Search the business registry

    Germany business registry search

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in Germany

    3 free lookups per day. No sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: Handelsregister

    How do I search the business registry in Germany?

    The Germany business registry is operated by Handelsregister. It covers GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung). Search by business name to find the registered entity behind a trading name — free, no signup.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      Handelsregister records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      Germany recognises GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung). Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open HandelsregisterAll Germany records

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the Germany business registry cover?

    Handelsregister records GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung). Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the Germany business registry by trading name?

    Yes, and that is usually the practical starting point. The registry will link the name to the registered legal entity where the two differ.

    Is a business registry search free in Germany?

    Yes. Name search and the public entry on Handelsregister are free. Only certified documents are chargeable.

    What if a Germany business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    How do I search the German company register?

    The Handelsregister is searchable online at handelsregister.de. You can search by company name, registration number, or registered location. Basic searches are free, but accessing full documents may require a fee.

    People also ask about search the business registry in Germany

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the Germany company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Handelsregister are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official Germany business registry?

    The Handelsregister is the official public register of companies incorporated in Germany. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.handelsregister.de.

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