Get an official company extract

    How to get a Handelsregisterauszug (Germany company extract)

    Source-cited registry guidance — access and document fees vary by source.

    Search Company Records in Germany

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    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamContent reviewed June 2026Primary source: Handelsregister

    How do I get an official company extract in Germany?

    Start with Handelsregister at https://www.handelsregister.de to identify the entity and available Handelsregisterauszug. An ordinary extract, historical filing and certified copy are different documents. Check the recipient's requirements and official access conditions before ordering. A LemReveal PDF is not a government-certified extract.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Confirm the entity first

      Search by name or registration number and confirm you have the right legal entity before paying for anything.

    2. 2

      Choose the evidence required

      Ask the recipient whether it needs an ordinary extract, historical filing, certified copy, translation or legalisation. A free summary is not automatically sufficient.

    3. 3

      Follow the official document route

      Use https://www.handelsregister.de to find the issuing authority or authorised service and its current fees. Check what the document actually certifies.

      https://www.handelsregister.de
    4. 4

      Check the issue date

      Ask what issue date the recipient accepts; there is no universal three-month validity period. Retain the issue date, retrieval date and source.

    Open HandelsregisterAll Germany records

    Germany: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Use the Handelsregister for the registered legal entity and its filings. Match the register category, register number and responsible court; a company-name search by itself can return branches and similarly named entities.
    Confirm the entity
    Keep the court alongside an HRB or HRA number. Read the German legal form and representation provisions on the record rather than translating every representative into a director or owner.

    Official register-information access guidance

    Check current access and document options on the official Handelsregister site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the Germany registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need a paid extract to verify a Germany company?

    Compare available public information with official document options and the recipient's requirements. Free lookup does not guarantee complete or certified evidence.

    What does a Germany company extract contain?

    Contents vary by document. Check whether it covers current identity, officers, representation or historical filings. A registration certificate does not necessarily describe today's appointments.

    Is a LemReveal PDF an official extract?

    No. It is a third-party research record. Obtain an official or certified document through the relevant authority or authorised service when required.

    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 get an official company extract 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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