade License
Must be carried at all times when conducting business as a traveling vendor.
Required documents
- Certificate of Good Conduct (Document Type O)Mandatory
Certificate of Good Conduct for submission to government agencies.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Failure to carry a travel trade license (administrative offense)
- • Work began before the exhibition
Common reasons for rejection
- • Personal unreliability (criminal record, bankruptcy)
- • This activity requires a permit (Section 55a Exceptions)
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals who wish to conduct business outside of a permanent business location.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 90.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Failure to carry a travel trade license (administrative offense)
- •Work began before the exhibition
Common reasons for rejection
- •Personal unreliability (criminal record, bankruptcy)
- •This activity requires a permit (Section 55a Exceptions)
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.