How to Register a Business in Cologne — 2026 Guide
Quick Overview
Starting a business in Cologne requires registrations across multiple government layers. Gewerbeamt (Trade Office) handles the primary business registration.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Cologne — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What You'll Pay
Primary registration fee: €26.
The Permit Stack
Step 1: Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration at Gewerbeamt, €15–€65)
Step 2: Finanzamt (tax office — Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung)
Step 3: IHK/HWK (automatic chamber membership, mandatory)
Step 4: Gaststättenerlaubnis (restaurant licence — €200–€1,500, if food/drink)
Step 5: Gesundheitszeugnis (health certificate, if food)
Step 6: Hygiene training (if food handling)
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements. PermitBoard analyses your specific business type against Cologne's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan.