Trade requiring a license: Information

In principle, freedom of trade exists in the Federal Republic of Germany. Nevertheless, there are numerous exceptions.
Some trades require special licensing requirements (specialist knowledge examinations, instruction, concessions, permits or special authorizations).
In particular, the following commercial activities require a permit:

• Cab companies
• Accounting assistants
• Financial investment brokers
• Road haulage companies
• Trade in over-the-counter medicines
• Trade in arms, ammunition and explosives
• in some areas the craft trade
• Manufacture of weapons and pharmaceuticals
• debt collection agencies
• ambulance services
• Real estate and loan brokers
• nursing services
• Private hospitals
• Gambling halls
• Activities in the security industry
• Insurance brokers

For these trades, you must be able to prove your personal reliability, in some cases your professional suitability and/or, if applicable, your financial capacity and/or certain spatial conditions.

Fees are charged in accordance with the state ordinance on fees.