Summary
This guide walks you through completing the trade registration form 💬Gewerbeanmeldung correctly. You’ll enter your business name, legal form, an activity description, personal details, business address and start date. If your trade requires licences or approval, you must list them as well. Filling out the form accurately helps to avoid delays or rejections by the authorities.
Filling in the trade registration form
Every business engaging in commercial activity must register a trade (§14 GewO). Here you can download the form GewA 1 in German.
| No. | Description |
| 1 | If your business has been entered into the commercial register, i.e. is a legal entity such as an incorporated company; registered sole trader; or a registered partnership – enter the official name with the legal form. |
| 2 | If entered in the commercial register or register of cooperatives 💬Genossenschaftsregister enter the place & number of the register. |
| 3 | In case you have a trade name, enter it here. |
| 4-11 | The commercial trader 💬Gewerbetreibende must identify him/herself for any necessary background check, e.g. for trade-specific licences. |
| 12 | For both partnerships and legal entities, the number of managing shareholders or legal representatives must be entered here. You can leave this field blank if you wish to register a trade with a sole proprietorship or as a registered trader. |
| 14 | Indicate the person authorised to represent the company. If the business is a branch or dependent branch, an authorised person must also be inputted. |
| 15 | Enter the permanent establishment here; this can be the main establishment 💬Hauptniederlassung, branch establishment 💬Zweigniederlassung or also a dependent branch establishment 💬unselbständige Zweigstelle. |
| 16 | If you have entered a dependent branch 💬unselbständige Zweigstelle or a branch office 💬Zweigniederlassung in field 15, you must enter the main office here. Otherwise, leave this field blank. |
| 17 | In this field, enter the former place of business of the trade, if any. |
| 18 | The business objective needs to be comprehensive & in German. Avoid generalities. Be more specific: “Elektroinstallationen“ (electrical installations), “Großhandel mit Tiernahrung“ (wholesale trade in pet food), “Herstellung von Möbeln“ (manufacturing of furniture) etc. |
| 19 | Indicating whether or not you’ll be operating on a full-time or part-time basis is for statistical purposes only. |
| 20 | Input the start date of operations (commercial activities). |
| 21 | Indicating whether your business is an industrial or commercial one will determine if it’s assigned to IHK or HWK. |
| 22 | If you don’t intend to employ any staff or are uncertain enter 0. This information is important for the Arbeitsverwaltung (labour administration). The number of employees at the start of the business must be entered here. |
| 23-25 | Here you enter the type of business (eg Reisegewerbe) and whether it is a new business, a takeover, a re-opening etc. |
| 28-31 | If your trade to be registered requires licences or permits such as a Handwerkskarte (craftsman’s card) or Gewerbeerlaubnis (trade permit) enter the status of them here. You must also enter whether you have a residence permit. |
Re-registering or de-registering a trade
To re-register 💬ummelden or de-register💬abmelden your trade, you will need a different form than the one above. To re-register use GewA 2 (German) and to de-register use GewA 3 (German). Both forms have approximately the same fields as the form explained above.
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Conclusion
Filling out the trade registration form with precision and clarity sets a solid foundation for your business in Germany. Ensure all details—from legal form and business description to required permits—are correct and complete before submission. A carefully prepared registration lets you proceed confidently into your business operations.
