How do I register a business?

If you want to set up a company in Germany, you usually can't avoid it: the business registration. It is mandatory for most self-employed people and marks the official start of your business. But how does the registration process work, what documents do you need and what do you need to pay attention to? Here is an overview of the most important information.

In principle, the following applies: Anyone who regularly carries out a self-employed activity with the intention of making a profit needs a trade licence.

There are exceptions for:

• • Liberal professions (e.g. doctors, lawyers, journalists, designers): registration with the tax office is sufficient.
  • Farmers and foresters: have special regulations.

If you are unsure whether you are a freelancer or a business, it is best to ask the tax office or your Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK/HWK).

Registration takes place at responsible trade office Your city or municipality.

• • You can already do this in many cities online take care of.
  • Alternatively, you can go in person or submit the documents by post.

As a rule, this is sufficient:

• • Identity document (identity card or passport)
  • Registration form (available from the trade office or online)

Depending on the activity: additional permits (e.g. trade licence, licences for catering, transport, security).

1. 1. Fill in the form - Details of name, address, activity, type of company.
   2. Submit documents - in person, online or by post.
   3. Pay fee - between 15 and 65 euros, depending on the municipality.
   4. Obtain a trade licence - immediately if you register in person, otherwise by post.

After registration, the „bureaucratic chain“ starts automatically:

• • Tax officewill send you the tax registration form.
  • IHK or HWKMembership becomes compulsory.
  • Employer's liability insurance association: responsible for statutory accident insurance.
  • Possibly further positionsdepending on the sector (e.g. health authority, building authority).

So that you can keep track of all the offices and forms: Download our overview and find out where you need to register depending on the type of company.

• • Think about a job description that is as precise as possible beforehand - too narrow specifications may require unnecessary changes later.
  • Register in good timeThe business registration must take place before the start of your activity.
  • Check whether your activity subject to authorisation (e.g. catering, skilled trades).

Business registration is the first formal step towards self-employment - and is usually less complicated than many people think. With the right documents, the business licence is often completed in just a few minutes.

Do you still have questions about business registration? Then present your start-up idea to us free of charge and find out which route is the right one for your business!