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Apply for a specific open authorisation for the regular temporary export of cultural property to third countries
As the owner or lawful possessor of a particular cultural object, you may apply for a specific open authorisation for the export of cultural objects to third countries. This is advisable if you wish to export the cultural object regularly and temporarily from Germany to one or more third countries. Third countries are those countries that are not part of the European Union (EU).
Export is considered ‘regular’ if the cultural object is to be exported to one or more third countries on several occasions within a specific period.
An export is considered ‘temporary’ if it takes place for a maximum of 5 years.
Examples of cultural property include:
- Works of art
- Archaeological objects
- Archival material, manuscripts
- Antiques, such as furniture, musical instruments or jewellery
The objects classified as cultural goods are listed in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 116/2009 and on the website of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
The financial value of the cultural object is determined either by the price paid during a purchase or sale within the last three years, or by a verifiable valuation of its value at the time of application within Germany.
You must provide evidence of the cultural object’s provenance. Suitable evidence may include, for example:
- Evidence of purchase or other acquisition, such as
- sales contracts
- invoices
- Wills
- proof of insurance
- Extracts from auction and exhibition catalogues
- old photographs showing the work
You can apply for the specific open authorisation from the competent authority in the federal state where the cultural object is located.
Responsible authority
Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg
Details
Prerequisite
- You are the owner or the lawful possessor.
- You guarantee that the cultural object will be re-imported undamaged and in good time.
- You have submitted the necessary documentation.
Procedure
You can apply for a licence for the temporary export of cultural property in writing, online or via a hybrid application process.
If you wish to apply for an export licence in writing:
- Download the relevant PDF form and complete it.
- Print the PDF form once, single-sided.
- The PDF contains three copies of the application for an export licence.
- All copies must be completed accordingly.
- Enclose the necessary supporting documents with the copies.
- Sign and stamp the copies in the designated places, where applicable.
- Post all copies and the relevant supporting documents to the competent authority. The competent authority will examine your application and decide whether to grant the export licence.
- If the decision is favourable, two copies will be endorsed with the licence and returned to you.
- Both copies must be submitted to the relevant export customs office together with the export declaration.
- The export customs office will confirm on both copies that it has verified the export licence and will return the first copy to you. The export customs office will retain the second copy and return it to the competent authority that issued the licence.
- If your application is rejected, you will receive a written decision stating the reasons and information on your right of appeal.
If you wish to apply for an export licence online:
- Access the online service.
- Log in using your BundID account as a natural person or via ‘My Business Account’ as an organisation.
- Complete the online form and attach the required supporting documents.
- Submit the online form.
- Save the submission confirmation provided for your records.
- The remaining steps in the procedure are the same as for the written procedure.
- It is not yet possible to receive a decision online.
If you wish to apply for an export licence via the hybrid procedure:
- Access the online service.
- When asked to select an identification method, click ‘Continue’ under ‘Without registration’.
- Complete the online form and submit it.
- Print the resulting PDF form once, single-sided and in colour.
- The PDF contains three copies of the application for an export licence.
- Attach any missing supporting documents to all copies.
- Sign and stamp the copies in the designated places, if necessary.
- Post both copies and the relevant supporting documents to the competent authority.
- The remaining steps in the procedure are the same as for the written procedure.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- At least one photograph of the cultural object to be exported, measuring 9 x 12 cm
- Proof of provenance
- Optional:
- List
- Catalogue
- Bibliography
- Valuation and other documentation
Costs
none
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Durchführungsverordnung (EU) Nr. 1081/2012 der Kommission vom 09. November 2012 zu der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 116/2009 des Rates über die Ausfuhr von Kulturgütern
Verordnung (EG) Nr. 116/2009 des Rates vom 18. Dezember 2008 über die Ausfuhr von Kulturgütern
Gesetz zum Schutz von Kulturgut (Kulturschutzgesetz - KGSG):
- § 24 Genehmigungspflichtige Ausfuhr von Kulturgut; Verordnungsermächtigung
- § 26 Spezifische offene Genehmigung
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Wissenschaftsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 11.06.2026
