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Road Transport Licensing in Germany

Germany is the EU's largest freight market. The financial-standing threshold and CPC requirements follow the same EU-wide framework as every member state.

BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements before you commit to anything.

At a glance

Entity
GmbH (or UG haftungsbeschränkt)
Capital
25000 EUR (min. 12500 EUR paid in) — UG variant from 1 EUR
Remote formation
Partial — A notarial deed, via remote video-notarization or a local Power of Attorney
Corporate tax
~30–33% combined — 15% federal + surcharge + trade tax
VAT
19%
Registration time
~1–3 weeks — Ask us for the current figure for your case.

Can a foreign founder actually operate here?

Can a foreigner own the company?
Yes, in all EU member states - foreign ownership of the operating entity is not restricted.
Is a local director or resident required?
No director-residency requirement for company formation itself, but the designated transport manager must be based in Germany.
Is a notary required to incorporate?
Yes - a notarial deed is required for company formation here.
Is a local transport manager required?
Yes - EU rules require a designated transport manager with a valid CPC, based in the member state of establishment.
Can incorporation be completed remotely?
Company formation requires a notarial deed, via remote video-notarization or a local Power of Attorney; the transport manager role and CPC registration require an in-country presence.
Where does the CPC/Community License application go?
Contact us for the current issuing authority and application details for Germany.

Steps to obtain the Community License

  1. Register your transport company

    Formally register a company suitable for road transport activity in your country of establishment.

  2. Meet the financial standing threshold

    Demonstrate the EU-required capital — €9,000 for the first vehicle, €5,000 for each additional vehicle over 3.5 tonnes.

  3. Get your transport manager's CPC

    Complete an accredited CPC training program and pass the exam — the certificate is typically valid for 5 years.

  4. Prove good repute

    A criminal record check for the company and its managing staff, with no serious transport offenses on record.

  5. Apply to the national transport authority

    We confirm the exact national authority and current application fee for your specific case before you apply.

  6. Receive your Community License

    Once approved, the license is valid for 10 years and allows both international EU transport and cabotage.

What it costs

Government fees

Financial standing (first vehicle)
€9,000 — plus €5,000 per additional vehicle - EU-wide formula
Community License application fee
Ask us for the current figure for your case.
BIZ TRP fees
Route confirmation & application support
Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour

Company formation is not a transport licence

Registering a GmbH (or UG haftungsbeschränkt) in Germany does not, by itself, give you the right to operate commercial road transport. The Community License, the transport manager's CPC, and financial standing are separate requirements on top of company formation - all four are needed together.

Ready to set up transport operations in Germany?

BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements for your Germany transport company — formation, licensing, and financial standing, together.

Talk to us about Germany transport licensing Email us

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