Required permits for your food truck in Germany
In Germany, there are various permits and regulatory requirements you need to be aware of. Don’t worry, we’ll help you get an overview of the most important requirements.
Permits & regulations at a glance
Unfortunately, you can’t just “get started” right after purchasing a food truck. In Germany, there are various permits and regulatory requirements you need to comply with. Don’t worry—we’ll help you get an overview of the most important requirements.
1. Business registration
In Germany, the start of any self-employed activity must generally be registered. Before beginning your sales operations, you are required to register your business with the relevant trade office (Gewerbeamt). It does not matter whether you plan to operate the business as a main or secondary occupation. The trade office is usually located at the local town hall or within the municipal administration.
2. Travelling trade license
Registering as a travelling trade is generally required for a classic food truck operation. An exception applies only if you are operating your food truck at an event that is officially designated under trade law (such as a market or trade fair) and you are effectively participating as part of that event. It is the responsibility of the food truck operator to clarify in advance whether the market or fair is officially designated.
The travelling trade license only needs to be applied for once and is valid throughout the entire country. It is issued to a specific individual and is not transferable. You should always carry the license with you and present it during inspections if requested.
3. Police clearance certificate
The police clearance certificate serves as proof of personal reliability and is generally required for a travelling trade license, an alcohol serving license, and a hospitality permit. It shows whether there are any relevant prior convictions that could prevent the issuance of permits or licenses.
The certificate can be requested from the local citizens’ office (Bürgerbüro) of your municipality of residence or online via the Federal Office of Justice. When applying for additional permits, the police clearance certificate must usually be no older than three months.
4. Instruction under § 43 of the Infection Protection Act (health certificate)
To work commercially with food in Germany—such as preparing, selling, or serving food, you need a so-called hygiene instruction under § 43 of the Infection Protection Act. This instruction is provided by the responsible public health authority and is a prerequisite for obtaining the certificate under the Infection Protection Act. Colloquially, this instruction is often referred to as a “health certificate.”
5. Food hygiene training
When working regularly with perishable foods, an additional food hygiene training course is usually required alongside the general hygiene instruction under § 43 of the Infection Protection Act. This training provides practical knowledge on hygienic food handling, storage temperatures, preventing cross-contamination, and cleaning schedules.
The aim of this training is to prevent foodborne illnesses and poisoning and to meet legal requirements in accordance with the EU Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 as well as the national Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV). The training can be completed through public health authorities, chambers of commerce (IHK), or certified training providers.
6. Alcohol serving license
Are you planning to serve alcohol? Then pay close attention! If you want to offer beer, wine, or other spirits in your food truck, you will need a specific hospitality permit (often referred to as an alcohol serving license) in Germany. This license is issued by the responsible public order office or hospitality authority. As part of the application process, you are usually required to prove your personal reliability (for example, by providing a police clearance certificate) and demonstrate that you have the necessary legal and hygiene-related knowledge (known as the hospitality instruction). Be sure to take care of this early—without this license, the taps must stay closed!
7. Special use permits
Anyone wishing to sell goods on streets and public squares that are generally intended for traffic requires a special use permit (§ 16 Straßengesetz). This special use permit is commonly referred to as a “pitch permit.” A travelling trade license alone does not authorize the sale of goods on public streets and squares without the required permit from the responsible authority. To obtain this permit, you must submit an application to the relevant district authority or local municipality.
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