Opening a café in Germany

Opening a café in Germany is an exciting journey, but before serving delicious coffee and treats, you must obtain some crucial approvals. In the article from Wise Business Group, we have gathered a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Thinking of Opening a Café in Germany?

If opening a café sounds interesting to you, here’s what you need to know!

Step 1: Register Your Business (Gewerbeanmeldung) in Germany

The first official step is registering your café as a Gewerbe (business) at the local Gewerbeamt (Trade Office).

• You’ll receive a Gewerbeschein (business certificate).
• The Finanzamt (Tax Office) will contact you for tax registration.
• If you plan to serve alcohol, an additional Gaststättenkonzession (restaurant license) is needed.

Step 2: Health & Hygiene Compliance (After Gewerbeanmeldung)

Before you start handling food and drinks in your café in Germany, you’ll need approval from the Gesundheitsamt (Health Department).

• Attend a Hygienebelehrung (food hygiene training).
• Your café must follow Lebensmittelhygieneverordnung (Food Hygiene Regulations).
• Health inspections may be required for food storage and handling.

Step 3: Building & Fire Safety Regulations (Timing Depends)

If you’re making changes to the café space in Germany, certain permits are necessary:

• Baugenehmigung (Building Permit) – If modifying ventilation, kitchen setup, or seating layout, apply before opening.
• Brandschutzprüfung (Fire Safety Inspection) – Necessary for emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and compliance with local regulations.

Step 4: Alcohol License & Music Registration (After Gewerbeanmeldung)

Either planning to serve alcohol or play music in your café in Germany, additional approvals are required:

• Gaststättenkonzession (Alcohol License) – Apply at the Ordnungsamt (public order office) with proof of financial reliability and a clean police record.
• GEMA License (Music License) – Required if you plan to play background music for your guests.

Bonus Tip for opening a café in Germany: Outdoor Seating Permit!

Want to offer outdoor seating?

You will additionally need a Sondernutzungserlaubnis (special usage permit) from the local city administration.

Following the above steps, you can launch your dream café successfully in Germany. Contact our consultants for more information about the conditions and requirements for opening a café in Germany.

A brief look at the steps to opening a café in Germany

To sum up, you should go through four steps below to navigate the process of starting a café in Germany:

1. The first step is to register your business with the local trade office. Then, you can obtain a business certificate and apply for tax registration. You will also need a restaurant license to serve alcoholic beverages.
2. Before starting your café in Germany, you must get approval from the health department. Then, attend food hygiene training sessions and comply with relevant regulations.
3. If you want to make changes to your café space in Germany, you must apply for a building permit. Then, you will also need to obtain a fire safety permit.
4. If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages or play music in your café in Germany, you will need to apply for the relevant permits.

Are you interested in opening a café in Germany?

Start Today!

We know the process can feel overwhelming, but with the proper preparation, your dream café will be up and running in no time. Feel free to reach out if you need expert guidance or have questions about setting up your business!

Contact us through the WhatsApp link below.

Cheers to your future café success! ☕✨

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