Information from the Central Trade Register Application
If you need proof of your personal reliability in connection with the operation of a business, you can apply for information from the central trade register.
Information from the central trade register shows whether you have violated trade law regulations in the past.
The information also serves as proof of your personal reliability, for example if you wish to exercise a trade requiring a license (e.g. restaurant business, estate agent) or a trade requiring supervision (e.g. trade in used motor vehicles, travel agency).
Are recorded in the central trade register:
- Rejection of an application for a trade license, trade prohibitions, withdrawal of permits, concessions,
- waivers of admission to a trade,
- decisions imposing fines of more than EUR 200 in connection with the exercise of a trade and
- certain criminal convictions in connection with the exercise of a trade.
Note: The Central Trade Register does not contain the data of all tradespeople in Germany. This can be found in the trade register, which contains information on the business owner such as name, date of birth and address as well as on the business such as management, addresses and registered activity.
Who should I contact?
Requirements
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for natural persons:
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submit the application in person
- Representation by the legal representative of the natural person
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for legal entities:
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the application must be submitted by the legal representative of the company.
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Applications / forms
Forms: no, informal application: informal application
Written form required: no, but alternatively possible
Which documents are required?
- for natural persons:
- if applying in person: identity card or passport,
- for written applications: copy of the identity card or passport,
- for electronic applications:identity card orelectronic residence permit, in each case with activated online ID function,
- for foreign nationals: additional proof of nationality, officially certified personal data and signature,
- if applicable, the address of the authority for which the information is intended, as well as the purpose of use or the reference number.
- for legal entities:
- Valid identity card or passport of the legal representative of the company (if passport is presented: additional current registration certificate),
- 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 reference number.
What are the fees?
Fee: 13,00 EURPayment in advance: no
Process flow
You can apply for information from the Central Trade Register directly online at the Federal Office of Justice (see also Applying for information from the Central Trade Register using the online procedure) or in writing or in person at the authority responsible under state law.
If you would like to apply for information online:
- Go to the website of the Federal Office of Justice and follow the instructions.
- You will need the following for the online application:
- a new ID card or an electronic residence permit, in each case with the online ID function activated, as well as the AusweisApp2,
- a card reader to read the ID document,
- a digital capture device (e.g. scanner or digital camera) to upload supporting documents.
- The Federal Office of Justice will then send the information to your postal address or to the authority for which you have requested it.
If you would like to apply for the information in person:
- Contact the authority responsible for you under state law.
- The application will then be forwarded to the Federal Office of Justice in Bonn, which will then issue the information.
- The Federal Office of Justice will then send the information to your postal address or to the authority for which you have requested the information.
If you wish to submit the request in writing:
- informal written request
- Contact the authority responsible for you under state law.
- Send the application to the authority responsible under national law. Your signature on the application letter must be officially or publicly notarized.
- The application will be forwarded to the Federal Office of Justice in Bonn, which will issue the information.
- The Federal Office of Justice will send the information to your postal address or to the authority for which you have requested the information.
Please note: You cannot be represented by an authorized representative. However, your legal representative is also entitled to apply. If you are acting as a legal representative yourself, you must provide proof of your power of representation.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
No deadlines need to be observed.
Processing duration
Processing Time: 2 - 4 Weeks