Registering a trade (Gewerbe): process, documents, deadlines

Trade registration is required if you run a self-employed activity commercially and on a lasting basis and are not Freiberuflich under § 18 EStG. One-off or occasional sales may still be minor. Once you plan revenue with customers, do not delay registration.

Side-business start-ups also register Gewerbe if the activity is commercial. Your employer and contracts may add duties. The trade office does not check your employment contract, but the tax office sees income in your tax return.

You complete the trade registration form online or in person. Required details include name, address, type of activity, start date, and premises if applicable. After submission the office issues confirmation. Fees are often between 20 and 60 euros depending on the municipality.

Automatic notifications go to the tax office, IHK or chamber of crafts, employers' liability insurance (BG), and sometimes statistics offices. You do not need to notify each body separately but should expect mail. The tax registration questionnaire from the tax office is a separate step.

You typically need valid ID and a certificate of registration. Foreign nationals may need residence permits and trade permits. Gastronomy or crafts add approvals, health certificates, or master craftsman requirements.

If you run the business from home, check lease, owners' association resolutions, and local rules for home businesses. Some cities require notice of home-based trade. That is municipal and does not replace trade registration.

Many municipalities offer online trade registration with ID upload. Processing takes a few days to several weeks depending on workload. Do not plan customer launch the day after the form if you need a tax number.

Activity descriptions should be concrete: industry, service, not a buzzword list. The tax office reads the same words in the questionnaire later. Inconsistency delays the tax number.

If you move within Germany, report relocation of premises. On cessation, deregister the trade. Tax duties do not end automatically with deregistration in the current year.

Do not wait for the tax number to plan internally. For the first invoice to a business customer you should have the number or clear instructions from your advisor. In parallel set up Jupiter ERP: 14 days full features without credit card, then Free with five invoices per month.

Small business limits under § 19 UStG are 25,000 EUR prior-year revenue and 100,000 EUR in the current year (not the outdated 22,000 EUR limit). Whether you choose the rule is in the questionnaire and ongoing bookkeeping with advice.