Business Registration

Employment Office

Entrepreneurs who plan to hire employees must register with their local Employment Office to obtain a business number (Betriebsnummer).

This number is used for identifying employers for the purposes of social insurance, health insurance, statutory occupational accident insurance, and for obtaining work permits. It is also used for statistical purposes in regard to the German labor market. The application can be made via post, fax, or electronically by e-mail. In addition, the Federal Employment Office operates a central service phone number for receiving applications.

In addition to being responsible for unemployment insurance, the local Employment Offices also provide pertinent information on the German job market and operate nationwide placement services free of charge. They therefore might be helpful to you in recruiting suitable employees.

Foreign enterprises looking for German personnel might also contact the Central Placement Office (Zentrale Arbeitsvermittlung - ZAV). This branch of the Federal Employment Office is specialized in the cross-boarder job market and is responsible for placing German individuals with companies abroad. The European Employment Service (EURES) also provides information and placement services within the EU.