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Display of persons; application for a permit

  • Brief description

    If you want to organize commercial shows of people on your business premises or make your business premises available for such events, you need a permit.

  • Description

    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 under Section 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 restaurant permit that may be required.

  • Prerequisites

    • You must have the reliability required for commercial operations.
    • The displays must not be contrary to public decency.
    • 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.

  • Deadlines

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

  • Required documents

    Valid identity card or passport

    Certificate of good conduct

    Extract from the central trade register

    If applicable, lease / rental agreement or proof of ownership of premises

    If applicable, floor plans and site plans, building permit

    Documents for the exhibition of persons in the case of registered companies or companies under civil law

    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 authorization: a written power of attorney and identification of the principal 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 dispensed with.

  • Forms

  • Costs

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

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    Administrative court action

  • Procedure

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

  • Processing time

    Duration of the procedure: approx. 3 to 4 weeks

  • Related services


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