If you operate a bus company and wish to offer occasional transport services in member states of the European Union (EU), you need an EU Community License. You also need this license if you wish to travel through other EU member states to reach a destination outside the EU.
Occasional transport includes:
- Excursion trips
- Vacation trips
- Trips with rental buses
These trips are carried out using motor vehicles that, by their design and equipment, are suitable and intended for the transport of more than 9 people, including the driver.
The EU Community License also entitles you to provide transportation services in EU member states. This so-called cabotage allows you to offer transportation services where both the point of departure and the destination are located within the same EU member state.
You can only apply for an EU Community License if you already hold a permit for passenger transport by bus in Germany.
The EU Community License is issued to your company and is non-transferable. It is valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed thereafter.
You can apply for the license for multiple vehicles. You will receive one original license and as many certified copies as the number of vehicles you register. Each vehicle must carry one certified copy while in operation.
The EU Community License may be revoked temporarily or permanently, for example:
- in the event of traffic violations
- for violations of driving and rest periods
- for providing other, unauthorized transportation services
- if the conditions of the application are no longer met
You can submit your application online to the state capital of Mainz.