The content of this website has been machine translated. Many current web browsers offer further support for the translation of the original German content as part of their functionality.
Licences and authorisations
From driving schools to restaurants to weapons dealerships, some business
establishments and activities require special authorisations, and some professions
can only be practised with such authorisations. Do you need a special licence? Then
you are in the right place.
There are 190 services for Licences and authorisations
If you want to import pathogens into Germany, export them, store them, dispense them or work with them, you need a permit from the competent authority.
If your company belongs to an accident insurance institution and you have paid contributions to the statutory accident insurance, you can prove this with a clearance certificate.
If you wish to transport more than 1000 pieces of slaughter poultry within Germany, you must register them in advance with the competent authority for ante-mortem inspection.
Are you registered in the Register of Craftsmen with a craft requiring a license and would like to practice another craft requiring a license? Then you can apply for a license to practice another trade under certain conditions.
As an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities - capital management company or alternative investment fund capital management company, you can apply for a distribution certificate from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
In some cases, as a capital management company (KVG) for an investment fund that has acquired real estate, you require a certificate of appointment of the depositary for submission to the land registry (land registry certificate).
If you as an airport operator intend to make a minor change to the facility or its operation, you must notify the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV) in good time.
If you would like to take part in a training course to obtain specialist knowledge for the handling and purchase of explosive substances in accordance with the Explosives Act, you will need a clearance certificate.
If you wish to carry firearms requiring a permit to accompany or carry out guarding activities, you require a firearms permit. You can find out more here.
If you trade in breeding cattle and/or livestock or wish to attend an exhibition or similar event with breeding cattle and/or livestock, you will need a health certificate.
If you wish to collect or transport hazardous waste or trade in hazardous waste, you must apply for a permit for this activity from the competent authority.
If you want to set up and operate a plant that could damage the environment or endanger the general public, you need a permit under immission control law.
If you want to shoot with a firearm requiring a permit or without a permit, you must always apply for a permit beforehand.Exceptions to this are hunters when hunting and marksmen when shooting at authorized shooting ranges.
If you wish to carry alarm, irritant and signal weapons with the approval mark of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in public, you must first apply for a small firearms license.
If you wish to deviate from the noise protection regulations at landing sites, you must apply to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV) for a special permit for noise protection at landing sites.
Would you like to start training in the field of aviation personnel and already hold or have held a military pilot's license from Germany? Then you can apply to the Federal Aviation Office for a training waiver.
If your company is to be responsible for the maintenance and inspection of aircraft, you will require an authorization as a continuing airworthiness management organization (CAMO). Changes to a CAMO are also subject to approval.
If your company wishes to operate as a maintenance organization (Part-145) or combined airworthiness organization (CAO) in the aviation sector, you require approval from the German Federal Aviation Office. Changes are also subject to approval.
Do you want to inform consumers about the current fuel prices at filling stations? Then you can use real-time data from the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels under certain conditions.
Are you applying for a permit for installations under the simplified procedure? Then you can obtain a permit from the competent authority for the construction and operation of installations of a certain type or size without public participation.
You need approval from the Federal Aviation Office for the minimum equipment list of an aircraft. Changes to an existing list are also subject to approval. If you wish to extend the recovery period, you must notify the Federal Aviation Office.
If your company wishes to commercially develop technologies for aircraft and aeronautical equipment, you require a permit from the Federal Aviation Office. Changes to a permit are also subject to approval.
If you manufacture products, parts and equipment for aircraft, you require a permit from the Federal Aviation Office. Changes to an approval are also subject to approval.
If you would like to change to a training organization (ATO) during your pilot training, you will need a permit. You apply for this at the Federal Aviation Office.
You must apply for a permit from the Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) for flight, duty and rest times. Changes or exceptions are also subject to approval. You must notify the LBA of commanders' decisions involving more than one hour.
If you wish to perform aerobatics below 450 m above ground, water or over cities, other densely populated areas, gatherings of people or airports, you must apply to the Ministry of the Environment for an exemption from the ban on aerobatics.
You would like to use a plant protection product on your farm that is not approved for use on this crop. In this case, you will need an individual approval from the company, which must be applied for from the official plant protection service.
If you want to acquire and possess weapons and/or ammunition as a hunting association, you must apply for a permit from the relevant weapons authority.
You would like to use a plant protection product on your farm that is not approved for use on this crop. In this case, you will need an individual approval from the company, which must be applied for from the official plant protection service.
