Request a commercial register extract without authentication

Here you can find out how to obtain a printout from the commercial register.

Detailed description

The commercial register is a public directory that contains 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
  • Name, place of residence and date of birth (natural persons), or company name, registered office and registry (legal persons) of personally liable partners.
  • Name, place of residence and date of birth (natural persons), or company name, registered office and registry (legal entities), as well as the liability amount of the limited partner.
  • 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 and AG), partnerships (OHG, KG) or sole traders
  • regarding facts and legal relationships that are important in business.

You can request a simple printout from the commercial register without authentication.


You generally only need the simple printout for informational purposes. It does not have the same legally binding evidentiary value as an officially certified printout.

 

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.

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 require an officially certified copy from the commercial register, you can also request one.


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 are requesting a simple extract from the commercial register.
  • The responsible authority will review your application and make a decision.
  • You will receive a simple copy or printout as well as a fee notice.
  • They pay the fees.

Processing time

no

Fees

If you need a simple printout without authentication:


  • Required in paper form: 10.00 euros

  • Required in electronic form: 5.00 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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Keywords: Commercial register information online Online association register information Online cooperative register information Online partnership register information

Last updated: 06.02.2026