Overview:
Commercial register:
Transparency Register:
Register of associations:
Federal Gazette:
Contaminated sites register:
Register of public easements:
Land register:
Real estate cadastre:
Competent authorities:
Commercial register:
The German commercial register is a public directory that contains all the essential legal and economic information about companies in Germany. It is maintained by the registry courts, which are usually part of the district court (local court). The aim of the commercial register is to create transparency regarding the legal and economic situation of companies, thereby increasing security and trust in business transactions.
Structure of the commercial register
The commercial register is divided into two sections:
- Section A (HRA): Sole traders, partnerships (such as general partnerships (OHG) and limited partnerships (KG)) and certain other companies are registered here.
- Section B (HRB): In this section, you will find limited liability companies (GmbH) and joint-stock companies (AG).
Information from the commercial register
Depending on the type of company, various information is entered in the commercial register, including:
- Company name and registered office
- Object of the company (business purpose)
- Name and address of the shareholders or owners
- Information on legal representatives, such as managing directors or board members
- Amount of share capital in the case of capital companies
- Changes in the company structure, such as capital increases, mergers or cancellations
obligation to register
In Germany, certain companies are obliged to register in the commercial register. These include, in particular, merchants, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and joint-stock companies. The entry is usually made by a notary and is released after it has been checked by the responsible registry court.
Publication and inspection
The commercial register is publicly accessible and the information can be accessed electronically via the commercial register portal (www.handelsregister.de) This enables interested parties and business partners to check the legal status of a company.
Significance of the commercial register
The commercial register plays an important role in the German economy. It ensures legal certainty, protects creditors and enables greater market transparency.
Commercial register abroad
You can use this map to find the relevant commercial register. Please click on your desired country to be redirected to the appropriate commercial register.
Other commercial registers outside Europe:
Canada: Canada’s Business Registries (free without an account)
Singapore: ACRA (fee required without account)
USA (costs vary depending on the state)
Transparency Register:
The Transparency Register is a public register in Germany that is used to disclose the beneficial owners of companies and other legal entities. It was introduced in 2017 as part of the implementation of the EU Money Laundering Directive to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Purpose of the transparency register
The register is designed to help identify the beneficial owners – the people behind companies, foundations or other associations who have significant influence over them. This helps prevent the use of companies to conceal financial circumstances.
What is recorded in the transparency register?
- Name, date of birth, place of residence of the beneficial owner
- Nature and extent of the economic interest (e.g. participation in a company)
- The legal person or company to whom the information applies
Who has to register in the transparency register?
In principle, all legal entities under private law and registered partnerships must report their beneficial owners in the transparency register. These include, in particular:
- GmbHs
- stock corporations (AGs)
- cooperatives
- foundations
- partnership companies
- Associations (with economic activity)
On August 1, 2021, the transparency register became a full register, which means that all companies subject to reporting requirements must now actively register – even if the information is already available in other registers (e.g. commercial register).
Here you will find instructions for registering in the transparency register.
Here you will find a fact sheet on the beneficial owner's obligation to report to the transparency register.
Who has access to the transparency register?
- Authorities (e.g. tax authorities, law enforcement authorities)
- Obligated under the Money Laundering Act (e.g. banks, notaries, lawyers)
- Any person with a legitimate interest (e.g. investigative journalists or NGOs)
Consequences of non-registration
Companies that fail to comply with their reporting obligations face fines. The amount of the fines can vary depending on the size of the company and the severity of the violation.
Register of associations:
The German register of associations is a public register in which associations with legal capacity are entered. It is maintained by the competent local courts (local courts) and serves to officially document the legal status of an association. By being entered in the register of associations, an association acquires legal capacity, i.e. the possibility of having rights and duties as a legal entity. A registered association has the suffix „e.V.“ (registered association) in its name.
Purpose and significance of the register of associations
The register of associations serves to ensure transparency and legal clarity. It enables the legal circumstances of an association to be verified and protects both the association itself and its members and business partners. Once an association has been registered, it becomes legally tangible and liable, which is particularly important in business and legal transactions. This means that contracts can be concluded and liabilities assumed in the name of the association without the members being personally liable.
Contents of the register of associations
Various important details about an organisation are recorded in the register of associations, including:
- Name and registered office of the association
- Purpose of the association (articles of association)
- Board of the association (authorised representatives)
- Date of incorporation
- Amendments to the board of directors or articles of incorporation
- Dissolution of the association, should this occur
Registration requirement and procedure
It is mandatory for associations with legal capacity to be entered in the register of associations if they pursue a charitable, non-profit-making purpose. As a rule, entry in the register is effected by submitting the articles of association and the foundation deed of the association to the competent district court. Any changes, for example to the board of directors or the articles of association, must also be reported to the register of associations.
Inspection and publication
The register of associations is public and can be viewed via the commercial register portal (www.handelsregister.de, where the register of associations is accessible as part of the complete register. Interested citizens, authorities or business partners can also inspect it online to obtain information about the structure and representation of an association.
