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Why is Business Registration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern important?
Your business registration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is the official starting point for your entrepreneurial activity. It is mandatory and uniformly regulated nationwide according to §14 GewO (German Trade Regulation Act). As soon as you are commercially active, meaning you operate regularly with the intention of making a profit, you must register your business. This registration forms the basis for your tax registration and for obtaining necessary documents such as the trade tax assessment (Gewerbesteuerbescheid) or proof of business registration.
Overview of Trade Offices (Gewerbeämter) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Below is a selection of six trade offices. However, there are significantly more, and if you don't know which one is responsible for you, you can find out further down.
Find your Trade Office
To make it easier for you to find your responsible trade office, you can find all addresses and links centrally on the MV-Serviceportal website. Here you can:
- Search for the trade office of your city or municipality
- Find information on opening hours and contact persons
- Go directly to the online registration
How does Business Registration work in MV?
Registering a business in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern follows a standardized process:
1. Find the responsible Trade Office:
Where do you need to register your business? Where you conduct your commercial activity, rather than where you live, determines the responsible trade office. Online registration is available through the MV-Serviceportal in most municipalities. There you will find the contact details of your trade office and can often submit the application directly online or in person.
Tip: The MV-Serviceportal offers a guest access if you don't want to create an account.
2. Registration Online or in Person:
In most cities and municipalities, you can carry out the registration directly online. In Schwerin, for example, you will be redirected to an external page, as a separate portal is used here.
3. Fill out the Form:
Regardless of whether you register online or in person, you must fill out a form. This contains information about you, your company, and the nature of your activity. You will then usually receive confirmation of receipt of your application.
4. Submit required Documents:
The usual documents include:
- Identity card or passport
- For foreign nationals: Residence permit
- Possibly proof such as master craftsman's certificate, permits, or extract from the commercial register
5. Pay Fees:
The costs for business registration are uniformly regulated in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Currently (as of 2024), the fees for business registration are €32.00 (cf. Gewerbekostenverordnung M-V). For businesses requiring a permit, additional costs may be incurred for necessary documents such as certificates of good conduct.
6. Receive Business License (Gewerbeschein):
After successful registration, you will receive the business license, which officially authorizes you to start your activity. If you apply in person, you will receive it immediately, and for written or electronic applications, usually within 3 days. The prerequisite is that you have filled out the business registration form completely and correctly and that the required documents are available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Business Registration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
General Information about Business Registration
1. Who must register a business?
Basically, any person who carries out an independent, permitted, and profit-oriented activity must register a business. Exempt are freelancers (e.g., doctors, lawyers, artists) and primary production (agriculture and forestry). Childminding for payment and teaching activities are also not subject to the notification requirement.
2. When do I have to register my business?
Your business registration should take place at the same time as the start of operations, as you may face fines for delays.
This means:
- You should carry out the registration before the first invoice is issued or contracts are concluded.
- If you are in the preparation phase (e.g., concept development or market research), registration is not yet necessary. However, as soon as you generate sales or appear publicly (e.g., with a website or a business), business registration becomes due.
3. Do I have to register a business as a student?
Yes, even as a student, you must register a business if you pursue a commercial activity. The same rules apply as for other business owners.
4. How long does processing take?
If you apply in person, you will receive your business license immediately. For written or electronic applications, usually within 3 days. The prerequisite is that you have filled out the business registration form completely and correctly and that the required documents are available.
5. Is the confirmation of my business registration the same as the business license?
Yes, the confirmation of your business registration is the same as your business license. As soon as you have successfully registered your business, you will receive a written confirmation from the responsible trade office, which is officially referred to as the business license (Gewerbeschein).
6. Do I have to renew the business registration every year?
No, the business registration is a one-time process. However, changes, such as a new location or an expansion or abandonment of the activity, must be reported to the trade office.
7. What happens if I do not register a business?
Failure to register a business is an administrative offense and can be punished with a fine. You will also lack the business license, which can cause problems with authorities or business partners.
About Business Registration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
1. How much does business registration cost in MV?
The costs for business registration are uniformly regulated in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and currently amount to €32.00 (as of 2024).
2. How do I find the responsible trade office for me?
You can find all trade offices in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern centrally on the MV Service Portal website. There you can search for your responsible office based on the location of your business (not your place of residence) and find its contact details and online registration.
3. Can I register my business outside the opening hours of the trade office?
Yes, online registration via the MV-Serviceportal allows you to register around the clock, regardless of opening hours.
4. Can I register my business without a permanent residence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?
Yes, the place of residence is not decisive. If your business location or your activity is in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, you should register your business there.
After Business Registration
1. What do I have to do after business registration?
After business registration, you should contact the tax office (Finanzamt) to apply for a tax number (Steuernummer). You will also usually be automatically registered with the responsible Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK) and the employers' liability insurance association (Berufsgenossenschaft).
2. Do I have to pay trade tax (Gewerbesteuer)?
Whether and to what extent trade tax is levied depends on your business income and the local tax rate (Hebesatz) of the respective municipality. If you have chosen the legal form of a small business owner (Kleinunternehmer), you do not pay trade tax up to a certain turnover limit (cf. Kleinunternehmerregelung).
3. Do I have to deregister my business if I give it up?
Yes, if you give up your business or move the business location to another municipality, you must deregister your business. The responsible trade office is the one where you originally registered the business.