If you wish to carry out towing or advertising flights with towed objects, you must submit an application for permission for towing and advertising flights to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
As an aviation medical expert, you can apply for new examination centers or relocate existing ones. To do so, you must obtain approval from the Federal Aviation Office.
If you are an individual or organization wishing to conduct language examinations for pilots, you must apply to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation for recognition as a body for conducting language examinations.
If you as an entrepreneur wish to export plants and plant products subject to inspection, you must be entered in an official register. You can find out more here.
If you wish to operate an inspection body for phytosanitary import controls, you must apply to the competent authority/plant protection service of the Saarland Chamber of Agriculture for the designation of the inspection body.
If you wish to operate an inspection body for phytosanitary import controls, you must apply to the competent authority/plant protection service of the Saarland Chamber of Agriculture for the designation of the inspection body.
If you as an entrepreneur wish to import plants and plant products subject to inspection from non-EU countries, you must be entered in an official register. You can find out more about this here.
If you as an entrepreneur wish to import plants and plant products subject to inspection from non-EU countries, you must be entered in an official register. You can find out more about this here.
If you wish to drop objects or other substances from or onto an aircraft, you must apply to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV) for an exemption permit to drop objects.
You can apply for an exemption from the prescribed minimum altitudes for flights for special purposes. The Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV) is responsible for this.
Would you like to start training as an aircrew member and already hold an ICAO license from a third country? Then you can apply to the Federal Aviation Office for a training waiver.
If you want to manufacture devices with radioactive substances or systems for generating ionizing radiation that may be operated without a permit or notification, you can apply for a type approval.
After successfully passing your journeyman's or final examination and providing proof of qualified professional experience, you can be entered in the register of tradesmen and women as the owner or manager of a business in many trades requiring a license.
With a partial building permit, you can start construction work on building sections before the building permit for changing a facility is issued. To do this, you submit an application for partial building permission to the responsible lower building supervisory authority.
If your company is registered with the German Federal Aviation Office as an operator of unmanned aircraft, you can apply for a simplified operator certificate. This entitles you to handle certain approval processes for internal UAS operations independently.
Citizens of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland who wish to practice a craft requiring a license in Germany can, under certain conditions, have their professional experience or training and qualification certificates recognized in Germany.
If you wish to extend your firearms license for firearms requiring a permit to accompany or carry out guarding activities, you must apply to the competent authority. You can find out more here.
You must always apply for approval from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) if you wish to offer armed services with the aim of pirate defense on seagoing...
If your project crosses a body of water or takes place in or on a body of water, you require a permit for this, which you will receive if the approval requirements are met.
You would like to use a plant protection product on your farm that is not authorized for use on this crop. In this case, you will need an individual approval from the company, which must be applied for from the official plant protection service.
If you wish to conduct a training program as an ATO or an FE course requiring approval as a DTO, you must submit an application to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
The establishment of a further branch (secondary branch) as an authorized inspector or inspection expert for fire protection in Germany requires a permit. Further information can be found here.
The establishment of a further branch(secondary branch) as an authorized inspector or inspection expert for stability in Germany requires a permit. Further information can be found here.
If you would like to extend your general flight permit or carry out individual flights and stationing, you can apply for this at the Federal Aviation Office.
Do you need approval for an exemption from European aviation law or an alternative verification procedure instead of the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC)? If so, you must apply to the Federal Aviation Office, provided it is responsible in your case.
If you wish to manage investment funds as a capital management company with its registered office and head office in Germany, you require written permission or you must register.
Before you change the use of an installation that requires approval, you need a building permit. To do this, you submit a building application to the responsible lower building supervisory authority.
It is possible to carry out the simplified building permit procedure for special structures. In this case, fewer requirements are checked by the responsible lower building supervisory authority.
Before you erect an installation that requires approval, you need a building permit.
To do this, you submit a building application to the responsible lower building supervisory...
It is possible to carry out the simplified building permit procedure for special structures. In this case, fewer requirements are checked by the responsible lower building supervisory authority.
Before you change an installation that requires approval, you need a building permit. To do this, you submit a building application to the responsible lower building supervisory authority.
Are you a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland and would like to practice a craft requiring a license in Germany? Then you must first register in the register of craftsmen with your exemption permit.
If you require the issue of a temporary traffic permit, a temporary permit to fly or the approval of flight conditions for an aircraft, you can apply for this under certain conditions.
