Display of persons; application for a permit

According to § 33a of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act (GewO), you require a permit if you wish to commercially organize shows of persons on your business premises or make your business premises available for such events. This does not apply to performances of a predominantly artistic, sporting, acrobatic or similar nature.

The licensing requirement of § 33a GewO also applies in particular to striptease and table dance events. As a rule, the permit is subject to extensive conditions to ensure public safety and order and to maintain morality.

The permit is independent of any other required restaurant license.

• They must possess the reliability required for the trade.
• The shows must not be contrary to public morals.
• The commercial operation must not be contrary to the public interest with regard to its local location or the use of the premises, for example if it gives rise to fears of harmful effects on the environment within the meaning of the Federal Immission Control Act or other significant disadvantages, dangers or nuisances for the general public.

The application must be submitted to the competent authority in writing or via the online procedure provided.

The permit must be granted before the start of operations, so it is necessary to submit the application in good time.

Duration of the procedure: approx. 3 to 4 weeks

• Permit: 100 to 3,000 EURO in accordance with the schedule of costs under the Costs Act (Tariff No. 5.III.5/6.1)

• Valid identity card or passport
• Certificate of good conduct
• Extract from the Central Business Register
• if applicable, lease agreement / rental agreement or proof of ownership of premises
• if applicable, floor plans and site plans, building permit
• Documents for the display of persons at registered companies or civil law partnerships

  for registered companies: Extract from the commercial register or comparable registration documents from abroad (with German translation): -for companies under civil law: articles of association

• in the case of a power of attorney: a written power of attorney and identification of the grantor of the power of attorney and the authorized representative
• for EU citizens: proof of good repute from the country of origin

  in a certified copy and certified German translation; if necessary, replacement by an affidavit in lieu of an oath or similar acts

• for non-EU citizens: residence permit allowing the exercise of self-employed activity
• for non-EU citizens: proof of good repute

  Official certificate of good conduct or good character or extract from the criminal record of the home country or an equivalent document and/or a certificate of good conduct for authorities and information from the central trade register

  If it can be assumed on the basis of previous residence that the aforementioned certificates and evidence do not contain facts of significance under trade law, the foreign or German certificates may be waived.