Register a small business (Kleingewerbe) in Germany

“Kleingewerbe” is not a separate legal form; it describes a small business that, because of its modest size, does not need to be entered in the commercial register. Typical examples are sole traders working as carers, cleaners, caretakers or fitters. To register a small business you follow the same path as for any Gewerbe: through the trade office (Gewerbeamt).

Kleingewerbe or Kleinunternehmer?

The terms are often confused. Kleingewerbe concerns commercial law (no merchant status, no register entry). Kleinunternehmer is a VAT term: if your turnover was at most 25,000 euros in the previous year and is expected to be at most 100,000 euros in the current year, you do not charge VAT. Read more in our article on the small business VAT scheme.

Registering a small business step by step

• Define your activity precisely, e.g. “care and household support for seniors”.
• Business premises: you need an address in Germany where the business is run. EU citizens do not need a German residence.
• Form GewA1: file it with the municipal trade office – in person, in writing or online.
• ID: add your ID card or passport.
• Pay the fee and receive the confirmation.

What does it cost?

Each municipality sets its own fee, usually about 15 to 65 euros. Online registration is sometimes slightly cheaper.

The Gewerbeschein

“Gewerbeschein” is the everyday name for the confirmation of your registration under section 15 of the Trade Regulation Act. You receive it immediately or within a few days. It proves to clients, banks and health insurers that you are self-employed.

After registration

The trade office informs the tax office, which asks you to submit the tax registration questionnaire via ELSTER. Then you receive your tax number and can issue invoices. You also need to arrange health insurance.

Register with Deutsches-Gewerbe.de

We register your small business by power of attorney – no trip to Germany needed. You get a business address valid for service as your premises and your Gewerbeschein digitally, for 40 euros including the official fee: more about Gewerbe registration.