HandelsregisterExplained—Germany'sCommercialRegister

What is the difference between HRA and HRB?

HRA (Abteilung A) records sole traders, OHG, and KG. HRB (Abteilung B) records corporations: GmbH, UG, AG, KGaA, and SE. The section prefix appears in every Handelsregisternummer, for example HRB 12345 Düsseldorf.

How do I search for a German company in the Handelsregister?

Go to handelsregister.de and enter the company name or Handelsregisternummer in the search field. The search is free and returns basic data. Official certified extracts cost approximately €1.50 per document.

Is the Handelsregister publicly accessible?

Yes. The Handelsregister is a public register and handelsregister.de is accessible from any country without login. Anyone can verify legal form, current directors, registered address, and legal status free of charge.

How long does it take to register a GmbH in the Handelsregister?

After the notary files formation documents, the Registergericht typically processes the entry within 2 to 6 weeks. Processing times vary by court. The GmbH has no legal personality until registered and operates as GmbH i.G. in the interim.

What is the Transparenzregister and how is it connected?

The Transparenzregister is a separate beneficial ownership register under GwG §20. It records natural persons owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights. Since the 2021 reform, all entities must file directly in the Transparenzregister regardless of what is shown in the Handelsregister.

What does GmbH i.G. mean and what liability applies during this period?

GmbH i.G. stands for "Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung in Gründung." During this pre-registration phase, the GmbH has no legal personality. Founders bear personal, unlimited liability for obligations incurred on the company's behalf until the Handelsregister entry is completed and the entity formally exists.

Can I obtain an apostilled Handelsregister extract for use abroad?

Yes. Download a certified extract (beglaubigte Abschrift) from handelsregister.de for approximately €1.50, then submit it to the Landgericht (regional court) of the relevant Registergericht district. The Landgericht issues an apostille for approximately €20–30. The apostilled extract is accepted in all 130+ Hague Convention countries without further legalisation.

How do I update managing director information in the Handelsregister?

Any change to managing directors must be notarised and filed with the Registergericht. A German notary prepares the shareholder resolution (Gesellschafterbeschluss), certifies it, and files electronically. Updated entries are typically processed within 1–3 weeks and take legal effect against third parties upon publication under HGB §15.

What is the Gesellschafterliste and why does it matter for shareholders?

The Gesellschafterliste is the current shareholder list filed with the Handelsregister under GmbHG §40, listing all shareholders with share amounts and percentages. Under GmbHG §16, only shareholders shown in the current Gesellschafterliste may exercise membership rights including voting. It must be updated within three months of any share transfer.

Does every German company have to be in the Handelsregister?

No. Freiberufler (liberal professions, EStG §18) and very small sole traders below the HGB §1(2) Kaufmann threshold are not required to register. GmbH, AG, UG, OHG, KG, and Einzelkaufmann meeting the threshold must register. For GmbH and AG, registration is constitutive — they do not legally exist without it.