Trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) under the Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung) is mandatory for every commercial business in Germany. It informs the city that you have started trading and triggers an automatic exchange of data with other authorities.

When and where to register

You register with the trade office (Gewerbeamt or Ordnungsamt) of the municipality where your office or business address is located. Registration must take place when you actually start trading. Corporations (UG, GmbH) usually register their trade after entry in the commercial register; if trading starts earlier, check the procedure with the trade office.

How to describe your activity without queries

In the “Tätigkeit” field, describe the planned services or goods clearly and specifically. Wording that is too broad (“trade in all kinds of goods”) will lead to queries. Do not mention activities that require a licence (financial brokerage, passenger transport, crafts listed in the Handwerksrolle) if you do not have the necessary permits.

Registering online through state portals

Most large German cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt) allow trade registration online through their service portals. To register online, you need a BundID account with a verified electronic identity (eID) or a standard registration with an uploaded copy of your passport.

What happens after you submit

After the details have been checked and the fee paid (around €20 to €60), you receive confirmation of your trade registration, often called a Gewerbeschein. The data is automatically passed on to the tax office, the chamber of commerce (IHK) and the employers' liability insurance association (Berufsgenossenschaft), which will send you their own questionnaires.

What to check

  • Check whether your activity requires a special permit or a master craftsman qualification.
  • Have a lease for your business address or proof that you use a home office ready.
  • Describe your activity in simple German terms without vague wording.
  • Keep the Gewerbeschein: you will need it to open wholesale accounts and sign contracts with suppliers.

Example situation

A founder enters “Online-Handel mit Haushaltswaren und Textilien” on the form, pays the fee online through the Service Berlin portal and receives confirmation of registration by email a few days later.

Next step

The Gewerbeschein is the official proof of your commercial activity; keep it with your key founding documents.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.