Register a business
Service description
A business registration is always necessary if you start a permanent business. A permanent business means a business with a fixed place of business from or in which the business is carried out. This is the case if you:
- set up a new business,
- establish a new branch office,
- establish a new dependent branch,
- take over an existing business, for example by purchase or lease,
- convert a sole proprietorship into another legal form,
- relocate a business from the area of one authority to the area of another authority
You must register your business at the same time as you start operating it.
The following are exempt from business registration:
- farms for primary production, that is:
- Livestock farming
- Arable farming
- Hunting
- Forestry
- Fishing
- Liberal professions
- Management of own assets
The registration must be made by the following persons or their authorized representatives:
- for sole traders: by the trader himself or herself
- for legal entities: by the legal representatives; this applies, for example, to limited liability companies (GmbH) and public limited companies (AG)
- in the case of partnerships: from all partners authorized to manage the company: this applies, for example, to general partnerships (OHG), partnerships limited by shares (KG), partnerships under civil law (GbR), limited liability companies (GmbH & Co. KG)
The purpose of the business registration is to enable the competent authorities to monitor the exercise of the business and to carry out statistical surveys.
Prerequisites
As a trader you are
- a natural person or
- a legal entity, for example a stock corporation (AG), limited liability company (GmbH), registered cooperative (eG) or registered association (e.V.), limited partnership (KG), partnership limited by shares (KGaA)
What documents are required?
- Business registration form (GewA 1)
- Proof of identity, for example
- Copy of identity card
- Copy of passport
- Registration certificate
- Notarized articles of association or a copy of the extract from the commercial register if your company is registered in the commercial register
- for cooperatives: Extract from the register of cooperatives
- for associations: Extract from the register of associations
- Supplement authorized representatives
What deadlines do I have to observe?
You must register your business as soon as you start operating. A fine may be imposed for late registration.
Processing time
If all information and documents are complete, you will receive a receipt
- if you come in person: immediately
- for written registration or online registration: within 3 days
Legal basis
Applications / Forms
Special information for the city of Idar-ObersteinIf your place of business is in the Idar-Oberstein city area, you can also register online using the following link:
If your company is located outside the city of Idar-Oberstein, please contact your local authority.