Look up a company by number

    HRB number search (Germany)

    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 look up a company by its registration number in Germany?

    Enter the HRB to look up a Germany company directly on Handelsregister. Unlike a name search, an HRB returns exactly one entity, which is why it is the identifier to use for KYC, invoicing and contract checks.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Find the HRB on the paperwork

      The HRB normally appears on invoices, contracts, the website footer or official correspondence. It is the number counterparties are required to quote.

    2. 2

      Search the HRB

      Enter the number exactly as printed. Punctuation and spacing vary between documents — strip them if the search returns nothing.

    3. 3

      Confirm the returned entity

      Check the legal name on the returned record matches the name on your paperwork. A mismatch between quoted number and quoted name is a serious warning sign.

    4. 4

      Verify at Handelsregister

      For anything contractual, confirm the number against the primary source at https://www.handelsregister.de.

      https://www.handelsregister.de
    Open HandelsregisterAll Germany records

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a HRB in Germany?

    It is the identifier Handelsregister assigns to a registered entity. It stays with the entity even if the trading name changes, which makes it the reliable way to track a company over time.

    Is a HRB lookup free?

    Yes. Looking up a company by HRB on Handelsregister is free and requires no account.

    What if the HRB returns no result?

    Re-enter it without spaces or punctuation first. If it still returns nothing, the number may be mistyped, belong to a different country's register, or not exist — ask the counterparty to confirm it in writing.

    Should I use the HRB or the company name?

    The HRB. Names are duplicated across entities within a group; the number is unique to one entity.

    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 look up a company by its registration number 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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