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Stonemason Trade License (Steinmetzmeister)
GewO §94 Z.65
Verified: April 2026
Key Facts
- Type: Regulated trade (Handwerk)
- Qualification: Master exam (Meisterpruefung)
- Registration cost: Free (€0)
- Exam fees: Covered by government since July 2023
- Start immediately: Yes, upon registration
- Growth area: CNC stone cutting and restoration work
What This Trade Covers
- Cutting, shaping, and polishing of natural stone (marble, granite, sandstone, limestone)
- Production and installation of gravestones and memorial monuments
- Stone cladding for building facades, floors, and staircases
- Kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities in natural stone
- CNC-controlled stone processing and precision cutting
- Restoration of historic stone structures and monuments
- Lettering, engraving, and ornamental stone carving
Gravestone regulations
Gravestone installation must comply with local cemetery regulations (Friedhofsordnung)
issued by the municipality or church authority. Foundation depth, maximum dimensions,
and permitted materials vary by cemetery. Always check the specific Friedhofsordnung
before quoting a gravestone project.
CNC Stone Technology
Modern stonemason workshops increasingly use CNC machinery for precision cutting, engraving, and 3D shaping. Investment in CNC equipment is substantial but opens up architectural and industrial stone processing that manual methods cannot match. The master exam now includes CNC-related theory questions.
Qualification Alternatives
- Master exam (Meisterpruefung) for stonemasons
- HTL diploma in a relevant technical field + practical experience
- Individual assessment (§19 GewO) with proof of extensive professional experience
- Qualified manager (§39 GewO) who holds the required qualification
Related Guides
Vollstaendige deutsche Version →
Legally binding: German text of GewO 1994.