Request an extract from the commercial register
An introduction to requesting an extract from the commercial register. What is an extract from the commercial register? What does an extract from the commercial register contain? What do you need an extract from the commercial register for? What types are there? We will give you answers to your questions.
The commercial register extract- an introduction
An extract from the commercial register is an official document that contains important information about a company entered in the commercial register. The commercial register is a public register that is kept by the respective local courts and in which merchants and commercial companies based in the relevant court district are entered. The extract provides information about the basic and legally relevant data of a company, such as the name of the company, its legal form, registered office, owners or managing directors and the share capital.
What is a commercial register extract?
The extract from the commercial register is a fundamental document for business transactions in Germany. It provides an official overview of the key data of a company entered in the commercial register. The commercial register itself is a public register that is kept at the local courts and serves to ensure legal certainty in trade by providing transparency.
What information does an extract from the commercial register contain?
An extract from the commercial register contains a wealth of information about the registered company, including the company name, legal form, registered office of the company, object of the company, amount of share capital, details of managing directors, board members or personally liable partners as well as special legal relationships such as procuration.
What types of commercial register extracts are there?
- Current extract from the commercial register: Shows the current status of the entries.
- Chronological extract from the commercial register: Lists all entries since the company was founded in chronological order.
- Historical extract from the commercial register: Provides information on deleted entries or historical data that is no longer in the current register.
Who issues an extract from the commercial register?
Extracts from the commercial register are issued by the local courts where the commercial register is kept. They can be accessed via the joint register portal of the federal states or directly at the local courts.
Why do I need an extract from the commercial register?
Commercial register extracts are required for a variety of purposes, including:
- Opening a bank account for the company
- Proof of authorization to represent the company when concluding contracts
- Submission to the tax office or when applying for subsidies
- Participation in public tenders
How do I apply for an extract from the commercial register?
The application for an extract from the commercial register can be made online via the joint register portal of the federal states or directly at the local court where the company is registered. You can choose between electronic and paper-based statements.
What are the costs for an extract from the commercial register?
The cost of a commercial register excerpt can vary depending on whether a current excerpt or a chronological excerpt is requested and whether it is required electronically or in paper form. The fees are set out in the cost regulations for the commercial register.
Conclusion
An extract from the commercial register is an indispensable document for companies and merchants in Germany that promotes transparency and security in business transactions. By providing detailed information on the legal and economic circumstances of companies, it supports decision-making by financial institutions, business partners and authorities.