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.
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.
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.
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.