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Business & Self-Employment

Apply for a restaurant license

A license to operate a restaurant serving alcoholic beverages in accordance with applicable state law (formerly: § 2 GastG).

Processing: approx. 4 weeks
Success rate: 82.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the Department of Business and Trade

    With an ID card, a certificate of good conduct, and a floor plan of the premises.

  2. 2

    Government inspections

    The health department, building inspectorate, and, if necessary, the fire department will inspect the premises.

  3. 3

    Obtain a license and begin operations

    The license applies to specific premises and individuals.

Required documents

  • Floor plan of the restaurantMandatory

    To-scale floor plan showing the number of seats.

  • DEHOGA Certificate of CompetenceOften forgotten

    Proof of expertise in restaurant regulations.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 4 weeks

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Operations commenced without a permit
  • • No proof of professional certification (DEHOGA course)

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Personal unreliability
  • • The rooms do not meet the requirements (fire safety, hygiene)

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Operators of restaurants, bars, pubs, and other establishments that serve alcohol.

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. 4 weeks

Success rate

approx. 82.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Operations commenced without a permit
  • •No proof of professional certification (DEHOGA course)

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Personal unreliability
  • •The rooms do not meet the requirements (fire safety, hygiene)

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.

Read more