How to Become a Real Estate Agent (Immobilienmakler) in Germany
Thinking of becoming a real estate agent in Germany (Immobilienmakler)? That is an in-demand activity that is worth pursuing. Read on to learn what special requirements there are for a real estate broker in Germany and what you need to know before starting a business. In this article, we will talk about the scenario of opening a UG/GmbH company and what will be required to set the business up in this case.
Our company, Nexus-Europe GmbH, assists foreigners with starting and developing their own business in Germany and moving to Germany through business immigration or the EU Blue Card. Over 20 years of operation we have helped more than 7000 customers.
Start your business and get a residence permit in Germany through business immigration: info@nexus-gmbh.biz
Starting a business as a real estate agent in Germany (Immobilienmakler) and getting a broker license
What are the main steps you need to take to launch your real estate business in Germany? See the list below.
1. Registering a company
For foreigners, such company types as UG and GmbH are available.
2. Obtaining a real estate broker license
The activity of a real estate agent in Germany (Immobilienmakler) requires a special broker license. If you're starting a UG or GmbH company, the license should be requested for the legal entity. Usually, the application is sent to the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce. To get approved, you must prove personal reliability and orderly financial circumstances.
The license can be issued only if a full list of required documents is provided, including:
- License application for legal entities
- Extract from the Central Trade Register for the legal entity
- Extracts from the Central Trade Register for the authorized representative(s)
- Police Certificate(s) of Good Conduct for the authorized representative(s)
- Tax Clearance Certificate for the legal entity
- Tax Clearance Certificate for the authorized representative(s)
- Certificate from the Debtor Register of the Central Enforcement Portal for the legal entity
- Confirmation that no insolvency proceedings are pending for the legal entity
- Extract from the Commercial Register
Please note that the documents required to become a real estate agent in Germany (Immobilienmakler) may vary depending on the state where you apply for the broker license. The exact list should always be checked with the respective authority.
Nexus-Europe GmbH provides a special Roadmap development service that analyzes each specific situation to figure out the exact steps, documents and requirements in your individual case.
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3. Business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung)
Just like any other business, your business as a real estate agent in Germany (Immobilienmakler) needs Gewerbeanmeldung before you can start any business activity. The application is made through the competent Trade Office (Gewerbeamt) and costs between 10 and 65 euro depending on the region.
4. Continuing education obligation
Since August 1, 2018, there is a continuing education obligation for real estate agents in Germany (Immobilienmakler) and employees directly involved in the licensed activity of 20 hours within three years. If you have a vocational qualification as a real estate agent or an advanced training certificate as a certified real estate specialist, it is considered equivalent to the continuing education. Therefore, the obligation to pursue continuing education only begins three years after obtaining the aforementioned qualification. Under certain conditions, continuing education can be delegated by the business owner to their employed supervisory personnel.
5. Further regulations
Depending on the specifics of your business, there would also be other regulations to pay attention to, e.g. Real Estate Agent and Property Developer Ordinance, Act on the Regulation of Housing Brokerage, Price Indication Ordinance etc. Each case should be analyzed individually.
Our company, Nexus-Europe GmbH provides turn-key solutions: from individual Roadmap development to establishing a fully operating business as a real estate broker in Germany. We can also assist you with obtaining the German residence permit because of business.