How do I register my business?

Before you launch your new business, you are required to register with the municipal business licence office (Gewerbeamt) and Finanzamt (tax office).

Step 1: Register your business with the business licence office (Gewerbeamt)

How do I register my business (Gewerbe) in Munich? In Munich, you will register a business online.

How online business registration works:

  1. Create a BayernID
  2. Go to Munich online business registration
  3. Log in with your BayernID and agree to the transfer of data
  4. Fill out the online business registration form and upload the required documents
  5. Pay online; various payment methods are available
  6. Receive automatic confirmation of receipt and summary
  7. Processing by the Munich business licence office (Gewerbeamt)
  8. Receive your “Gewerbeschein” from the Munich business licence office (Gewerbeamt) by postal mail. This document merely confirms the registration of the business. It does not certify the authorization to operate the business and does not replace any required permits.

Which documents do I need to register my business?

  • if you are not a national of an EU country: valid residence permit including a permit entitling you to go self-employed
  • in the case of authorization: a written power of attorney and identification of the principal and the authorized representative
  • for minors: for part-time work, the consent of the legal guardian is sufficient; for full-time work, the approval of the guardianship court (Vormundschaftsgericht) is required.
  • entities listed in the registers of companies, cooperatives and partnerships or of associations (Handelsregister, Genossenschaftsregister, Vereinsregister) are required to submit a copy of an up-to-date and complete excerpt from their register
  • for activities requiring a permit: copy of the permit
  • skilled craft trades requiring a license (zulassungspflichtige Gewerbe im Handwerk or Vollhandwerk): submit a copy of the license (Handwerkskarte)
  • Do you have any questions about the required documents? Then please contact the Munich Trade Licensing Office service hotline at 089 233-96030.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

  • When do I register my business?
    You are obliged to register your employment either before you start operating it or at the same time as starting it.
  • Where do I register my business?
    The Business Licensing Office in the city or municipality where you will have your future place of business is responsible for registering your business. In the City of Munich, this is the Business Licensing Office in the KVR District Administration Office.
  • How much does it cost to register a business with the City of Munich?
    Registration in Munich costs about EUR 50 to 60 depending on the legal structure of your business. Additional fees apply when permits and licenses are required.
  • Which legal form should I register?
    First, get an overview. Good to know: Kleingewerbe und Kleinunternehmer are not legal forms.
  • Do I need a permit?
    In Germany, everyone is essentially free to register a business. But there are numerous exceptions where you need a permit, supervision or a licence before you can start. For examples, please see the chapter “business” on our page Business or liberal profession and FAQ Skilled Crafts – do I require a license? You should also check whether you need a permit for the premises you intend to use for your self-employment. Additional permits may be required in connection with a residence permit or when starting a business alongside a job, unemployment, retirement, studies, training, or school. Industry regulations may impose additional requirements on your qualifications, premises, and operations.
  • Can I use my home address?
    Working from home by establishing a dedicated office space in their apartment or house is an option for many entrepreneurs. However, it requires careful navigation of various legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance. Learn more in chapter Working out of your home: legal restrictions.

Step 2: Register your business with the Tax Office (Finanzamt)

  • When do I register my business?
    You have to inform the tax office no later than one month after starting your self-employment. There will be no further requests from the tax office!
  • Where do I register?
    The tax office responsible for you is determined by where you generate your income. In Munich turn to the Munich Tax Office (Finanzamt München).

Registration with the tax office is paperless, as all tax registration questionnaires are now only available online free of charge via the tax administration’s service portal, known as the ELSTER portal. You will also find most tax forms there. Depending on your legal form, you will need the “Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung” (“Tax Assessment Questionnaire”) form to get started. You may also use the forms provided by a commercial accounting software that is able to integrate with ELSTER. Please note, that in any case you are required to register once  with ELSTER. The certificate file required for electronic authentication is created free of charge during registration. A domestic classification criterion (tax number) is essential for registration on the ELSTER portal, see FAQ Tax numbers in Germany and their purposes. 

Learn how to register with the tax office in two steps.

Further Steps

Please check, if you are obliged to register with other institutions and authorities such as the social insurance agencies, if you require any official licenses or permits and which rules and regulations might be important when running your business. All domestic companies in Germany, with the exception of the skilled crafts, the liberal professions and farmers are members of the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Industrie- und Handelskammer IHK). If you wish to go into business with a skilled craft you will become a member of the local Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Handwerkskammer HWK). Businesses automatically become a member as soon they have been registered with the business licence office (Gewerbeamt). A membership fee applies.