Would you like to continue your bus company as an occasional service? Then you must apply for the necessary permit from the licensing authority responsible for you.
If you wish to fill management positions in your German aviation company for the first time or to fill new positions, you must apply for the appointment of management personnel.
If you wish to apply for approval as an assembly center for the livestock trade, you must submit an application to the local veterinary authority.Assembly center for livestock trade approval according to Art. 94 of Regulation 2016/429 special requirements apply.
If you wish to apply for approval as an assembly center for livestock trade, you must submit an application to the local veterinary authority. Special requirements apply to the approval of assembly centers for livestock trade in accordance with the Livestock Traffic Ordinance.
If you would like to be recognized as an association of a producer organization for the fruit and vegetable sector, you must submit an application to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
If you wish to auction off third-party movable property, third-party land or third-party rights on a commercial basis, you require permission from the competent authority.
Would you like to transfer the rights and obligations of your bus company for occasional services or operational management to another person? Then you must apply for a permit from the licensing authority responsible for you.
If you wish to operate a restaurant that serves alcohol, you are obliged to submit a business registration at least four weeks before the start of operations, together with certain documents.
Manufacturers of in-vitro diagnostics can apply for a certificate of free sale. The certificate of free sale confirms that the manufacturer or authorized representative has its registered place of business in Germany and that the product in question can be traded within the Union.
Manufacturers of medical devices can apply for a certificate of free sale. The certificate of free sale confirms that the manufacturer has its registered place of business in Germany and that the product in question can be traded within the Union.
As a capital management company (KVG), you can outsource tasks to other companies. You must notify the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) of this.
As a pension fund, you would like to introduce new insurance conditions or change existing insurance conditions and there is no requirement for approval.
If you want to work independently in a craft requiring a license and have a domestic professional qualification equivalent to a master craftsman's examination, you must first be entered in the register of craftsmen.
Have you completed a university degree in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland and the focus of your studies was in a craft requiring a license? Then you can set up a business in Germany and must first be entered in the register of craftsmen.
If you wish to work independently in a craft requiring a license with a professional qualification acquired abroad and the equivalence to a domestic master craftsman's examination has been established, you must first have this entered in the Register of Craftsmen.
You can be exempted from the training requirement for commercial pilots if you hold an ICAO third-country airline transport pilot license (ATPL) with a valid type rating for the ATPL examination.
If you would like to be sworn in as an expert to provide expert opinions on the goods, services and prices of craftsmen, you must submit an application to the relevant appointing body. You can find out more here.
Would you like to be publicly appointed and sworn in as an expert or surveyor? If so, you can apply for this at the appointing body responsible for you.
If you would like to be publicly appointed and sworn in as an expert to provide expert opinions on the goods, services and prices of craftsmen, you must submit an application to the relevant Chamber of Crafts.
The profession of chartered accountant can also be practiced in a professional company. Such a company requires state recognition as an auditing company by the Chamber of Public...
The profession of auditor can also be practiced in a professional company. Such a company requires state recognition as an auditing company by the Chamber of Auditors. All...
The operation of an arcade requires a permit. The State Administration Office is responsible for deciding on the application for this permit. The location at which the arcade is to be operated must be precisely designated.
As a commercial operator, you may only set up gaming devices with the possibility of winning (goods prizes, cash prizes) if the competent authority has confirmed in writing that the installation location is suitable for this purpose.
If you want to set up gaming machines with the possibility of winning commercially, you need a permit. In addition, you must prove that the chosen location is suitable for this purpose for each machine installed.
If you would like to have a non-official testing facility that is operated or set up by a private or public institution officially recognized, you can do so by submitting an application.
If you form investment funds as a capital management company (KVG), investment stock corporation or open-ended investment limited partnership, you must have the investment conditions approved by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
If you wish to be recognized as an association of a producer organization (for the fruit and vegetable sector), you must submit an application to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
As a capital management company, you must obtain approval from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) for every choice and every change to a new depositary.
If you wish to be recognized as a producer organization (for the fruit and vegetable sector), you must submit an application to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
If you, as a capital management company, amend the investment conditions of your investment fund, you must have the amended investment conditions approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
If you wish to acquire shareholdings in a bank or financial services institution, you must inform the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) in advance. The same applies if your shareholdings change.
If you wish to acquire and possess weapons and/or ammunition in order to test, inspect or examine them, you must apply for a permit from the relevant weapons authority.
