Franchising in Germany
The German Franchise Association (Deutscher Franchiseverband) has represented the interests of the franchise industry in the economic and political arena since 1978 – both nationally and internationally. As a quality-driven association, it advocates for both franchisors and franchisees while offering a wide range of services, networks, and resources that support the professionalization and continued development of the franchise sector.
Today, more than 400 members are organized within the Association. In addition to franchise systems holding Full or Associate Membership, the network includes experienced experts such as consultants, lawyers, and service providers who contribute valuable expertise and insights.
The economic importance of the franchise sector continues to grow steadily. In 2024, the approximately 890 franchise systems operating in Germany, together with around 148,577 franchise partners and more than 829,736 employees, generated a total turnover of €149.2 billion – with further growth expected. This makes the franchise industry a powerful driver of economic growth and a reliable employer in Germany.