A trade license is usually the first step towards self-employment. It doesn’t matter whether you want to start a so-called side business alongside your actual job or whether you want to implement your idea in a full-fledged business – you can’t avoid a trade license. But what exactly is a trade license? What do you need it for? And how do you get one? We’ll answer these and other relevant questions about trade licenses in this blog post.
Do I need a business license if I sell online?
If you regularly sell products or offer services online with the intention of making a profit, you need a business license and must therefore register a business.
What is a trade license?
A trade license is an official confirmation that documents in a binding manner that you have registered a business. In Germany, poland email list you must register a business as soon as you practice a self-employed activity aimed at making a profit. The exception to this are freelancers such as doctors, lawyers or artists – they do not need to register a business and therefore do not need a trade license.
Who needs a trade license?
Anyone who wants to run a business should apply for a business license. This includes the following types of companies:
- sole proprietors
- GbR (partnership under civil law)
- OHG (general partnerships)
- GmbH (limited liability companies)
- UG (entrepreneurial company)
If you are still not sure whether your activity is subject to commercial registration, partner with attorneys business consultants you can contact the trade office to find out about the regulations that apply specifically to you. At this point we would like to mention again that freelancers are subject to other legal regulations and therefore only have to register their activity with the tax office.
Reading tip: Apply for a tax number ? We’ll explain how it works.
What documents are necessary for business registration?
To register your business, you will need various documents depending on the type of business you are running:
- Valid identity card or passport : To identify the applicant.
- Registration form : You can get this either on site at the trade office or online in advance.
- Proof of address : You may be required to provide proof of residence. The best way to do this is to use your registration certificate.
- Business license (if required): If you want to register a regulated business such as a restaurant business or a skilled trade, china phone numbers you will need a business license.
- Police clearance certificate : You may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate. However, this is only necessary for certain types of business, such as security.
- Craftsman’s card : If your business falls under the Crafts Code, you should have your craftsman’s card with you when you register your business.
Depending on the region and type of business, you may need to submit additional documents to the relevant authority for your business registration and thus to receive your business license. Therefore, find out more from your trade office in advance. This way you can be sure that you have all the documents ready for your appointment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Business Registration
You must register your business with the authority responsible for you. Depending on your region, this can be either the public order office, trade office or citizens’ office. You should definitely follow these steps to ensure that your business registration goes smoothly and that you ultimately receive your trade license:
- Fill out the form : You can either get the so-called business registration form from the relevant authority on site or you can download it online in advance. In any case, make sure to fill out the form carefully and check that all relevant data such as name, address and type of business are complete and correct.
- Submit documents : In any case, you will need a valid ID card or passport to register your business. For certain businesses, such as buying and selling precious metals, jewelry and computers, but also arranging partnerships or accommodation, a police clearance certificate may be necessary. A business license may also be required, for example in the security industry.
- Pay the fee : The costs for registering a business are between 20 and 60 euros, depending on the city or municipality.
- Obtaining a trade license : After registering your business, you will usually receive your trade license by mail a few days later.