Significance for the association's day-to-day work
For many associations in Germany, entry in the register of associations is essential to obtain official recognition, especially if they wish to apply for funding or issue donation receipts. In addition, registration provides legal clarity for members, protects them from personal liability and makes it easier for the association to conduct legal transactions with other institutions or contractual partners.
Federal Gazette:
The Bundesanzeiger (Federal Gazette) is a central publication organ of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is published by the Federal Ministry of Justice and contains important announcements that have a legal or economic significance for companies, citizens or the state. The Bundesanzeiger fulfils a central role in ensuring transparency in administrative and economic matters and is available in both printed and digital form via the portal bundesanzeiger.de .
Tasks and functions of the Federal Gazette
The Federal Gazette serves as the official platform for announcements and publications that are required by law. These include, among other things:
- Publication of annual financial statements and financial reports: Corporations, such as the GmbH or AG, are legally obliged to publish their annual financial statements and financial reports in the Federal Gazette. These publications ensure transparency and give investors, creditors and other interested parties an insight into the financial position of a company.
- Insolvency notices: Notices regarding insolvency proceedings, including announcements regarding the opening or dismissal of insolvency proceedings, are also published in the Federal Gazette. This provides creditors with the opportunity to find out about the status of insolvency proceedings.
- Legal notices: The Federal Gazette publishes ordinances, laws and statutory instruments, in particular those that have to be announced by federal authorities. Tenders and official announcements from authorities also appear here.
- Capital market information: Companies that are active on the capital market publish information on annual general meetings, capital measures and ad hoc announcements that could be relevant to the share price in the Federal Gazette.
Types of publication in the Federal Gazette
The Federal Gazette offers various categories and types of publications, including:
- Business register: This is where companies' annual financial statements and financial reports are published.
- Statutory information: This includes announcements of laws, ordinances and other legal notices.
- Capital market announcements: Information relevant to the capital market is published here.
- Insolvency notices: Informationen zu Insolvenzverfahren und -verfahrenseröffnungen.
Electronic Federal Gazette
The electronic version of the Federal Gazette has been around since 2002, and since 2012 the digital publication has been the only binding version. All content can be viewed free of charge via the online portal, while companies have the option of submitting the legally required publications online.
Significance for the public and the economy
The Federal Gazette is highly relevant for the German economy and administration, as it provides key information and promotes transparency in business transactions. Companies and private individuals can use the Bundesanzeiger to find out about the financial situation of firms, understand current legal regulations or obtain official information about insolvencies. In addition, the Bundesanzeiger creates a legal framework for the proper conduct of corporate activities and offers a high degree of protection of trust in commercial transactions.
Contaminated sites register:
Contaminated sites are areas of soil or groundwater pollution, often resulting from previous industrial or commercial use, such as disused factory sites, former gas stations, or landfills. Such contamination can not only significantly reduce the value of a property, but also delay or prevent construction projects.
The federal states maintain so-called contaminated site registers to record such suspected sites and contaminated sites. These registers contain the following information in particular:
- known or suspected contaminated sites,
- previous uses (e.g., industrial, commercial, landfills),
- the processing status (suspicious area, investigated area, remediated area),
- any official measures or requirements.
For buyers, sellers, developers, and financing banks, the information contained in the contaminated sites register is an important component of legal and environmental due diligence. It helps to identify risks early on and set the right course for further investigations (e.g., a soil survey).
Why is the contaminated sites register important in real estate transactions?
When it comes to real estate transactions, the question regularly arises as to whether the property is contaminated or whether there is reason to suspect that it is. This is because:
- Contaminated sites can result in costly remediation obligations.
- Environmental damage often reduces the value of the property.
- Authorities may impose restrictions on use if there is a suspected hazard.
In the context of a notarial arrangement, the following are therefore often:
- Contaminated site risks regulated by contract,
- Warranty and indemnification clauses agreed upon,
- and—depending on the results of the information provided—further investigations may be recommended.
We support you in legally classifying the information from the contaminated sites register and taking it into account appropriately in purchase, property development, or financing agreements.
Information from the contaminated sites register
You can usually request information from the contaminated sites register from the relevant environmental or soil protection authority in the respective state or district. It is often possible to carry out a rough check based on the address or parcel number.
We would be pleased to advise you on this matter,
- whether it makes sense to submit an enquiry in your specific case,
- how the result should be assessed,
- and what consequences this may have for your contract or construction project.
Map of Germany – regional responsibilities
You can use this map to find the relevant contaminated sites register. Please click on your desired federal state to be redirected to the appropriate contaminated sites register.
Register of public easements:
Easements play a central role in German real estate law. They oblige property owners to take certain measures or impose certain restrictions—for example, to secure clearance areas, access roads, or developments.
