English
Locksmith (Schlosser)
GewO §94 Z.59
Verified: April 2026
The word you are searching for is not in the statute Schlosser appears nowhere in the
Gewerbeordnung — it is the everyday term, not the legal one. The
regulated trade is Metalltechnik, § 94 Z 59, a
combined trade covering metal and machine construction, smithing and vehicle
construction, and agricultural and construction machinery.
This page answers what a locksmith may and may not do. The trade page itself — qualification, exam, costs, registration — is Metalworker (Metalltechnik).
This page answers what a locksmith may and may not do. The trade page itself — qualification, exam, costs, registration — is Metalworker (Metalltechnik).
Key Facts
- Type: Regulated trade (Handwerk)
- Qualification: Master exam (Meisterpruefung)
- Registration cost: Free (€0)
- Exam fees: Covered by government since July 2023
- Start immediately: Yes, upon registration
- Scope: Metal construction, locks, welding, security hardware
What Does This Trade Cover?
The Schlosser trade covers a wide range of metalworking activities:
- Lock installation, repair, and emergency opening
- Metal construction (gates, railings, fences, balconies)
- Welding work (MIG, MAG, TIG, electrode)
- Security hardware installation (safes, security doors)
- Metal repair and restoration
Where this licence stops
The Schlosser handles physical metalwork and lock hardware. Electronic security
systems are not covered by it. Alarm systems belong to
electrical engineering (Elektrotechnik, § 94 no. 16) —
§ 106 (1) no. 3 GewO names them expressly, fire alarm systems too.
For video surveillance and access control we have not verified the
answer; ask the district administrative authority. What certainly does not cover any
of it: there is no trade called „Sicherheitstechnik“, and § 94
no. 61 (Sicherheitsfachkraft) is occupational safety, not building
security.
Qualification Alternatives
- Master exam (Meisterpruefung) for locksmiths
- HTL diploma in metalworking/mechanical engineering + experience
- Individual assessment (§19 GewO) based on work experience
- Qualified manager (§39 GewO) who holds the qualification
Welding Certification
Structural steel work
For load-bearing steel constructions, additional EN 1090 certification may be required.
This is separate from the trade license and involves regular factory audits.
Vollstaendige deutsche Version →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need EN 1090 certification as a locksmith?
Only for structural steel work on load-bearing constructions. Standard lock and metal work does not require EN 1090.
Is emergency locksmith service profitable?
Yes, 24/7 emergency lockout service has high margins and immediate customer demand, especially in cities.
Legally binding: German text of GewO 1994.