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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).

Processing: approx. 2 weeks
Online application possibleSuccess rate: 87.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Determine the appropriate Chamber of Crafts

    The Chamber of Crafts and Trades (HWK) where the business is headquartered has jurisdiction.

  2. 2

    Gather documents

    Master craftsman's certificate or special permit, ID card, business registration.

  3. 3

    Submit an application

    Online or by mail through the Chamber of Crafts.

Required documents

  • Master craftsman's certificate or special permitMandatory
  • Business RegistrationMandatoryOften forgotten

Responsible authority

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

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 weeks

Official: max. approx. 3 weeks

Online application

Online possible – at the responsible authority

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

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Self-employed individuals who wish to operate a trade that requires a license.

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. 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

Exemption under Section 8 of the Crafts and Trades Regulation Act

Registration without a master craftsman's certificate in cases of special expertise

Questions & Answers

Who needs to register?▼

Anyone who independently operates a trade in accordance with Schedule A of the Trade Regulation Act (HwO).

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