Exhibiting People; Applying for a Permit

Under Section 33a of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO), you must obtain a permit if you intend to organize commercial performances by individuals on your business premises or make your business premises available for such performances. This does not apply to performances that are predominantly artistic, athletic, acrobatic, or of a similar nature.

In particular, the permit requirement under Section 33a of the Trade Regulation Act also applies to the staging of striptease and table dance performances. The permit is generally subject to extensive conditions designed to ensure public safety and order and to uphold public decency.

This permit is independent of any restaurant license that may otherwise be required.

• They must possess the integrity required for conducting business.
• The exhibits must not be contrary to public decency.
• The business operation must not conflict with the public interest in terms of its location or the use of the premises—for example, if it gives rise to concerns about harmful environmental impacts as defined by the Federal Immission Control Act or otherwise causes significant disadvantages, dangers, or nuisances to the general public.

The application must be submitted to the competent authority in writing or through the online procedure provided.

Permission must be granted before operations begin; therefore, it is necessary to submit the application in a timely manner.

Duration of the process: approximately 3 to 4 weeks

• Valid ID card or passport
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• Extract from the Central Business Register
• If applicable, a lease agreement or proof of ownership of the premises
• if applicable, floor plans and site plans, building permit
• Documents for the employment of individuals at registered companies or civil law partnerships
  

  For registered companies: an extract from the commercial register or comparable registration documents from abroad (with a German translation); for civil law partnerships: the partnership agreement

• If an authorized representative is present: a written power of attorney and identification documents for both the principal and the authorized representative
• For EU citizens: Proof of good standing from the country of origin
  

  a certified copy and a certified German translation; if applicable, these may be replaced by an affidavit or similar document

• For non-EU citizens: a residence permit that allows them to engage in self-employment
• For non-EU citizens: Proof of good character
  

  An official certificate of good conduct or character, or an extract from the criminal record of the applicant’s home country, or an equivalent document, and/or a certificate of good conduct for government agencies and information from the Central Trade Register 

  If, based on the applicant’s previous residence, it can be assumed that the aforementioned certificates and documents do not contain any facts relevant under commercial law, the requirement to submit the foreign or German certificates may be waived.

• Fee: 100 to 3,000 euros in accordance with the Schedule of Fees under the Cost Act (Rate No. 5.III.5/6.1)