Hamburg District Court, register matters

Request an officially certified copy from the commercial register

Here you can find out how to obtain an officially certified copy from the commercial register.

Detailed description

The commercial register is a public directory containing essential information about the legal status of registered merchants and companies in Germany.


The following data will be entered in the commercial register:

  • Company name
  • Domestic address of the company headquarters and, where applicable, of branch offices
  • Business purpose
  • Amount of share capital/equity capital (for corporations)
  • Representation rules (management and power of attorney)
  • Names, places of residence and dates of birth of the managing directors
  • Names, places of residence and dates of birth of the authorized signatories
  • Names, places of residence and dates of birth of the personally liable partners (natural persons) or company name, registered office and registration details (legal entities)
  • Name, place of residence, date of birth (natural persons) or company name, registered office and registration details (legal entities) as well as the liability amount of limited partners
  • Legal form, and, if applicable, limitation of liability
  • Day of first registration
  • Number of entries
  • Other legal relationships, such as past name changes and insolvency proceedings

You will receive information

  • via corporations (GmbH, UG, AG), partnerships (OHG, KG) or sole traders
  • regarding facts and legal relationships that are important in business.

You can request an officially certified copy from the commercial register.


The officially certified copy contains the same information as the simple copy, but is officially confirmed by the registry court with a seal/stamp and signature.


It is considered a public document with full evidentiary value towards others, for example authorities, banks, notaries, courts.


It is often required in formal procedures, such as when founding a company, concluding contracts, or abroad.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • The commercial register is public and can be viewed by anyone.
  • The person or company in question has an entry in the commercial register.

Documents required

In your application, please specify for which person or company you are requesting the printout.

Please note

If you need a printout from the commercial register, you can choose between different formats. All contain information about a company, but differ in their presentation:

  • A current printout shows you the present status. It only includes the currently valid data, such as the current managing directors or the current company headquarters. Previous changes are not listed.
  • A chronological printout shows you the order of the changes. You can track what has changed since the initial registration – such as previous managing directors, old company names, or former business locations.

For simple proof or current information, a current printout is often sufficient.


If you want to trace the development of a company, a chronological format makes sense.


If there is no entry for the person or company in the commercial register, you can apply for a so-called negative certificate.


If you need a simple printout from the commercial register without authentication, you can also request this.



The local court does not provide legal advice. Please contact law firms or notaries authorized to provide legal advice.


The Public Legal Information Office (ÖRA) offers affordable legal advice for people with low incomes.

Deadlines

no

Procedure

  • You must submit a written request for an officially certified copy from the commercial register.
  • The responsible authority will review your application and make a decision.
  • You will receive the certified copy or official printout as well as a fee notice.
  • They pay the fees.

Processing time

no

Fees

If you need an officially certified copy:


  • In paper form: 20.00 euros

  • In electronic form: 10.00 euros

Legal remedies

Complaint

Legal basis

Section 9 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/__9.html




Section 30a of the Commercial Register Ordinance (HRV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hdlregvfg/__30a.html

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Last updated: 15.02.2026