If you as an employer intend to allow your employees to work with airbag or belt tensioner units of category P1 for the first time, you must notify the responsible body in advance.
If the articles of association of an auditing company are amended, the legal representatives of the auditing company must report the amendment to the Chamber of Public Accountants.
If you are a capital management company
(KVG)
appoint members to the Supervisory Board or an Advisory Board, you must report this to the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). The same applies if members leave the Supervisory Board or an Advisory Board.
Does your capital management company want to appoint a new managing director? You must report this to the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
You require approval from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to transfer the management of an investment fund to another capital management company.
If you wish to carry firearms requiring a permit to accompany or carry out guarding activities, you require a firearms permit. You can find out more here.
If you wish to commercially organize other games with the possibility of winning (e.g. games of skill), you require a commercial permit from the competent authority.
If you wish to conduct public auctions of third-party property in accordance with certain provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB) and the German Commercial Code (HGB), which are ordered or implemented by force, you must be publicly appointed and sworn in as an auctioneer.
Would you like to occasionally offer goods for immediate sale at events such as trade fairs, exhibitions, public festivals or on special occasions? If so, you need a permit from the competent authority and do not require a traveling trade card.
In order to work as a fee-based financial investment advisor, you must apply for a license. You must also be entered in the register of intermediaries.
Anyone wishing to broker real estate consumer loans or corresponding financing aids (mainly so-called finance lease agreements) or advise third parties on such agreements requires a license as a real estate loan broker in accordance with Section 34i GewO.
If you want to organize commercial shows of people in your business premises or make your business premises available for such events, you need a permit for this.
If you would like to be recognized as a producer organization for the fruit and vegetable sector, you must submit an application to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
To be recognized as an inspection expert for technical systems and equipment, you must submit a written application to the Supreme Building Inspectorate at the Saarland Ministry of the Interior, Buildingand Sport.
You can be recognized as a test engineer or test expert for fire protection upon application if you meet the requirements. Further information can be found here.
You can be recognized as a test engineer or test expert for stability upon application if you meet the requirements. Further information can be found here.
You are a recognized body for the measurement of radon-222 activity concentration at workplaces, but your requirements for recognition change? Then you must notify the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.
Do you want to submit a prospectus for securities to the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority? Then you need access to the relevant specialist procedure.
Are you a life insurance company subject to federal supervision by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority and would you like to change a technical business plan for existing life insurance contracts? Then you must apply for approval from BaFin.
Are you a pension fund and would like to introduce new insurance conditions or change existing insurance conditions? As a regulated pension fund, you generally require approval for this. Approval may be required for other pension funds.
If you require a permit for the use of your landing site or airfield, you must submit an application to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
If you want to introduce or change training and screening programs for flight and cabin crews or issue flight attendant certificates, you need approval from the Federal Aviation Authority.
If you, as an airport operator, wish to make changes without prior individual approval, you must submit an application for approval of the procedure to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV)
Do you want to distribute domestic public AIFs, i.e. alternative investment funds, in Germany as a capital management company? Then you must notify the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
If you, as a domestic capital management company, wish to market European alternative investment funds (EU AIFs) or special funds in Germany, you must register this with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
Would you like to introduce new operations manuals for air traffic operations or make changes to existing manuals? Then you must submit these in advance to the Federal Aviation Office for review.
Have you been banned from practising your trade due to unreliability? Then you can usually apply for the reinstatement of your commercial activity after 1 year under certain conditions.
Anyone who trains driving instructor candidates (training driving instructors) requires a permit (training driving instructor permit). The training driving instructor permit is issued upon application.
Only a few activities that do not require a travel trade license must be reported. Please check whether you need to notify the competent authority before taking up an activity that does not require a travel trade license.
If you do not have a commercial establishment or wish to offer goods for sale, services or entertaining activities as a showman or showwoman or as a showman or showwoman, you must apply for a permit (traveling trade license).
If you operate a traveling trade, you need a traveling trade card. Some cards are temporary. Before your temporary card becomes invalid, you can have it extended by the competent authority.
If you want to temporarily take weapons or ammunition from Germany abroad, temporarily take them to Germany or take them through Germany, you need a permit.
If you have lost a weapon, ammunition or a permit under weapons law, such as a weapons possession card or a weapons license, you must report this immediately to the responsible weapons authority.
If you want to run a zoo, you need the approval of the nature conservation authority. In addition to the construction and operation of a zoo, extensions and significant changes also require approval.