Registration in the Trade Register
Mandatory registration in the trade register with the Chamber of Crafts as a prerequisite for practicing a trade subject to licensing as a self-employed person (Annex A of the Crafts and Trades Regulation Act).
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Registration in the Trade Register mit dem zuständigen Handwerkskammer in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Registration in the Trade Register.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Master craftsman's certificate or special permit · Business Registration
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
Apply directly online
- 4
Costs
20–60 € je nach Gemeinde
How to proceed
- 1
Determine the appropriate Chamber of Crafts
The Chamber of Crafts and Trades (HWK) where the business is headquartered has jurisdiction.
- 2
Gather documents
Master craftsman's certificate or special permit, ID card, business registration.
- 3
Submit an application
Online or by mail through the Chamber of Crafts.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Self-employed individuals who wish to operate a trade that requires a license.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 weeks
Success rate
approx. 87.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Forgot to register the business before registering with the Chamber of Crafts
- •Wrong trade specified
Common reasons for rejection
- •No master craftsman's certificate and no exemption
- •Reliability not proven
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.
Related services
Questions & Answers
Who needs to register?▼
Anyone who independently operates a trade in accordance with Schedule A of the Trade Regulation Act (HwO).
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de)
- Data quality
- 100 %