Germany > Freelancers > Setting up a trade in Germany
Setting Up a Trade in Germany (Gewerbeanmeldung)
We can help with business registration and other legal requirements.
Do you know what it takes to set up a trade in Germany?
Setting up a trade in Germany involves not only the registration of the activity itself, but also a set of related questions from the tax authorities, the chamber of commerce and industry, the chamber of crafts and other institutions. In terms of time and administrative complexity, when setting up a trade in Germany, it is important to distinguish whether it is a free trade, which is a relatively simple process to declare, or whether it is a regulated activity.
In case of regulated activities, it is generally necessary to have your foreign education recognised by the relevant German chamber of crafts.
The sole trader must register with the German tax authorities and from then on also pay contributions to the German social security.
Frequently asked questions
When do you need to file a Gewerbeanmeldung in Germany?
The start of a separate operation of a permanent Gewerbe, branch or establishment is notified to the relevant authority when the activity is started. Whether a German Gewerbe is necessary depends on the actual type and location of the business. We will assess the planned activity and arrange for registration if necessary.
Where is a Gewerbe registered in Germany?
The Gewerbeanmeldung is filed with the competent Gewerbeamt for the place of operation or establishment in Germany. The required forms and documents may differ between municipalities. We identify the correct authority and prepare the necessary documents.
Is tax registration also required after a Gewerbeanmeldung?
As a rule, yes. After starting the business, the activity must also be reported to the Finanzamt using the electronic Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung, and further registrations may be required depending on the activity. We will coordinate the trade and tax registrations as one process.
What changes to a trade must be reported to the German Gewerbeamt?
In particular, a relocation of business premises, a change or material expansion of the business activity, a change in the proprietor’s name and the closure of the business must be notified. The specific procedure depends on the type of change and the municipality concerned. We prepare the relevant notification and handle communication with the authority.