Establishment of an auditing firm
The profession of auditor can also be practiced in a professional company. Such a company requires state recognition as an auditing firm by the Chamber of Auditors. All European companies, companies under German law or companies under the law of another EU or EEA member state are permitted as legal forms. It should be noted that the majority of the legal representatives and shareholders must be auditors or auditors licensed in another EU or EEA member state.
Process flow
Before you apply for recognition as an auditing firm, it is recommended that you submit the draft of the articles of association to the Chamber of Auditors for review. Subsequently, the notarial certification that may be required can be carried out. Then submit the application for recognition to the Chamber of Auditors and attach the necessary evidence. To apply, you can use the form available on the website of the Chamber of Auditors. As soon as the Chamber of Auditors has determined that all recognition requirements are met, it issues a clearance certificate. After registration in the commercial or partnership register, the Chamber of Auditors recognizes the company as an auditing firm by issuing a certificate of recognition.
Chamber of Public Accountants: Recognition as a professional society
Who should I contact?
Requirements
Details of the recognition procedure can be found in the information sheets that you can find on the website of the Chamber of Public Accountants.
Which documents are required?
You will need the following documents:
- A copy or a publicly certified copy of the articles of association or the articles of association.
- Proof of the conclusion of sufficient professional indemnity insurance (provisional confirmation of cover from the professional indemnity insurer.
- Proof of deposit of the minimum capital. In the case of a cash formation, proof of the payment of the minimum capital must be provided by submitting an original bank confirmation; it will be returned on request.
- A declaration by each shareholder that he does not hold the shares in the auditing firm on behalf of a third party.
- Employment contracts of the partners working in the company (sworn accountants, tax consultants, lawyers, tax agents, etc.) who are not legal representatives.
For auditors and EU auditors, the submission of an employment contract is not required.
Certificates from foreign professional organisations on the accreditation or recognition of EU statutory auditors and EU audit firms.
What are the fees?
EUR 1.050
Processing duration
The processing time depends on the duration of the registration procedure in the commercial or partnership register. It is recommended to allow a total of two months.
Legal basis
Applications / forms
Forms for download can be found on the website of the Chamber of Auditors.
Chamber of Public Accountants: Recognition as a professional society
Chamber of Public Accountants: Leaflets and model contracts for the establishment of the company
Chamber of Auditors: List of providers of professional indemnity insurance
Technically approved by
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Professionally released on
03.01.2018
