Handelsregister (commercial register)
The Handelsregister is the German commercial register - the official, public registry of merchants and companies (their legal form, capital, managers, and registered office).
Companies such as a GmbH or AG come into legal existence only upon entry in the Handelsregister, maintained by the local court (Amtsgericht). Entries are public and can be searched online (Handelsregister.de / Unternehmensregister), which makes the register the authoritative source for verifying who runs a German company and how it may be represented. A registration number (e.g. "HRB 12345") identifies the entry.
Frequently asked questions
- What does "HRB" or "HRA" mean in a register number?
- The Handelsregister has two parts: department A (HRA) for sole traders and partnerships, and department B (HRB) for capital companies such as the GmbH and AG. The letters tell you which kind of entity is registered.
- Can I look up a German company myself?
- Yes. The register is public and searchable online; you can confirm a company's legal form, registered office, capital, and authorised representatives - useful for verifying a German business partner.