Business Registration

Temporary Provision of Services

Businesses from other EU Member States are basically free to provide their services temporarily in Germany. Nevertheless, the rules and regulations that apply to all businesses need to be observed. These include the following:

• Within the Single European Market, employees that are posted by companies from other EU member states to Germany in order to provide services do not need a work permit. However, transitional rules that require a permit apply to citizens from several new EU member states. Non-EU nationals need additionally a valid visa for entry into Germany. Detailed information is available in our section ''work''.
• Occupations that are regulated in Germany require a sufficient professional qualification. This is especially true for liberal consulting and health professions as well as the skilled trades and crafts. However, equivalent qualifications from other EU Member States or adequate experience may be recognized. More details with links to further sources on the internet are available in our section ''professional qualifications''.
• Although labor contracts of posted workers are usually determined by the law of their country of origin, in some service sectors minimum working conditions are required for personnel that is dispatched to Germany. You will find further information about this topic in our section ''work'' and in the relevant industry profile on our portal.
• An overview on sales taxation is available in our section ''Tax and Duties''. Regarding taxation, foreign construction businesses should be aware of the withholding procedure on income taxes. Further details are available in our profile of the German construction industry.
• Service providers in the Single European Market need to observe several informational requirements before concluding a service contract. A description is available for download on this website.

For EU Service Businesses, the German network of Points of Single Contact provides individual assistance with the relevant administrative regulations and procedures. They guide through all of the relevant application procedures. However, the service of the Points of Single Contact is optional. Businesses may always address the competent authorities directly, if they prefer.