Handelsregister extract.
How to pull one in 5 minutes.
The single most-searched term in our whole research set (301,000 DE/month). Here is the practical 5-minute path.
The Handelsregister is Germany's federal commercial register, maintained by local Amtsgerichte under §§ 8-12 HGB. HRB = Abteilung B (corporations). HRA = Abteilung A (partnerships and sole merchants). Since 2007 the register is online; extracts cost €4.50 to €6 per document via PayPal or credit card.
What the extract contains
Firm name, HRB or HRA number, Amtsgericht, registered seat, business purpose, Stammkapital or Grundkapital, legal representatives (Geschäftsführer or Vorstand), Prokura holders, registration date, last change date. Under § 15 HGB, entries are presumed accurate against third parties acting in good faith.
Three extract types
AD (Aktueller Abdruck): current state only. Most common, standard for KYC. CD (Chronologischer Abdruck): full history of changes. Useful for M&A due diligence. HD (Historischer Abdruck): specific historical snapshot.
The 5-minute procedure
1) Go to https://www.handelsregister.de/. 2) Click "Normale Suche". 3) Search by firm name or HRB/HRA + Amtsgericht. 4) Select the entity. 5) Pick extract type (AD for most). 6) Pay €4.50-6.00 via PayPal / credit card / Bundeskasse account. 7) Download PDF.
Documents you can order alongside
Satzung (articles of association), Gesellschafterliste (shareholder list), Jahresabschluss (via Unternehmensregister), Gründungsurkunde, changes of directors, changes of capital. Each costs €4.50-6.00.
Unternehmensregister, the federal aggregator
§ 32a HGB established the Unternehmensregister as the federal aggregator: Handelsregister + annual-accounts publications + other company disclosures. Single interface, slightly different fee structure. Use it when you want annual accounts alongside the register data.
Legal weight (§ 15 HGB good-faith effect)
What's in the register binds the company against third parties in good faith. An obsolete entry that the company failed to update can still be used against it. Conversely, new facts not yet entered cannot be enforced against good-faith third parties. This is why M&A due diligence always pulls a fresh extract at closing.
Common pitfalls
Wrong HRB number (HRB 12345 vs HRB 12345 B have different Amtsgerichte). Extract cooled before use (for closings, use extract not older than 2 weeks). Ordering AD when CD was needed for chain-of-ownership evidence. Missing Gesellschafterliste (separate document).
Frequently asked questions
What is the German Handelsregister?
Federal commercial register for all German merchants and corporate entities. Maintained by local Amtsgerichte, accessible online at handelsregister.de.
What does HRB vs HRA mean?
HRB = Abteilung B, for corporations (GmbH, AG, KGaA, etc.). HRA = Abteilung A, for partnerships and sole merchants.
How do I get a Handelsregister extract online in 2026?
handelsregister.de → Normale Suche → pick entity → AD/CD/HD → pay €4.50-6 → download PDF.
How much does a German commercial-register extract cost?
€4.50 to €6.00 per document. Payment by PayPal, credit card, or Bundeskasse account.
What is the difference between AD, CD and HD extracts?
AD = current, CD = chronological history, HD = historical snapshot of a specific past date.
Can I get a Handelsregister extract without a German address?
Yes. The portal is accessible worldwide; payment methods work from any country.
What documents can I order along with the extract (Satzung, Gesellschafterliste)?
Satzung, Gesellschafterliste, Gründungsurkunde, previous HR snapshots, Jahresabschluss via Unternehmensregister.
How fresh is the online Handelsregister data?
Updated in near real-time by Amtsgerichte. A filing accepted today is usually visible within 1 to 5 working days.
Does a Handelsregister extract count as official proof abroad?
Yes. Many foreign jurisdictions accept a certified digital extract; some require apostille (obtainable via Amtsgericht).
What is Unternehmensregister and how is it different?
Federal aggregator: HR + annual accounts + other disclosures. Single interface; slightly different fee structure.
Why does § 15 HGB matter when I read an extract?
Good-faith third parties are protected by what's on the register. Outdated entries can still bind the company; new unregistered facts may not bind third parties.
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