How to get a Handelsregisterauszug (Germany company extract)
Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.
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How do I get an official company extract in Germany?
An official Germany Handelsregisterauszug is issued by Handelsregister at https://www.handelsregister.de. Free public search covers most verification needs; a paid certified Handelsregisterauszug is normally only required for banking, tenders, court filings or notarised transactions.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm the entity first
Search by name or registration number and confirm you have the right legal entity before paying for anything.
- 2
Decide whether you need a certified copy
For internal due diligence, the free public record is usually sufficient. Certified extracts are for banks, tender submissions, courts and notaries.
- 3
Request the extract from Handelsregister
Extracts are issued by the register itself at https://www.handelsregister.de. Third parties cannot issue a certified document.
https://www.handelsregister.de - 4
Check the issue date
Most counterparties require an extract issued within the last three months, so request it close to when you need to submit it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a paid extract to verify a Germany company?
Usually not. The free public record from Handelsregister confirms legal name, registration number, status and registered address. A certified extract is only needed when a bank, court or tender explicitly requires one.
What does a Germany company extract contain?
Typically the legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, entity type and current status — the same core fields visible in the free record, but issued as an official document.
Can a third-party site issue an official extract?
No. Only Handelsregister can issue a certified extract for Germany. Third-party tools help you find and monitor the record, not certify it.
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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Germany data
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- Handelsregister guide
Handelsregister der Bundesrepublik Deutschland