Business Licensing Office

Start-up advice from the City of Munich

Free services for Munichs' startups: We provide basic knowledge about starting a business and help you take the first steps towards self-employment.

Business Activities requiring Special Permits

For some types of business you need more than just a registration. A permit or license is required for

• Bookkeeping and other financial services
• Security
• Real estate
• Auctioneers
• Pawn shops
• Hotels and restaurants 

Please contact the Point of Single Contact (PSC) to verify whether your business requires a license. 

Re-registration of Business

You need to re-register when you

• change the address of your business (relocating within Munich)
• engange in a different business activity
• widen your range of services or products (which are not yet covered by your initial registration)

You need to submit the following documents (in person or by mail):

• completed re-registration form (see download below)
• valid identification card or passport
• copy of your Commercial Register entry (if your company is listed)
• in the case of a limited liability company in the process of being founded:

a copy of the notarized article of agreement and a power of attorney issued by the founder

Your business re-registration certificate will be issued immediately or sent to you by mail.
Fee: 28 Euros

Business Registration

Any person operating a business, trade or any other commercial venture in Munich has to register at the Business Licensing Office.

You need to register in person with the following documents:

• completed registration form (see download below)
• valid identification card or passport
• copy of your Commercial Register entry (if your company is listed)
• in the case of a limited liability company that is in the process of being founded:

a copy of the notarized article of agreement and a power of attorney issued by the founder

To EU-citizens a business registration certificate will be issued immediately.
Fee: 47- 50 Euros

Special note:
Your registration is required before you begin operating your business. Operating a business without prior registration is subject to penalties.

Some professions (for example doctors or lawyers) do not require a registration. If in doubt, please contact the Point of Single Contact (PSC) to verify whether your business needs a registration.

Craftsmen

Craftsmen must abide by specific regulations. They need a craftsman’s card when registering their business. It is issued by the local chamber of crafts (Handwerkskammer) following entry in the craftsmen’s register.

De-registration of Business

If you no longer operate your business you need to cancel your business registration certificate If you sell your business, the new owner must apply for a new business registration certificate. Business registration certificates are not transferable to new business owners.

Please download, complete and submit the de-registration form.

Fee: 25 Euros