Germany > Legal entities > Notification of activities to the Chamber of Crafts
Notification of Activities to the Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer)
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If you are going to carry out an activity in Germany that is a regulated activity under German law, you need to report the activity to the Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) of the first place of work in Germany. The term regulated activity means that it is an activity for which professional training or experience is required in Germany.
Once the legal prerequisites have been met, the relevant Chamber of Crafts will issue a permit to carry out the activity in question. Issuance of the permit shall be preceded by the payment of an administrative fee, if applicable. The permit shall be issued for a period of one year and may be renewed periodically.
Frequently asked questions
When must a foreign company notify the German Handwerkskammer of its activity?
Notification is generally required when a company established in another EU or EEA country plans to provide a regulated craft service temporarily in Germany. The notification must be submitted to the competent Handwerkskammer before the service is provided for the first time. We check how the activity is classified and arrange the required notification.
Which Handwerkskammer is responsible for the notification?
The first notification is submitted to the relevant chamber of crafts for the place where the service is to be provided for the first time in Germany. The further procedure and any additional documents are determined by the relevant chamber. We identify the correct Handwerkskammer and ensure communication with it.
How long is the declaration of cross-border craft activity valid in Germany?
If a company wants to continue providing regulated craft services in Germany, the notification is usually renewed once a year. Changes that affect the conditions for providing the service must be notified to the chamber without undue delay. We monitor the necessary renewal and prepare the subsequent submission.
What documents may the Handwerkskammer request from a foreign company?
The documents required depend on the trade and the company’s circumstances. In particular, the Handwerkskammer may request evidence that the company is legally established in its home country and evidence of the responsible person’s professional qualifications or experience. We check the requirements of the relevant Handwerkskammer and help prepare the necessary documents.