Necessary permits for various industries in Germany

In Germany, for certain industries and activities special permits, licenses or authorizations required. Companies wishing to operate in these areas must first obtain the check the legal requirements and submit the corresponding applications.

1. trade & construction

Authorization: Entry in the Trade register

• Who has a Craft requiring a license (e.g. electrician, plumber, bricklayer, roofer) must register with the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) into the Trade register can be registered.
• Prerequisite: Championship title or an equivalent qualification.
• Some professions are free of admissionbut require a business registration.
• Foreign companies must have their qualification recognized in Germany.

Further authorizations:

• Building permit (required for construction projects).
• Occupational safety and environmental protection requirements note.

2. gastronomy & food industry

Permits:

• Restaurant license (§ 2 German Restaurant Act) → required if alcohol is served.
• Business registration at the public order office.
• Hygiene training & health certificate (Instruction according to § 43 Infection Protection Act).
• Building & operating permit for the premises (e.g. fire safety regulations).
• Food monitoring by the responsible health authority.

Special requirements:

• In food production, a EU approval be necessary.
• If outdoor management is planned → Special use permit of the city.

3. transportation & logistics

Permits:

• Business registration for transportation companies.
• EU license for cross-border freight transport (for international transports).
• Driving license for passenger transport (e.g. for cab companies).
• Authorization according to the Road Haulage Act (GüKG) for commercial freight transportation.

Special conditions:

• Compliance with the Driving and rest times.
• Environmental and emissions regulations (e.g. fine dust sticker in environmental zones).

4. financial & insurance services

Permits:

• Permit in accordance with § 34d, 34f or 34i of the German Trade Regulation Act (GewO) → for insurance brokers, financial investment brokers and real estate loan brokers.
• Permission in accordance with the German Banking Act (KWG) → Required for banks and financial service providers.
• License from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) for certain financial transactions.

Further requirements:

• Professional qualification and examination of expertise at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
• Business registration and registration with the IHK or BaFin.

5. healthcare & nursing

Permits:

• License to practice medicine or professional license for doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists.
• Licensed as a non-medical practitioner by the public health department (alternative practitioner examination required).
• Care operating license for outpatient care services by the state authorities.
• Pharmacy operating license for the opening of a pharmacy.

Special requirements:

• Compliance with hygiene and quality standards.
• Job-related further education and training required.

6. retail & e-commerce

Permits:

• Business registration at the public order office.
• Entry in the commercial register (if necessary).
• Special approvals for special products:
  • Sale of medicinal products → Pharmacy-only products require a special permit.
  • Food sales → Observe the food hygiene regulations.
  • Sale of alcohol or tobacco products → Observe youth protection requirements.
  • Arms trade → Weapons trading license required according to WaffG.

Special requirements for online trading:

• Imprint obligation & data protection requirements (GDPR).
• Labeling requirements for certain products (e.g. electrical appliances, toys, textiles).

7. IT & Telecommunications

Permits:

• Telecommunications provider need a Permission from the Federal Network Agency.
• Data processing & hosting must be the GDPR guidelines correspond.
• If personal data is processed → Notification to the data protection authority.

8. education & coaching

Permits:

• Recognition as an educational institution for state-subsidized further training (e.g. AZAV certification).
• Approval according to school law for private schools and universities.
• Daycare centers & tutoring institutes need a Operating license from the youth welfare office.

Special requirements:

• Proof of quality and certifications are often required.

9. security & surveillance

Permits:

• Permission according to § 34a Trade Regulation Act (GewO) for security services.
• Examination of expertise or training at the IHK.
• Weapons possession card (WBK) if armed security services are offered.

Be aware of bureaucratic hurdles depending on the industry!

• Almost all industries require a business registration.
• Special licenses required for regulated professions and activities (e.g. healthcare, security, transportation).
• Commercial register entry required for larger companies.
• Observe data protection, youth protection and environmental protection regulations.