The Handelsregisternummer or simply Registernummer is the unique number given to each company listed in the German Trade Register, the Handelsregister. Most german companies must be listed in the Handelsregister, with the exception of freelancers, small businesses with low sales revenue and companies constituted under civil law (Gesellschaft bürgerlichen Rechts)1,2.
What does the Registernummer look like?
The Handelsregisternummer usually has the HR_ 12345 format, followed by the district court (Amtsgericht) where the company is registered.
Here are a few examples of Handelsregisternummern:
- N26 bank: HRB 151080 B, Charlottenburg
- Coup: HRB 178881 B, Charlottenburg
- SAP: HRA 350654, Mannheim
How do I get a Handelsregisternummer?
You can request an entry in the Handelsregister when filling the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung.
All businesses except small businesses and freelancers must be listed in the Handelsregister. This has some benefits, but it comes with lots of fees and responsibilities1, so it's better to avoid it if you can.
Where do I find a company's Registernummer?
You should normally find the Handelsregisternummer on the company's website. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find a link called Impressum or Imprint. German websites are required to have this pager. You will find the Registernummer there, along with the VAT ID and contact information.