Business operation; application for temporary continuation without qualified representation

After the death of a trader, the trade may be continued for the account of the surviving spouse or surviving partner.

• the surviving spouse or surviving life partner
• the minor heirs during their minority
• the administrator of the estate, the curator of the estate or the executor of the will

can generally only be operated by qualified deputies (for further information, see "Related topics").

Upon application, the competent authority may allow the business to be operated without such a deputy for a period of one year after the death of the trader.

• Death of the previous trader
• Authorized exercise of the deceased's trade

  The deceased's trade must not have been discontinued or prohibited; the necessary permits must have been issued and be valid.

• Personal reliability, if applicable, for trades requiring a permit or supervision

  In the case of trades requiring a permit or supervision, the person authorized to continue the business or the representative must be personally reliable and prove this with appropriate current proof from the Federal Central Register and the Central Trade Register.

You must apply in writing to the authority that issued the permit.

The authority will review your application. In the event of a positive decision, you will receive a notice that you may continue the business for up to one year without a qualified deputy. After this period has expired, you must appoint a qualified deputy.