First: What is the difference between IHK and HWK?

Institution – IHK – HWK

• Full name:

  • IHK: Industrie- und Handelskammer (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

  • HWK: Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts)

• Main focus:

  • IHK: Trade, services, industry, sales / distribution

  • HWK: Skilled crafts, recognised craft professions

• Examples of activities:

  • IHK: Shop, restaurant, consulting office, e-commerce / online trade

  • HWK: Carpenter, electrician, hairdresser, car mechanic

• Membership:

  • IHK: Compulsory

  • HWK: Compulsory

When is membership compulsory?

IHK – membership is compulsory if:

• You register a business (Gewerbe) as a sole trader (Einzelunternehmen), UG or GmbH,

• and your activity is not a craft, but for example:

Typical IHK sectors:

• Trade (retail, wholesale)

• Restaurants, cafés, bars, snack bars

• E-commerce / online shops

• Consulting and service businesses

Example:
If you open a supermarket or an online store, you will usually be automatically registered with the IHK.

HWK – membership is compulsory if:

• You carry out a craft trade (Handwerk) which is legally recognised,

• There is an official list called “Anlage A zur Handwerksordnung” which sets out many trades that must be registered with the HWK.

Examples:

• Hairdresser

• Plumber / heating and sanitary installer

• Car mechanic / car workshop

• Baker / pastry chef

For some of these trades, a Meisterbrief (master craftsman’s certificate) or a special permit / registration is also required.

Where do you actually register with IHK or HWK?

In most cases, you do not apply directly to IHK or HWK yourself.

When you register your business (Gewerbeanmeldung) at the Bürgeramt or Gewerbeamt, the following happens:

• The relevant chamber (IHK or HWK) is automatically notified by the authority.

• After that, the chamber sends you a welcome letter,
  along with information on membership and often some initial information material or access to the online member portal.

Are there membership fees?

Yes, there are usually annual membership fees, which depend on your legal form, size and business figures.

Approximate examples:

• Small sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen):
  Around €0 – €70 per year
  (in the first year, many chambers grant a full or partial exemption).

• UG or GmbH:
  Often €100 – €300 or more per year,
  depending on turnover, profit and the chamber’s fee regulations.

• HWK – craft business:
  Contribution depends on the number of employees and size of the business,
  often starting at around €60 per year and increasing with the size of the company.

If you do not yet have any income or only very low profits at the beginning, you can usually apply for a temporary exemption or reduction of fees (Beitragsbefreiung).

Can you cancel your membership?

• No. Membership is compulsory by law
  as long as your business exists and your activity falls under IHK or HWK jurisdiction.

• What you can do:

  • If your income and profit are low or you are still in the start-up phase, you can often apply for a fee exemption or reduction (Beitragsbefreiung).

  • Only if you officially deregister your business (Gewerbeabmeldung) or stop your craft activity, the obligation to be a member ends.

Editorial note

The authors and editorial team of this website aim to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may be incomplete or not fully confirmed from a legal perspective. Therefore, please treat the information in this article as an initial guide and always contact the relevant authorities or professional advisers for binding and up-to-date information.