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Retail opening hours (store opening hours)

Sales outlets in Hamburg, which include shops and supermarkets, are generally allowed to be open from Monday to Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and midnight.

Under certain conditions you can apply for an exemption.

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Detailed description

Retail stores in Hamburg are generally allowed to remain open without restrictions on weekdays. Customers who are still present at closing time may still be served.

On Sundays and public holidays, all types of sales outlets must be closed for business transactions with customers.

The most important exceptions to store opening hours in Hamburg primarily concern Sundays and public holidays, as well as Sunday shopping. Here are some of the main exceptions:

Sundays and public holidays: Generally, most shops in Hamburg are closed on Sundays and public holidays. However, there are exceptions for certain sectors, such as pharmacies, gas stations, flower shops, bakeries, and kiosks, which are permitted to open under certain conditions.

Sunday shopping: Authorities may authorize Sunday shopping, on which shops may be open in certain parts of the city or for special occasions such as events or festivals. These Sundays are usually determined and published in advance.

Tourist areas: In some tourist areas, such as Hamburg's city center, store opening hours may deviate from regular opening hours. This is to meet the needs of tourists and increase the attractiveness of the district.

 

Information

Prerequisites

If you need an exception to store opening hours, you must meet certain requirements, such as

  • belong to a particular industry
  • are located in the catchment area of a specific event with Sunday shopping
  • located in a tourist area.

Documents required

  • Identity card or passport with last registration certificate
  • Exceptions to shop closing time: written justification including event concept with expected visitor numbers

Please note

Retail outlets may be open for a maximum of four Sundays per year for special events. Store openings may only be permitted by regulation in connection with a special event, usually an event, and in close proximity to it. District-wide Sunday shopping is no longer permitted. The organizer must submit an event concept with the expected visitor numbers. In view of current case law, store openings by regulation are only permitted if the number of expected event attendees exceeds the number of customers normally expected at the retail outlets.
Four event themes are favored:

  • Sports and health,
  • Inclusion and integration,
  • Children, youth and family as well as
  • Culture.

Public holidays within the meaning of the Hamburg Shop Opening Act are New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, May 1, German Unity Day (October 3), Reformation Day (October 31), and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 and 26). If December 24 falls on a working day, all types of retail outlets may only open for business with customers until 2 p.m.

Deadlines



You need permission from the responsible authority before you can deviate from the regulated shop opening hours.

Procedure

  • You can apply for an exemption from store opening hours from the responsible authority.
  • To do so, submit an application with the required documents and sufficient justification for the exception to the competent authority.
  • The responsible office will review your request and your documents. If necessary, they will request additional documents or information from you.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your request.
  • You will receive a notice from the responsible authority.

Processing time



Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Fees



no

Legal remedies


  • Objection within one month of receipt of the decision

Legal basis

Hamburg law regulating shop opening hours (Shop Opening Hours Act)

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Last updated: 28.04.2025