A handling device for a medical instrument includes a main body with a coupling for releasable mechanical connection to a proximal end of an outer shaft, a first actuation device movable relative to the main body, a second actuation device movable relative to the main body, a first coupling device coupling the first actuation device to a first transfer device for transferring at least a force or a torque, and a second coupling device coupling the second actuation device to a second transfer device for transferring at least a force or a torque. The coupling devices each have a decoupling position, in which the associated actuation device is decoupled from the associated transfer device. The decoupling positions of both coupling devices can only be reached when the outer shaft is not connected to the coupling on the main body in the manner provided for use of the medical instrument.