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STEP

IHK / HWK: Chamber of Commerce Registration

After the Gewerbeanmeldung, the Gewerbeamt automatically notifies the IHK or HWK. Membership is compulsory and involves a fee.

WHAT TO DO

What is it and when to act?

After your Gewerbeanmeldung, the Gewerbeamt passes your details to the IHK or HWK. A letter arrives — usually within 2–4 weeks. Freiberufler skip this step entirely.

What to do with the IHK letter

The letter contains your membership confirmation and a fee invoice. If your income in the first year is low, immediately submit a Befreiungsantrag (exemption form on the IHK website). Many small businesses pay €0 in their first years.

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Max recommends:

The IHK letter scared me — I thought it was a fine. It was just a membership notice. In my first year my income was below €5,200 — the fee was €0. I submitted the Befreiungsantrag online in 10 minutes.

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Lea recommends:

The IHK offers free consultations for new business owners — I used theirs to have my first client contract reviewed. A genuinely useful resource, not just bureaucracy.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between IHK and HWK? ▾

IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) — for trade, services, industry and IT businesses. HWK (Handwerkskammer) — for craft trades (hairdressers, builders, mechanics, cooks). The Gewerbeamt decides which chamber you are assigned to.

How much does membership cost? ▾

The fee depends on your income. For Kleingewerbe with profit below €5,200: €0. For small businesses up to €24,500 profit: typically €50–150/year. Above that: a percentage of profit. Freiberufler are not members of either chamber.

Can I opt out of membership? ▾

No — membership is compulsory (Pflichtmitgliedschaft) for all Gewerbetreibende. A fee exemption can be applied for at very low income levels. The IHK/HWK offers free business consultations, networking and training — worth using.

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