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Register of craftsmen Registration of equivalent examinations

For the independent operation of a craft subject to approval of Annex A to § 1 paragraph 2 of the Crafts Code (HwO) as a standing trade, an entry in the register of craftsmen is required. You or your plant manager can work as a

  • Diplom-Ingenieurin/Diplom-Ingenieur or Ingenieurin/Ingenieur
  • Graduate of a technical university or a state-approved technical college for technology and design

be entered with the craft subject to approval in the register of craftsmen, which corresponds to the study or school focus.

The same applies to citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland who have obtained a comparable university degree in the EU, EEA or Switzerland; other professional qualifications are taken into account via § 9 HwO in conjunction with the EU/EEA Crafts Regulation (EU/EEA HwV). Furthermore, registration can be made if a German state or state-recognised examination equivalent to the master craftsman's examination is available (e.g. industrial foreman).

The competent authority shall assess whether the conditions for registration are fulfilled. The decision on registration shall also be taken by the competent authority.

Annex A to § 1 paragraph 2 of the Crafts Code (HwO)

Who should I contact?

The responsibility lies with the Chamber of Crafts (HWK), in whose district your future (permanent establishment) is located.  

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.

Find your Point of Single Contact here

Which documents are required?

  • University certificate or technical school certificate from a state or state-recognised technical school

What are the fees?

Fees are charged in accordance with the scale of fees of the competent authority. Please contact the competent authority.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

Deadlines may have to be observed. Please contact the competent authority.

Legal basis

§ 7 paragraph 2 of the Crafts Code (HwO)

Applications / forms

Applications and forms can be requested from the competent authority.

Technically approved by

Lower Saxony Ministry of Labour, Economic Affairs and Transport

Source: Serviceportal Niedersachsen (Linie6PLus)

Further Links

Single points of contact of the state of Lower Saxony, Single points of contact of the countries of Europe, advice and assistance for EU citizens and their families.
Access information on the single point of contact for the state of Lower Saxonyvisit Website Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEsVisit advice and assistance for EU citizens and their families