However, unlike the land register, the public easements register is not maintained uniformly throughout Germany. The building authorities of the individual federal states or their municipalities are responsible in each case.
To provide owners, buyers, and sellers with clear guidance, we have compiled the most important information on all 16 federal states.
Interactive map of Germany: Registers of public easements in the federal states
Example of user guidance:
- Click on a state to find out:
- whether a register of public easements is maintained,
- which authority is responsible,
- whether online applications are possible,
- which special features apply.
Land register:
The land register is the central register for land and real estate in Germany. It records ownership structures, encumbrances (e.g., land charges or easements), and special rights relating to a property.
In short: whoever is listed in the land register is the legal owner—and what is recorded there is binding for all parties involved.
Why the land register is so important
- Legal certainty: Buying, selling, or mortgaging a property is hardly conceivable without looking at the land register.
- Transparency: Registered rights and encumbrances become transparent for buyers, sellers, banks, and authorities.
- Protection against surprises: Risks can be identified at an early stage by inspecting the land register.
Our support for all aspects of the land register
We assist you with all questions relating to the land register—from inspection to preparation of changes or new entries. This includes in particular:
- Assistance in obtaining current land register extracts
- Explanation of entries and sections in the land register
- Support during changes of ownership and transfers of title
- Coordination with stakeholders such as notaries, banks, and authorities
This allows you to maintain an overview and make decisions based on a secure foundation.
We assist notaries and authorities throughout Germany in obtaining land register extracts from our jurisdiction.
Whether in Hamburg, Munich, or Cologne, we provide the necessary documents quickly, reliably, and in a legally compliant manner.
Important note: Only notaries and authorities have access to the land register.
You can use this map to find the relevant land registry portal. Please click on your desired state to be redirected to the appropriate land registry portal.
Real estate cadastre:
The real estate cadastre forms the official basis for all property information in Germany. It is one of the most important public registers and, alongside the land register, is one of the central pillars of property and real estate law.
🏛️ What is the real estate cadastre?
The real estate cadastre is the comprehensive official register of all parcels of land and buildings in Germany. It documents the actual conditions of a property and contains:
- exact location and boundaries of parcels of land
- parcel numbers
- Size and use (e.g., residential land, forest, agriculture)
- building outlines
- topographical information
- Indirect ownership relationships via land register references
It is therefore the actual geometric basis, on which the land register is built as a legal register.
🔎 What is the function of the real estate cadastre?
✔ Legal certainty
Through precise surveying, the cadastre ensures that properties can be clearly located and are unmistakable.
✔ Planning & Development
Authorities, planning offices, and engineers use cadastral data for:
- development plans
- construction project
- infrastructure projects
- border determinations
✔ Proof of ownership and usage
For buyers, owners, notaries, and surveyors, cadastral extracts serve as proof of the actual condition of a property.
🇩🇪 Real estate cadastre of the federal states
n Germany, the real estate cadastre is not managed centrally, but by the federal states. geführt.
Each federal state has its own cadastral authority or geoportal through which information and extracts can be obtained.
You can use this map to find the relevant real estate cadastre. Please click on your desired state to be redirected to the appropriate real estate cadastre.
Competent authorities:
Responsible tax office:
real estate transfer tax: The tax office in whose district the transferred property is located is responsible for land transfer tax. The tax office in Hilden is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
gift tax: For gift tax, the tax office in whose district the donor/transferor is resident is responsible. If the donor/transferor lives abroad, the tax office where the donee/purchaser lives is responsible. If the donor/transferor and the donee/purchaser both live abroad, the tax office responsible is the one where the company or property being transferred is based. The Velbert tax office is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
inheritance tax: For inheritance tax, the tax office in whose district the heir is resident is responsible. For Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld, the Velbert tax office is responsible.
body shaft tax: For corporation tax, the tax office in whose district the company's management has its registered office is responsible. The Hilden tax office is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
You can search for the relevant tax office here.
Competent district court:
land registry: The district court in whose district the property or real estate is located is responsible. The responsible district court is also stated on the land registry extract. The district court of Langenfeld is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
commercial register: The district court in whose district the company has its registered office is responsible. The district court of Düsseldorf is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
register of associations: The district court in whose district the association has its registered office is responsible. The district court of Düsseldorf is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
Probate court (rejections of inheritance): In the case of disinheritance, the district court where the testator had his last habitual residence is responsible. You can also send the disinheritance to the district court where the disinheriting party has his habitual residence if you cannot determine where the testator's last habitual residence was. The district court of Langenfeld is responsible for Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld.
Probate court (applications for certificates of inheritance): In matters concerning applications for a certificate of inheritance, the district court where the deceased had their last habitual residence is responsible. For Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld, the district court of Langenfeld is responsible.
Family court (adoptions): For adoptions, the district court where the adopter has their usual place of residence is responsible. For Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld, the district court of Langenfeld is responsible.
You can search for the court of competent jurisdiction here.
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