Register your Sole Trader business online

Generally, you mustn't delay too long before officially registering a business with the German trade office (Gewerbeamt); you should do so as soon as you start any commercial activity.

You can consider a commercial activity 'started' when you initiate the first financial transaction, such as your first invoice, your first sale, or the first service for payment. It's best to register your business with the trade office at least a few days in advance of any money changing hands.

There is no "grace period" set out by the law; the longer you wait, the higher the risk of an audit, fines, and retroactive tax or contribution demands.

If you are starting a business as a Sole Trader (Einzelunternehmer), a valid ID card or passport is usually sufficient in terms of paperwork.

For businesses requiring specific permits (e.g., restaurants, real estate agents, security services), authorities require additional evidence or certificates. We guide you step by step through the process and show you exactly what is required in your case.

Practical checklist:

• Permits/licenses if applicable (for businesses requiring permits)
• ID card/passport (for foreigners with a residence permit)

If you start your new business activity before officially registering your new business with the trade office, you risk facing a fine and retroactive tax payments. The regulatory office can impose a warning or fine, the amount of which depends on the individual case and scope of the activity.

Additionally, you must retroactively tax your income from the start and possibly pay back social contributions.

In many cases, authorities are cooperative if you report promptly on your own. However, you should never deliberately delay registration, as any provable "black market operation" significantly weakens your position in case of an audit by inspectors.

After you register your new business with the trade office (Gewerbeamt), the tax office (Finanzamt) contacts you within as little as a few days to as much as four weeks. You will then receive the "Questionnaire for tax registration" (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) by mail, which you must complete fully and on time. Only then will the tax office assign your tax number for the business or activate it.

The processing time depends heavily on the workload of the responsible tax office. If you haven't heard anything after about four weeks, you can inquire about the status by phone or online.

With Qonto, you can skip this step, as our experts handle the tax registration and application for the tax number for you free of charge.

The actual business registration at the trade office shouldn't take longer than half an hour on-site. If your local trade office offers online business registration, it often goes even faster.

Generally, you will need your ID card or passport, and for certain business activities, additional permits or evidence.

The processing and issuance of the business certificate often occur immediately; sometimes it is also sent to you by mail within a few days.