Before starting an independent commercial activity, it is generally only necessary to notify the competent Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts or the municipality in which the activity is carried out (Section 14 (1) sentence 1 of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act - GewO). If vending machines of any kind are set up as an independent business, notification must be submitted to the competent authority of the main establishment (§ 14 Para. 3 GewO).

A trade is any self-employed activity that is not socially unworthy, aimed at making a profit and intended to be permanent, with the exception of primary production (e.g. agriculture), liberal professions (free scientific, artistic and literary activities of a higher nature as well as personal services that require higher education) and the mere administration and use of one's own assets.

Every natural person (e.g. also partners in partnerships) or legal entity that starts a business (main establishment) and the start of operation of a branch or dependent branch office is subject to notification.

In the case of trades requiring a permit (e.g. real estate agents, catering trade) and craft activities, a permit or entry in the register of craftsmen is also required in addition to the business registration.

Although certain trades do not require a permit, they are subject to special official supervision (so-called trades requiring supervision in accordance with Section 38 GewO). The following trades are affected:

1. Purchase and sale of
   a) high-value consumer goods, in particular consumer electronics, computers, optical products, cameras, video cameras, carpets, fur and leather clothing;
   b) motor vehicles and bicycles;
   c) precious metals and alloys containing precious metals as well as goods made of precious metals or alloys containing precious metals;
   d) precious stones, pearls and jewelry; or
   e) scrap metals, insofar as they do not fall under letter c,
   by companies specializing in the trade in second-hand goods;
2. provision of information on financial circumstances and personal matters (credit agencies, detective agencies);
3. arranging marriages, partnerships and acquaintances;
4. Operation of travel agencies and brokerage of accommodation;
5. Distribution and installation of building security equipment, including locksmith services; and
6. manufacture and distribution of special theft-related opening tools.

When registering a business requiring supervision, the reliability of the business operator is checked immediately. The applicant is therefore obliged to apply for a certificate of good conduct (§ 30 Para. 5 Federal Central Register Act) and information from the Central Trade Register (§ 150 Para. 5 GewO) for submission to the authorities.
The foreign applicant is obliged to provide comparable proof of reliability (official certificate of good conduct or good character or an extract from the criminal record of his/her home country or an equivalent document). If, based on the foreigner's previous residence, it can be assumed that the aforementioned certificates and proofs no longer or not yet contain facts of significance under trade law, the foreign or German certificates may be waived.

Travel trade activities for which a travel trade license is required are not subject to notification. However, some activities that do not require a travel trade license (e.g. sale of printed works in public places, sale of food from non-stationary points of sale) must be notified (Section 55c GewO).

Personal appointments are currently not possible.

Your request will only be accepted electronically via the BayernPortal.

A one-off registration is required to use the BayernPortal. This can be done using a user name and password.
Further questions about the BayernPortal can be answered here: https://www.freistaat.bayern/hilfe

Please refrain from asking questions about the processing status. You will be contacted if you have any missing documents or queries.

If you have any questions about setting up a company, please contact the City of Erlangen's business development department.
If you have any questions regarding financial matters, please contact the Erlangen tax office.
If you have any questions regarding conversions or changes of use, please contact the Building Supervisory Office of the City of Erlangen.
If you have any questions about food hygiene, please contact the City of Erlangen's Veterinary and Consumer Health Protection Office or the Health Department.

Please note:

Sole proprietorships that are not entered in the commercial register must be registered as "unregistered sole proprietorship".

Age of majority or approval of the guardianship court

The business registration can be submitted in text form using the form provided to the municipality in which the activity is carried out or to the competent Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts. If a competent authority provides an online procedure, the business registration can be submitted electronically via this procedure.

Other authorities (e.g. tax office, Chamber of Crafts or Chamber of Industry and Commerce) are also informed about the business registration.

The notification must be made before the start of the commercial activity.

• Identity card or passport (copy)
• Legal entities: Extract from the commercial register or comparable registration documents from abroad (with German translation)
• Companies under civil law: Articles of association
• GmbH in formation: a copy of the notarized formation contract and a power of attorney from the founders stating that the business should commence before the GmbH is entered in the commercial register
• Trades requiring supervision: Certificate of good conduct and extract from the central trade register (if necessary, replacement of proof of good repute by affirmation in lieu of an oath or similar acts)
• Minors: Authorization of the legal representative(s) and approval of the family court
• Authorization: Written power of attorney and identification of the principal and the authorized representative
• for non-EU foreigners: residence permit that allows self-employment

EUR 25 to EUR 100 in accordance with the Schedule of Costs under the Costs Act (Tariff No. 5.III.5/2.)

Business registration for natural persons 45,00 Euro

Business registration for legal entities 50,00 Euro