Application for exemption from proof of professional liability insurance for architects
The professional title "architect", "interior designer", "landscape architect" and "urban planner" may only be used by those who are entered under the respective designation in the list of architects of the Chamber of Architects of Lower Saxony, the corresponding directory in another federal state or the directory of external service providers. The architects, interior designers, landscape architects and urban planners (chamber members) registered with the Chamber of Architects of Lower Saxony are additionally registered with the addition "freelance" if they exercise their profession independently and on their own responsibility.
Freelance chamber members are obliged to maintain a continuous professional liability insurance for the duration of their registration with the Chamber of Architects in accordance with the requirements of § 11 Abs. 1 Niedersächsisches Architektengesetz. The insurance cover must be proven in the registration procedure. Freelance members of the Chamber who do not (no longer) maintain professional liability insurance are to be deleted from the list of architects.
On application, anyone who does not exercise the profession for personal reasons, in particular due to retirement, illness or parental leave, is exempt from compulsory insurance.
Likewise, anyone who does not yet carry out an independent activity for others at the time of first entry in the list of architects with the addition "freelance " is exempted from the obligation to take out insurance upon application. This exemption in connection with a business start-up is granted for a maximum of one year.
Legal basis
Which documents are required?
The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
In the event of retirement:
- Certificate from the tax advisor/tax office about the deregistration of the office or copy of the last income tax assessment showing that no income was generated from freelance activity
for parental leave:
- Copy of the child's birth certificate or parental allowance notice
in case of illness:
- medical certificate for occupational disability or notification of the Bayerische Architektenversorgung for occupational disability pension
Where appropriate, other documents may also be submitted, provided that they are suitable as proof of the exemption condition.
When setting up a business:
- No special evidence is required for the application
Requirements
Freelance chamber members are obliged to maintain a continuous professional liability insurance for the duration of their registration with the Chamber of Architects in accordance with the requirements of § 11 Abs. 1 Niedersächsisches Architektengesetz. The insurance cover must be proven in the registration procedure.
On application, anyone who does not exercise the profession for personal reasons, in particular due to retirement, illness or parental leave, is exempt from compulsory insurance. The application shall be accompanied by appropriate supporting documents proving that the reason for exemption exists.
What are the fees?
There are no fees.
Process flow
The application for exemption must be submitted in writing or online using the form provided. The supporting documents referred to under "Required documents" must be attached to the application. The registration committee of the Chamber of Architects decides on the application by decision.
Processing duration
Usually 2 – 6 weeks
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
There are no deadlines to be observed.
Appeal
Possibility of bringing an action before the Administrative Court of Hanover.
Who should I contact?
The responsibility lies with the Chamber of Architects of Lower Saxony.
This procedure can also be carried out through a "Point of Single Contact". The "Point of Single Contact" is a special service offered by municipalities and the state for service providers.
