To start a business in Germany, you need to follow a series of steps and regulations. One of the most important things you need to do is get a company registration number (Handelsregisternummer). This number is like your business’s passport.

It tells everyone that your business is legally registered in Germany. With a Handelsregisternummer, you can open a bank account, get a tax ID number, and do other important business things. It’s essential for your company to operate smoothly and legally in Germany.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Handelsregisternummer?
2. Why the Handelsregisternummer is Important
3. Business Entities and Their Registration Requirements
4. Pre requisites
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Handelsregisternummer
6. Reporting Changes to the Handelsregister
7. Using a Company Incorporation Service
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9. Conclusion

What is the Company Registration Number?

The company registration number, also known as the commercial register number or Handelsregisternummer, is an alphanumeric identifier assigned to every company officially registered in the German commercial register (Handelsregister). This unique number serves as a definitive marker of a company’s legal existence and plays a pivotal role in various aspects of business operations.

Why is the Company Registration Number in Germany important?

The significance of a company registration number in Germany can be summarized in three key areas:

1. Legal Legitimacy: The company registration number serves as official proof of a company’s existence and registration in Germany. It acts as a validation stamp, ensuring that the company complies with German business regulations and can engage in commercial activities legally.
2. Recognition and Trustworthiness: The company registration number enhances a company’s credibility and trustworthiness in the German business landscape. It demonstrates that the company has gone through the proper legal procedures and is authorized to conduct business operations.
3. Transparency and Accountability: The company registration number is publicly accessible through the commercial register, ensuring transparency and accountability. This allows stakeholders, potential partners, and customers to verify the company’s legitimacy and make informed decisions.

Business Entities and Their Registration Requirements

The requirement for a company registration number extends to most companies established in Germany, regardless of their size or industry. This includes GmbHs, UGs, and other legal entities.

Nevertheless, not all business entities in Germany require a Handelsregister entry. Specifically, the following types of businesses do not need a Handelsregister entry:

1. Sole proprietorships (Einzelunternehmer): Sole proprietorships are businesses owned and run by a single individual. They do not need a Handelsregister entry because they are not considered separate legal entities from the owner.
2. General partnerships (Offene Handelsgesellschaft, OHG): General partnerships are businesses owned and run by two or more individuals. They do not need a Handelsregister entry unless they choose to opt in.
3. Limited partnerships (Kommanditgesellschaft, KG): Limited partnerships are businesses with two types of partners: general partners and limited partners. Only general partners are required to have a Handelsregister entry.
4. Non-profit organizations (gemeinnützige Organisationen): Non-profit organizations that meet certain criteria are exempt from the requirement to have a Handelsregister entry.
5. Certain small businesses (Kleinunternehmer): Small businesses with an annual turnover of less than €22,000 may be exempt from the requirement to have a Handelsregister entry. However, they are still required to register with the Finanzamt (tax office) and obtain a tax identification number.

It is important to note that the requirements for Handelsregister entries can change, so it is always best to consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance.

Prerequisites to get a Company Registration Number in Germany

Before you can receive your Handelsregisternummer from the HRB or HRA, you need to schedule an appointment with a notary. The notary will advise you and explain the documents you need. In the next step, they will authenticate the documents and forward them to the competent district court.

A notary is mandatory for registration in the Commercial Register. It is not possible to do it alone. Depending on the legal form, the confirmation and issuance of the Handelsregisternummer takes up to eight weeks.

The initial registration in the Commercial Register costs between 70 and 360 euros, depending on the legal form of the company. You can find a complete overview of the costs in the Commercial Register Fees Ordinance. Costs are also incurred for all changes or subsequent deletions. The notary also charges a fee, which is also based on the legal form and the business value of the company.

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Commercial register extracts are free of charge

Since the law to implement the Digitalization Directive came into force on August 1, 2022, all requests for commercial register extracts are free of charge. Previously, a small fee was required for individual requests.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Handelsregisternummer

Here are the detailed steps for registering with the Commercial Register in Germany:

Obtaining a company registration number in Germany involves a structured process that ensures compliance with legal requirements and proper identification of the company. The steps involved include:

1. Choosing a Company Name: The first step is to select a unique and appropriate company name that is not already registered in the commercial register.
2. Preparing the Articles of Association: The articles of association, or Gesellschaftsvertrag, are foundational documents outlining the company’s structure, ownership, management, and other essential details.
3. Appointment of a Notary: A notary verifies the authenticity of the articles of association and the signatures of the company founders.
4. Submission of Registration Documents: The notarized articles of association, along with other required documents, are submitted to the local commercial register (Handelsregister).
5. Registration and Issue of the Company Registration Number: Upon successful registration, the commercial register will issue the company registration number and a certificate of incorporation.

Using a Company Incorporation Service for Smoother Registration

A company incorporation service like Clevver can significantly streamline the process of obtaining a company registration number in Germany. These services provide expert guidance, handle the complexities of legal paperwork, and ensure compliance with German business regulations.

Clevver, Your Trusted Partner for German Company Incorporations

Clevver, a leading provider of company incorporation services, offers a comprehensive range of solutions to assist businesses in establishing themselves in Germany.

From Company incorporations in Germany to virtual office services and digital mailboxes, our experts will guide you through each process with ease.

Get in touch with our Team

In case of any changes, do I need to report them to the german Commercial Register?

