Trade office and responsible authority

In short: The trade office is the body in a town or municipality where you register, change and deregister a business. In Bavaria this is usually the municipality; in small places often the administrative community.

In more detail: The municipality where the business has its seat is responsible. For a home-based business that is the place of residence. The office keeps the trade register and forwards registrations to other authorities. It also monitors compliance with the Trade Regulation Act.

In detail

• Finding it: website of the town or municipality, search for “Gewerbeanmeldung” and the place. Nationwide the portals service.bund.de and verwaltung.bund.de help.
• Bavaria: online applications run through BayernPortal. Many municipalities also have their own citizen service portal.
• Opening hours: on site often by appointment only.
• Advice: the office advises on registration, not on taxes or law.
• Other bodies: tax office (taxes), chamber of commerce or crafts, employers’ liability insurance.

See also: Registering a business step by step, Competent body (chamber of commerce)