If you run a bus company and want to offer occasional transport services in member states of the European Union (EU), you need an EU Community license. You also need this if you want to travel through other EU countries to reach a destination outside the EU.
Occasional transport includes:
- Excursion trips
- Holiday trips
- Trips with rental buses
These trips are carried out with motor vehicles that are designed and equipped to carry more than 9 people, including the driver.
The EU Community license also entitles you to provide transport services in EU member states. This so-called cabotage allows you to offer transport services where the point of departure and destination are in the same EU country.
You can only apply for an EU Community license if you already have a license to transport passengers 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 you register vehicles. Each vehicle must carry a certified copy with it when traveling.
The EU Community license can be revoked temporarily or permanently, for example:
- for traffic violations
- for violations of driving and rest times
- when performing other, unauthorized transport services
- if the conditions of the application are no longer met
You can submit your application online to the state capital of Mainz.