German Handelsregisternummer (Commercial Register Number) - [2024]

German Handelsregisternummer (Commercial Register Number) - [2024]

Germany is the most successful and robust European country. It is the favorite place for merchants and business people to set up their businesses due to the many opportunities and several transportation modes to access other countries. To set up a company in Germany, you need a German Handelsregisternummer (Handel register Number) called an HR Number, a Commercial Register Number, or a register number.

Commercial Register Number

The commercial register number is similar to a public directory of merchants and their businesses and gives essential information about the industry. The Handelsregisternummer (Handelsregister Number) is a unique identity assigned after registering your company in the commercial register. When starting a commercial business, you are legally bound to register it in the commercial register and get a unique German Handelsregister number.

Format of a German Handelsregisternummer

The format of a German Handelsregisternummer (Handel register Number) is:

HRA_ 12345 (name of district court Amtsgericht, at which the registration of the company is processed)

or

HRB_ 12345 (name of district court Amtsgericht, at which the registration of the company is processed)

Here, HRA is for companies with sole business proprietorship (GbRs) whereas HRB is for corporations (GmbH, UG, AG).

Importance of a German Handelsregisternummer

Establishing a unique identity that protects your business from manipulation by other companies or corporations. A German Handelsregisternummer (Handelsregister Number) provides authenticity and value to your business, and your customers and business partners can evaluate the origin and existence of your company by searching the commercial register.

Benefits of Getting a Handelsregisternummer (Handel register Number)

Here are the benefits linked to having a commercial register number.

  • Your business register number represents the proprietorship or partnership
  • If your company is registered, it will have a unique name representing it throughout the country.
  • Companies mention Handelsregisternummer on the website which enhances the value of your business.
  • You will get the right to issue power of attorney after getting Handelsregisternummer.
  • Your business’s commercial register number will enable you to get loans from banks or financial institutions because of trust and authenticity in your industry.
  • Anyone can view your information online, which provides transparency to the public.
  • Handel register Number is necessary to enhance the partnership and scope of your business.
  • After getting Handelsregisternummer, you can legally open company branches in other areas of the country.

Eligibility to Get Handels Register Number

All commercial businesses and big companies generating higher profits and having staff to run their businesses must get a Handelsregister number. However, if your company is obliged to comply with civil laws (Gesellschaft burgerlichen Rechts) or you are a freelancer on a small scale, you are not bound to get a register number.

Handelsregisternummer for Small Businesses

If you are operating a small business, you are not legally bound to get a German Handelsregisternummer, but you can have it. If your business operations are commercial after some time, your income and profits are increasing with time; you need to hire staff for smooth business operations, you are legally bound to register your company and get a commercial register or German Trade Register (Handelregister).

How to Get Handels Register Number?

The registration process is impossible online, as you must appear at the notary to register your business. After the notary, the process goes to the district court of your area. You need the below information to get a German Handelsregisternummer:

  • Company name
  • Management and representative details with their name and date of birth
  • Address of the office or branches
  • Business objective, mission, and vision
  • Legal form
  • Opening balance statement, financial position, and business statement
  • Complete capital information
  • The date of first registration

The complete registration process is managed electronically, and entries are published in the electronic company registers.

Upgrading or Dissolving a Business

If your business is upgraded, report it to the commercial register. Upgradation or changes include;

  • Hiring or firing of a director
  • Addition or removal of a shareholder
  • Any change in the company name, terms of association, purpose of business, or address
  • Bankruptcy
  • Opening or closing a branch
  • Change in the power of attorney

If you want to deregister your company, you must apply to the notary with all documents to delete your Handelsregisternummer after the business is dissolved.

Cost of Getting Handels Register Number

The registration cost depends on the legal form, shareholders, and share capital. The cost breakdown is given here;

  • Registered businesses (e.K): 70 Euros
  • Corporations (GmbH, UG, AG): 150 Euros
  • Commercial partnership (Ohg, KG, GmbH): 100 Euros for 3 partners, plus 40 Euros for each more
  • Notary registration fee
  • Official processing fee

Conclusion

Following the legal rules is always beneficial for businesses and companies. Registering numbers not only benefits the business but also improves the value, authenticity, and trust of your organization. Understand the process carefully so you can register your business without any issues.


Jibran Shahid

Jibran Shahid

Hi, I am Jibran, your Fellow Expat living in Germany since 2014, With my 10 years of experience, my aim is to bring you the well researched guides about life in Germany


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