Are you interested in running a food truck—a mobile food and beverage vendor? If so, there are a few rules you need to follow. Here’s an overview:
- Trade law: You need a permit to operate your vending cart.
- Tax law: You must keep a VAT booklet and pay your taxes correctly.
- Street regulations: If you want to set up your food truck on public streets or in public squares, you may need a special use permit.
- Hygiene law: You must comply with certain hygiene regulations to ensure the safety of your food and drinks.
- Vehicle Registration: There may be specific regulations regarding the registration of your used car.
This information sheet is intended to give you an initial overview, but cannot cover all legal topics in full.
- Business Registration:
Before you get started, you must register your business with the relevant trade office. This applies to both main and sideline businesses. You can usually find the trade office at your local town hall or city council.
- Travel Industry License:
Since you’re on the road with a mobile sales van, you’ll usually need what’s known as a traveling trade license. Depending on the municipality, this costs between 150 and 500 euros and is valid nationwide. You must always carry it with you and be able to present it during inspections. Your employees need a certified copy of this license if they have contact with customers.
Why We're the Right Partner for the Food Truck Business
With us, you get more than just a food truck: thanks to our own experience in the food service industry, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from the initial idea to a successful launch. We take a holistic approach to your concept—from kitchen equipment and location selection to cost planning, leasing, and insurance. The result is a perfectly tailored package that makes getting started a breeze.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation about your food truck business!
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- Tax reporting:
After registering your business, the tax office will contact you. You will receive a tax registration questionnaire, which you must complete carefully. Based on the information you provide, the tax office will determine how you have to pay your taxes and what advance payments are due. You will then also receive your tax number.
- Health certificate and hygiene training:
As you work with food, hygiene instruction is mandatory in accordance with the Infection Protection Act. You can obtain this instruction from the public health department. You and your employees must refresh this instruction every two years. The certificates must be available in your food truck.
- Food Safety:
You must create a concept for hazard identification and assessment (HACCP) and keep appropriate records, e.g. temperature measurements or cleaning intervals. You must also regularly instruct your employees on food hygiene issues. These documents should be available in your food truck.
- Special use permit
If you want to set up your food truck on public roads or squares, you often need a special use permit. You can obtain this from the relevant municipal or city administration. Find out about the local regulations in good time.
- Vehicle registration
Your food truck must comply with the road traffic licensing regulations. This means that the vehicle must be in perfect technical condition and have passed all the necessary tests, such as the main inspection (TÜV). It must also be registered as a sales vehicle.
- Insurance:
It is important that you take out suitable insurance for your business. This includes, for example, public liability insurance, which covers damage that could be caused by your business, and contents insurance for your goods and equipment. Find out about suitable offers from insurance companies.
This information sheet is intended to give you an initial overview, but cannot cover all legal topics in full. It is therefore advisable to obtain further information from the relevant authorities and institutions and seek legal advice if necessary.