Yes, as a registered company in Germany, you are required to report any changes to your company information to the commercial register (Handelsregister) within one month of the change occurring. This includes changes such as:

• Company name: If you change your company’s name, you must notify the commercial register within one month.
• Company structure: If you change your company’s structure, such as merging with another company or converting to a different legal form, you must notify the commercial register within one month.
• Company ownership: If you change the ownership of your company, you must notify the commercial register within one month.
• Company management: If you change the management of your company, you must notify the commercial register within one month.
• Company address: If you change your company’s address, you must notify the commercial register within one month.

Failure to notify the commercial register of any changes to your company information could result in fines or penalties. It is therefore important to keep your company information up to date and to notify the commercial register of any changes as soon as they occur.

Here is a table summarizing the changes that you must report to the commercial register:

Change	Timeframe for Notification
Company name	One month
Company structure	One month
Company ownership	One month
Company management	One month
Company address	One month

If you are unsure whether or not you need to notify the commercial register of a particular change, you can always contact the commercial register directly for advice.

How does the German Company Registration number looks like?

The format of the Handelsregisternummer varies depending on the type of company. For GmbHs (limited liability companies), the Handelsregisternummer is typically in the format HRA 12345, where HRA stands for “Handelsregister Amtsgericht” and the numbers represent the company’s registry number.

For UGs (micro-enterprises), the Handelsregisternummer is typically in the format HRB 12345, where HRB stands for “Handelsregister Beurkundung” and the numbers represent the company’s registry number.

Other types of companies may have different formats for their Handelsregisternummers. However, they all serve the same purpose: to uniquely identify the company and provide evidence of its legal existence in Germany.

Is the Handelsregisternummer the same as the Steuernummer?

No, the Handelsregisternummer and Steuernummer are different. The Handelsregisternummer is used to identify a company and provide information about its business activities. The Steuernummer is used by the tax authorities to identify taxable persons and companies.

Conclusion

The company registration number serves as a cornerstone of a company’s legal existence and operational efficiency in Germany. It provides legitimacy, enhances trustworthiness, and facilitates transparency.

Obtaining a company registration number is a crucial step for businesses seeking to establish a strong footing in the German business landscape. Clevver, with its expertise and comprehensive services, can be your trusted partner in navigating the German business landscape and securing your company’s registration number.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Handelsregisternummer?

The Handelsregisternummer is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to companies officially registered in Germany’s commercial register. It serves as proof of the company’s legal existence and is essential for conducting business activities in Germany.

2. Who needs a Handelsregisternummer in Germany?

Most companies established in Germany, such as GmbHs (limited liability companies) and UGs (micro-enterprises), require a Handelsregisternummer. However, sole proprietorships, certain partnerships, and small businesses with low turnover may be exempt.

3. How do I obtain a Handelsregisternummer?

To obtain a Handelsregisternummer, you must first select a company name, prepare the necessary documents (like the articles of association), and then have a notary authenticate these documents. The notary will submit them to the local commercial register, which will issue the Handelsregisternummer.

4. How long does it take to get a Handelsregisternummer?

The process of obtaining a Handelsregisternummer typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the efficiency of the notary and the commercial register.

5. What are the costs associated with obtaining a Handelsregisternummer?

The initial registration costs range between 70 and 360 euros, depending on the legal form of the company. Additional fees for the notary’s services and any subsequent changes or deletions are also applicable.

6. Do sole proprietorships need a Handelsregisternummer?

No, sole proprietorships (Einzelunternehmer) do not require a Handelsregisternummer unless they choose to voluntarily register in the commercial register.

7. Can I change my Handelsregisternummer?

No, the Handelsregisternummer is a permanent identifier for your company and cannot be changed. However, if your company undergoes significant changes (e.g., mergers or changes in legal form), a new registration and Handelsregisternummer may be required.

8. Is the Handelsregisternummer the same as the tax number (Steuernummer)?

No, the Handelsregisternummer and Steuernummer are different. The Handelsregisternummer identifies your company in the commercial register, while the Steuernummer is used by the tax authorities to identify taxable persons and entities.

9. What changes must be reported to the Handelsregister?

Any changes to your company’s name, structure, ownership, management, or address must be reported to the Handelsregister within one month of the change.

10. What happens if I don’t report changes to the Handelsregister?

Failure to report changes to the Handelsregister within the required timeframe can result in fines or penalties. It’s important to keep your company information up-to-date to avoid legal complications.

11. What is the difference between HRB and HRA in the Handelsregisternummer?

HRB (Handelsregister Beurkundung) is used for corporations such as GmbHs and UGs, while HRA (Handelsregister Amtsgericht) is used for partnerships and sole proprietorships.

12. Do non-profit organizations need a Handelsregisternummer?

Non-profit organizations in Germany are typically exempt from needing a Handelsregisternummer, provided they meet certain criteria.

13. Can I obtain a Handelsregisternummer online?

No, you cannot obtain a Handelsregisternummer entirely online. The process involves physical documentation and verification by a notary, who then submits the documents to the commercial register.

14. How can I verify a company’s Handelsregisternummer?

You can verify a company’s Handelsregisternummer by accessing the public commercial register database online, which provides information about registered companies in Germany.

15. What are the legal implications of operating without a Handelsregisternummer?

Operating a business that requires a Handelsregisternummer without obtaining one is illegal and can lead to fines, legal action, and the inability to conduct business operations legally in Germany.