Request information about traders

The trade register is kept by the local regulatory authorities (independent city, large city belonging to a district, independent municipality, local authority administration) and contains all companies and businesses registered in accordance with the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act (GewO) that have their registered office in the respective municipality.

Public authorities and private individuals can obtain an extract from the trade register on request. The consent of the person concerned is not required for the forwarding of their data.

The name of the business or owner, the business address and the reported activity are generally accessible. A legal interest must be proven for any additional extended trade register information (e.g. to assert legal claims; loans granted to the trader).

Third parties are not legally entitled to receive the data. The trade register is not a public register (such as the commercial, co-operative or association register). The provision of information is at the discretion of the competent authority.

The information from the trade register corresponds to what was reported to the trade registration office at the time the information was provided. The authority accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information.

In principle, no information is provided on deregistered businesses. This means that information can be provided in specific individual cases if a request for information is linked to a credible interest (e.g. in the case of legal proceedings, insolvencies and other types of claims).

• § Section 14 of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO)
• Trade Costs Ordinance - GewKostVO M-V

An informal, written application with the following details must be submitted:

• Name of the company or trader
• Last known address
• Personal details
• In the case of extended information: substantiation of the legal interest by describing the facts of the case and enclosing existing documents (e.g. debt instruments, copies of contracts, invoices)

Oral applications are not permitted.

Applications for information from the trade register can be made in person, in writing or electronically. Online information can only be obtained from the administrations connected to the system. For citizens, only simple information is provided online. Extended information can be provided online to companies. Citizens should contact the relevant authority for extended information.

The responsible office checks the application for completeness and whether there is a legal interest in obtaining information from the trade register. If the application is approved, the extract from the trade register will be sent after the check has been completed. The notification of fees will be sent by post.

Local regulatory authority (independent city, large city belonging to a district, independent municipality and head of district) in whose district the trader about whom trade register information is being obtained has his place of business.

Chambers of industry and commerce, chambers of skilled trades, districts and independent cities, the responsible local authority or the administration of the independent municipality provide support with the application.