Entry in the register of craftsmen

Registration in the register of craftsmen is made electronically via online service or in writing at your local Chamber of Crafts.

Online application

• Go to the website of your local Chamber of Crafts or to the service portal of your federal state and select the right online service.
• The online service guides you step by step through the application.
• You can submit the required documents digitally.

Written application

• Download the application form from the website of your local Chamber of Crafts.
• Alternatively, you can also have the required documents sent to you via the local Chamber of Crafts.
• Fill out the form and send it to your local Chamber of Crafts together with the required evidence.
• The competent Chamber of Commerce examines the documents.
• If you meet the registration requirements, you will receive a written notification of registration.
• Together with the notification of registration, your company will receive the so-called craft card (§ 10 para. 2 HwO).

• Completed master craftsman's examination in

• the craft you want to practice or
• in a craft subject to authorisation related to that craft

• The Crafts Code also provides for provisions according to which you or your management

• as a graduate engineer,
• with a Bachelor's or Master's degree or
• can be entered in the register of craftsmen with a German state or state-recognized examination equivalent to the master craftsman's examination.

The prerequisite is that the study or school focus of your examination corresponds to the craft to be registered.

• In addition, there is the possibility of granting an exemption permit or right to exercise.
• For nationals of a member state of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, there are special regulations for the recognition of professional qualifications within the framework of an exemption procedure.
• In addition, equivalence can be determined for professional qualifications acquired abroad.

1. In the case of sole proprietorships:

• Copy of identity card or comparable identification document
• Proof of the qualification (e.g. copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate) of the owner or the employed management (see more details under 5.)
• Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after entry in the register of craftsmen)

2. In the case of partnerships under civil law (GbR):

• Copies of the identity card or a comparable identification document of the shareholders or authorized representatives
• Copy of the articles of association (unless informally concluded)
• Proof of the qualification (e.g. copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate) of the partner or employed management (see more details under 5.)
• Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after entry in the register of craftsmen)

3. In the case of commercial partnerships with legal capacity, i.e. the general partnership (OHG), limited partnership (KG) and corresponding foreign company forms:

• Copies of the identity card or a comparable identification document of the shareholders or persons authorized to represent the company
• for proof of entrepreneurial legal form:
• at the company's registered office in Germany:

• in the case of companies entered in the commercial register: extract from the register, in the case of the OHG additionally a copy of the articles of association
• if no entry in the register has been made: copy of the articles of association

• in the case of foreign legal forms:

• Extract from the register of the competent foreign register in the case of companies entered in registers, otherwise

• Copy of the articles of association

• Proof of qualification (e.g. copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate) of the shareholder(s) or salaried management (see more details under 5.)

• Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after entry in the register of craftsmen)

4. In the case of legal entities (limited liability company (GmbH), entrepreneurial company (limited liability) or UG (limited liability), stock corporation (AG), registered cooperative (eG)):

• Copies of the identity card or a comparable identification document of the persons authorized to represent the company
• for proof of entrepreneurial legal form:
• at the company's registered office in Germany: Excerpt from the commercial or cooperative register
• in the case of foreign legal forms: extract from the register of the competent foreign register
• Copy of the business registration (can be submitted later after entry in the register of craftsmen)
• Management details: see 5.

5. If a farm manager is employed, the following documents must also be submitted:

• Statement of the Principal
• Proof of management activities (copy of the employment contract)
• Proof of social security of the management
• Proof of qualification from the management (e.g. copy of master craftsman's certificate, technician's certificate, exemption permit)

The processing time depends on the completeness of the submitted documents.

If all documents are complete and no further procedure is necessary, the registration in the register of craftsmen can be completed within a few days.

Other procedures extend the processing time, such as the granting of an exemption permit.

Essential (partial) activities of a craft

The craft does not have to be practiced as a whole. Essential (partial) activities can also be carried out. Even then, the entry in the register of craftsmen must take place.

Multiple crafts

They are only allowed to practice the craft that is subject to approval and has been registered.

If you want to practice several crafts subject to licensing, you must have each of these crafts registered in the register of craftsmen.

Several people as plant managers

If you employ more than 1 person as a manager, you must also register them.