Request information from the central trade register

If you are resident in Germany, you can request information from the Central Business 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 of Germany can request this information via the BfJ's online portal or in writing.

If you would like to request the information online:

• Go to the BfJ website and follow the instructions.
• For the online application you need an identity card, an eID card or an electronic residence permit, each with activated online identification function, as well as the AusweisApp.
• The BfJ will then send the information to your postal address or to the authority for which you requested it.

If you would like to request the information in person:

• Contact the authority responsible for your case under state law.
• The application is forwarded to the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ), which then prepares the information.
• The Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) will send the information to your postal address or to the authority for which you requested the information.

If you wish to submit your 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 certified.
• The application is forwarded to the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ), which then prepares the information.
• The BfJ will then send the information to your postal address or to the authority for which you requested the information.

Note: You cannot be represented by an authorized representative. However, your legal representative is also entitled to file an application. If you are acting as your legal representative, you must prove your power of representation. A business can also be represented by the authorized representative of the business registered in the commercial register or cooperative register.

Application from abroad

• Applications from abroad can be submitted via the BfJ's online portal or in writing to the BfJ.
  • For written applications, please download the relevant form and provide all necessary information in the form.
  • Please send the application form with officially confirmed personal data and officially confirmed signature, along with all the aforementioned attachments, to the BfJ.

For natural persons:

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

For legal entities:

• The application is submitted by the legal representative or the authorized person of the business registered in the commercial or cooperative register.

Application for information from the Central Trade Register for persons residing in Germany

For natural persons:

• in person:
  • Proof of identity by means of an identity card or passport, possibly additional proof of nationality,
• in case of written application:
  • Copy of identity card or passport with officially certified personal data and officially certified signature,
• in case of electronic application:
  • Identity card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online identification function,
• If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended, as well as the purpose of use or the file reference number.

For legal entities:

• in person:
  • valid identity card or passport of the legal representative or the authorized person of the business registered in the commercial or cooperative register
    • Please note that if you present your passport, you must also present a current registration certificate.
• in case of written application:
  • Copy of identity card or passport with officially certified personal data and officially certified signature,
• in case of electronic application:
  • Identity card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online identification function,
  • Extract from the commercial register,
  • If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended, as well as the purpose of use or the file reference number.

For persons who live 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 a foreign connection”

For natural persons:

• in case of written application
  • Application form with officially confirmed personal data and officially confirmed signature
  • Copy of the proof of payment for the fee of 13 euros.
• in case of electronic application:
  • Identity card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online identification function,
• If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended, as well as the purpose of use or the file reference number.

For legal entities:

• in case of written application
  • Application form with officially confirmed personal data and officially confirmed signature
    • the legal representative or the legal representative
    • the authorized person of the business enterprise who is registered in the commercial or cooperative register.
  • Extract from the commercial register.
  • Copy of the proof of payment for the fee of 13 euros.
• in case of electronic application:
  • Identity card, eID card or electronic residence permit, each with activated online identification function,
  • Extract from the commercial register.

• If applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended, as well as the purpose of use or the file reference number.

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

If you object to information from the Central Business Register, you can challenge it by filing an application for a court decision.

The Central Business Register does not contain data on all businesses in Germany. This information can be found in the Business Register, which...

• Information about the business owner, such as name, date of birth and address, as well as
• The document contains information about the company, such as management, addresses, and registered activities.

• Information about the ID card app
• Electronic residence permit on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
• Commercial register BfJ

  The online portal of the Federal Office of Justice allows you to access services such as requesting information from the Central Business Register online.

• Identity card portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI)

• Request information from the central trade register

  Display of the service in the original portal