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What does "Gewerbeanmeldung" mean in English?

Business, Registration • 
Last updated on 5 April 2024

Gewerbeanmeldung translates to “trade registration” in English. It is a mandatory step for individuals in Germany who wish to start a business, allowing them to legally operate as a commercial entity.

What is “Gewerbeanmeldung”?

In Germany, the Gewerbeanmeldung is the process through which a person registers their business with the local trade office (Gewerbeamt). This registration is required for anyone who wants to engage in a commercial activity that is not classified as a freelance profession (Freiberufler). The Gewerbeanmeldung is a crucial step in establishing a business, as it informs the local authorities about the new commercial activity, enabling them to monitor business operations and conduct statistical analyses[4].

More information about “Gewerbeanmeldung”

The Gewerbeanmeldung form requires detailed information about the business and its owner(s), including personal identification, business address, and the nature of the business activities. Depending on the type of business and its location, additional documents such as permits, licenses, or proof of professional qualifications may be required[3][12]. The process and required documentation can vary slightly between different municipalities. Once the registration is completed, the business owner receives a Gewerbeschein (trade license), which serves as proof of the registration[1][2].

Here are some additional terms that are related to Gewerbeanmeldung:

  • Gewerbeschein: A certificate or document that serves as proof of business registration[5].
  • Finanzamt: The tax office where the business must also be registered to obtain a tax number and, if applicable, a VAT ID[1][2].
  • Handelsregister: The commercial register for certain types of businesses, such as corporations, which provides additional legitimacy and transparency[3].
  • Freiberufler: Freelancers or professionals in liberal professions who are not required to register through the Gewerbeanmeldung process but must still inform the Finanzamt of their activity[9].

The Gewerbeanmeldung is a foundational step for anyone looking to embark on a commercial venture in Germany, ensuring that the business operates within the legal framework set by the local and federal governments.

Sources

[1] https://www.clevver.io/business-registration-in-germany-the-ultimate-guide/ [2] https://startup-in-munich.de/faq/register-business [3] https://www.firma.de/en/company-formation/how-to-fill-out-the-gewerbeanmeldung-trade-registration-form/ [4] https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/121921/en/ [5] https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/gewerbeschein [6] https://www.ihk.de/hamburg/en/fairplay/business-registration/registering-trade-germany-1159442 [7] https://mystartupgermany.com/sole-trader-guides/gewerbeanmeldung-register-a-business-in-germany/ [8] https://help.close.com/docs/german-regulatory-documents [9] https://blog.holvi.com/how-to-register-your-business-in-germany-2021 [10] https://allaboutberlin.com/glossary/Gewerbeanmeldung [11] https://www.firma.de/en/company-formation/gewerbeanmeldung-everything-you-need-to-know-about-trade-registration-in-germany/ [12] https://www.accountable.de/en/blog/trade-license-germany/ [13] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/17fn0jb/do_i_need_to_register_a_company_now/ [14] https://redtapetranslation.com/obtaining-a-gewerbeschein/ [15] https://www.firma.de/en/company-formation/registering-your-gbr-an-overview-of-the-gewerbeanmeldung-process/ [16] https://handbookgermany.de/en/entrepreneurship