Applying for a permit for the permanent export of cultural property to a third country

Service Procedure Costs and deadlines

Procedure

You can apply for a permit for the permanent export of cultural property to a third country by post, online or hybrid.

If you wish to apply for the export license in writing:

Download the corresponding PDF form.
The PDF contains 3 copies of the export license application.
All 3 copies must be completed.
Print out the PDF once.
Attach the necessary supporting documents to all copies.
The competent authority will check your application and decide whether to issue the export license. The competent authority keeps one copy for its files.
If the decision is positive, 2 copies will be provided with the license and sent back to you.
Both copies must be submitted to the competent customs office of export together with the export declaration.
The customs office of export confirms on both copies that it has inspected the export license and returns the first copy to you. The customs office of export keeps the second copy and returns it to the competent authority that issued the license.
If the decision on your application is negative, you will receive a written decision with reasons and information on legal remedies.

If you wish to apply for the export license online:

Call up the online service.
Authenticate yourself with your BundID account (natural persons) or via My Company Account (organizations).
Complete the online form and attach the required attachments.
Submit the online form.
Save the confirmation of submission provided for verification purposes.
The remaining procedural steps are the same as the written procedure.
An online decision is not yet possible.

If you wish to apply for the export license in hybrid form:

Call up the online service.
When you are asked for the identification method, click on "Without registration" and "Continue".
Complete the online form.
Submit the online form.
The PDF contains 3 copies of the export license application.
Print out the resulting PDF form once on one side in color.
Attach the missing documents to the copies.
If necessary, sign and stamp the copies in the specified places.
Send all 3 copies and the corresponding supporting documents by post to the competent authority.
The remaining procedural steps correspond to the written procedure.

You also need an export license for the permanent export of cultural goods to member states of the European Union (EU).

Legal remedy:

Objection or, if the administrative act has been issued by a supreme state authority, an action for annulment or an action to compel.
Further information can be found in the information on legal remedies of the respective administrative act in the specific individual case.