Applying for information from the central trade register

If you are a resident of Germany, you can request information from the Central Trade Register online directly from the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) or in writing or in person from the authority responsible under state law. Individuals residing outside the Federal Republic of Germany can request this information through the BfJ’s online portal or in writing.

If you would like to apply for information online:

• Go to the BfJ website and follow the instructions.
• To apply online, you will need an identity card, an eID card, or an electronic residence permit—each with the online ID function activated—as well as the AusweisApp.
• The BfJ will then send the information to your mailing address or to the government agency on whose behalf you requested it.

If you would like to apply for information in person:

• Please contact the authority responsible for you under national law.
• The request is forwarded to the BfJ, which then prepares the response.
• The BfJ will send the information to your mailing address or to the government agency on whose behalf you requested the information.

If you wish to submit the application in writing:

• Send the informal written application to the authority responsible under state law. Your signature on the application letter must be officially or publicly notarized.
• The request is forwarded to the BfJ, which prepares the response.
• The BfJ will then send the information to your mailing address or to the agency on whose behalf you requested it.

Note: You may not be represented by an authorized representative. However, your legal representative is also eligible to file the application. If you are acting as your own legal representative, you must provide proof of your authority to act on your own behalf. A business may also be represented by the authorized representative of the business listed in the Commercial Register or the Cooperative Register.

Application from abroad

• You can submit an application from abroad through the BfJ's online portal or in writing to the BfJ.
  • To submit a written application, download the appropriate form and fill in all the necessary information on the form.
  • Please send the application form, with officially certified personal information and an officially certified signature, along with all the required attachments, to the BfJ.

For natural persons:

• You can submit the application in person or
• Your legal representative will submit the application on your behalf.

For legal entities:

• The application must be filed by the business’s legal representative or the authorized representative listed in the Commercial or Cooperative Register.

Request for Information from the Central Business Register for Individuals Residing in Germany

For natural persons:

• when applying in person:
  • Proof of identity by means of an identity card or passport, additional proof of citizenship if necessary,
• if the application is made in writing:
  • Copy of the identity card or passport with officially certified personal data and officially certified signature,
• for electronic applications:
  • ID card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online ID function,
• If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended and the purpose or reference number.

For legal entities:

• when applying in person:
  • A valid ID card or passport of the legal representative or of the authorized representative of the business as listed in the commercial or cooperative registry
    • Please note that you must also submit a current registration certificate when presenting your passport.
• if the application is made in writing:
  • Copy of the identity card or passport with officially certified personal data and officially certified signature,
• for electronic applications:
  • ID card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online ID function,
  • Extract from the commercial register,
  • If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended and the purpose or reference number.

For individuals residing outside the Federal Republic of Germany

• Form “Application for Information from the Central Trade Register for a Person Residing Abroad” or “Application for Information from the Central Trade Register for a Legal Entity with Foreign Connections”

For natural persons:

• when submitting a written application
  • Application form with officially verified personal information and an officially verified signature
  • Copy of proof of payment of the fee of 13 euros.
• for electronic applications:
  • ID card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online ID function,
• If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended and the purpose or reference number.

For legal entities:

• when submitting a written application
  • Application form with officially verified personal information and an officially verified signature
    • the legal representative, or
    • the authorized representative of the business listed in the commercial or cooperative registry.
  • Excerpt from the Commercial Register.
  • Copy of proof of payment of the fee of 13 euros.
• for electronic applications:
  • ID card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online ID function,
  • Excerpt from the Commercial Register.

• If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended and the purpose or reference number.

• § 150 of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO)
• § 150a of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO)
• § 150e of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO)

If you dispute information from the Central Business Register, you can challenge it by filing a petition for a court ruling.

The Central Trade Register does not contain information on all business owners in Germany. You can find this information in the Trade Register, which

• Information about the business owner, such as name, date of birth, and address, as well as
• regarding the business, such as management, addresses, and registered business activities.

• Information About the AusweisApp
• Electronic residence permit on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
• Central Trade Register BfJ

  Through the Federal Office of Justice’s online portal, you can access services such as requesting information from the Central Trade Register online.

• Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) ID Card Portal

• Applying for information from the central trade register

  Display of performance in the source portal