Gewerbeanmeldung for foreign founders.
Who, what, where, how much.
Trade-office registration for commercial activity. Mandatory even for GmbHs alongside Handelsregister. The residence-title prerequisite trips most non-residents.
Gewerbeordnung (GewO) requires anyone carrying out a commercial trade to register at the local Gewerbeamt. § 14 GewO covers start, change, move and closure. This sits on top of Handelsregister registration for corporate entities: both are required for a GmbH with an operational Gewerbe.
Who must file
Einzelunternehmer with Gewerbe, GbR / OHG / KG with Gewerbe purpose, and yes, GmbH / UG / AG (Gewerbeanmeldung required at each operational city despite HR entry). Branch of foreign entity: separate Gewerbeanmeldung at local Gewerbeamt.
Who is exempt
Freie Berufe under § 18 EStG (doctors, lawyers, journalists, architects, IT consultants in advisory role, artists, translators) register at Finanzamt only, not Gewerbeamt. Primary agriculture and forestry: exempt. Pure Vermögensverwaltung (asset management for own account): exempt.
Foreign-founder prerequisite
Non-EU founder must have a valid residence title allowing self-employment: § 21 AufenthG is the main route. Blue Card § 18b permits employment only, self-employment requires Nebentätigkeit approval or a separate title. EU/EEA nationals have full freedom of establishment, no title required.
The form and the fee
GewA 1 (start), GewA 2 (change), GewA 3 (closure). Filed at Gewerbeamt of the municipality where the business operates. Fee: €15 to €65 per filing. Filing online in most Länder since 2022 (OZG digital government).
The cascade after filing
Gewerbeamt notifies: Finanzamt (triggers Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung), IHK (mandatory membership plus annual fee § 2 IHKG), HWK if craft, Berufsgenossenschaft (trade-risk insurance), Statistisches Landesamt. You do not separately register with these; the Gewerbeamt handover is automatic.
Regulated trades (§ 15 GewO)
Some trades require an additional permit: §§ 33a-33i (Gaststätten, brokers, security guards, private detectives), § 34a-34i (insurance brokers, financial advisors, real-estate brokers). Plan for the permit before filing Gewerbeanmeldung.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gewerbeanmeldung and do I need it as a foreign founder?
Trade-office registration at the municipality. Yes, if you carry on a Gewerbe in Germany. Required even for GmbHs on top of HR registration.
Is the Freiberufler route different?
Yes. § 18 EStG Freie Berufe file at Finanzamt only; no Gewerbeanmeldung, no IHK membership.
Can I file Gewerbeanmeldung without a valid German residence title?
Non-EU: no. The Aufenthaltstitel must permit self-employment. EU/EEA: yes.
Does my GmbH need Gewerbeanmeldung on top of its Handelsregister entry?
Yes. HR records the entity; Gewerbeamt records the trading activity at the specific municipal location.
Where do I file Gewerbeanmeldung, in the city where I live or where the business is?
Where the business operates. If you have activity in multiple cities, separate filings per city.
How much does the filing cost?
€15 to €65 per filing, varies by Land and municipality.
How long does the process take?
Same day for walk-in; 1 to 2 weeks for online filing confirmation. Finanzamt Fragebogen arrives 2 to 4 weeks later; IHK welcome package 4 to 8 weeks.
Do I have to join the IHK and pay the annual fee?
Yes for any Gewerbe-registered entity. § 2 IHKG makes membership mandatory. Annual fee €150 to €500 for small entities.
What is a regulated trade under § 15 GewO?
Restaurants, security, brokers, insurance advisors, real-estate agents, private detectives. Permit required before Gewerbeanmeldung.
Can I file online in 2026?
Most Länder offer online filing. Check your municipality's Bürgeramt portal.
What happens if I change my business address?
File GewA 2 at both the old and new Gewerbeamt.
What happens if I close the business?
File GewA 3 for cessation. Finanzamt and IHK are notified automatically and wind down accordingly.
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