14.11.2025: Postponement of the foundation register

Postponement of the foundation register – latest information

The introduction of the new nationwide foundation register has been delayed. The register was originally scheduled to go live on 1 January 2026. However, the Federal Ministry of Justice has now announced that the launch date will be postponed because technical and organisational preparations are taking longer than planned.

Background: What is the register of foundations?

The foundation register is the first central, publicly accessible register for foundations under civil law with legal capacity. Similar to the commercial and association registers, it is intended to ensure transparency and increase legal certainty.
The key functions include:

• Publication of key foundation data
• Introduction of a foundation register sheet
• Assignment of an electronic registration number
• Option to access register extracts digitally

Once the register is introduced, foundations will be required to submit certain information electronically and keep it up to date.

Reasons for the delay

The postponement is primarily due to the high technical costs involved in implementing a modern, digitally managed register. These include:

• Development of IT systems
• Coordination between the federal government and the states
• Establishment of secure data transmission channels
• Preparation of the registration authorities

Only when these processes have been reliably implemented can the register begin live operation.

Impact on foundations

For existing foundations, the delay means one thing above all else: more time to prepare for the new requirements. The transition periods already planned will be adjusted to the new start date.
Until the register is introduced, the current legal situation will remain in place – in particular, the provisions of the respective state foundation laws will continue to apply.

How you can prepare yourself

Even if the foundation register starts later, it is advisable to do so now:

1. to review the statutes for compatibility with the foundation law reform,
2. update internal processes for reporting organ members,
3. collect the necessary documents in a clear manner,
4. to contact your solicitor or legal adviser at an early stage.

We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the reform of foundation law, preparing for registration requirements and ensuring that your foundation complies with the law.

Our conclusion

The postponement of the nationwide foundation register gives foundations a little more time to make the transition. At the same time, it shows how important the technical and legal quality of the register is. We will of course inform you as soon as the new start date has been set.

17.07.2025: Draft bill for the digital execution of real estate transactions
Federal Ministry of Justice publishes draft bill on the digitization of notarial procedures

On July 9, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection presented the draft bill for a law on the digitization of the execution of real estate contracts, court approvals of notarial legal transactions, and tax notifications by notaries. This marks another decisive step in the eNoVA (electronic notary administration exchange) digitization project.

More efficient handling of real estate transactions

Until now, communication between notary offices, courts, and authorities after the conclusion of a real estate purchase agreement has mainly been by mail. In the future, this exchange will take place entirely digitally—faster, more efficiently, and with the same high level of security.

Digital transmission via EGVP and ELSTER

The draft stipulates that notifications, applications, and approvals will in future be transmitted in structured electronic form between notary offices, courts, and authorities. Communication with courts and administrative authorities will take place via the electronic court and administration mailbox (EGVP), while the ELSTER system will be used for exchanges with the tax authorities.

Technical implementation by the Federal Chamber of Notaries

The Federal Chamber of Notaries provides notaries with the necessary technical infrastructure. Since last year, it has been possible to send notifications to expert committees electronically. Currently, the digital notice of sale is being developed and tested.

Gradual introduction

Digitization is being implemented step by step:

• With the law coming into force, electronic communication between notaries and courts, as well as transmission to expert committees and financial administrations, will become mandatory.
• Further digital procedures with the tax authorities will follow at a later date. By January 1, 2028, at the latest, clearance certificates are also to be issued electronically.
• Tax returns under the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act will be included as soon as the technical requirements are met.
• Requests for preemptive rights and other notifications under the BauGB, GrdStVG, and GVO must be submitted digitally by January 1, 2027, at the latest.

Positive assessment by the German Federal Chamber of Notaries

The Federal Chamber of Notaries expressly welcomes the swift resumption of the legislative process. This draft paves the way for modern, fully digital processing of notarial activities—a significant step forward for citizens, the real estate industry, and the economy as a whole.

16.07.2025: Introduction of electronic attendance certification
The German federal government today passed a law introducing electronic notarization. Following the establishment of the electronic document archive and online notarial procedures, this marks another important step toward the digitization of the notarial profession. In the future, documents can be created directly in the notary's office in electronic form—for example, by using a signature pad.

12.05.2025: New website of the Federal Chamber of Notaries on the subject of ‘signature verification’
In order to promote the use of electronically certified copies and to make it easier for the public to use qualified electronic signatures, the Federal Chamber of Notaries provides a signature verification application. The browser-based application offers you, in particular, a low-threshold option for verifying the authenticity and integrity of your electronically certified copies of documents. It is free to use and accessible to everyone. You can find the website of the Federal Chamber of Notaries here.

27.09.2024: New website of the Federal Chamber of Notaries on the subject of “associations”
At verein-gruenden.notar.de, you will find a lot of useful information about the steps involved in setting up an association. The website of the Federal Chamber of Notaries can be found here.

30.07.2024: New website of the Federal Chamber of Notaries on the subject of “Forming a GmbH”
At “gmbh-gruenden.notar.de” you will find a lot of useful information about the steps involved in setting up a GmbH. The website of the Federal Chamber of Notaries can be found here.