Zweigniederlassung einer ausländischen Kapitalgesellschaft registrieren

Industrial Code

If you want to operate the branch of a corporation in Germany that has its registered office abroad, this must be registered as a business by the managing director or the managing partner with the responsible trade office.

For the commercial register entry at the district court:

• The notarized application must contain the following:
  • Name, registered office and business object of the company
  • Name, registered office and object of the branch
  • the register in which the company is kept and the number of the entry in the register, where the law of the State in which the company has its registered office provides for a register entry
  • the legal form of the company
  • the persons authorised to represent the company in and out of court as permanent representatives for the activities of the branch, indicating their powers
  • if the company is not subject to the law of a member state of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, the law of the state to which the company is subject

For business registration:

• Identity card or passport of the applicant
• For non-EU citizens: residence permit
• Excerpt from the Commercial Register
• In the case of craft activities: proof of registration in the register of craftsmen
• In the case of trade subject to a permit: Permit

The business must be registered at the same time as the start of the activity.

If a foreign corporation operates several branches in Germany, the commercial register entry is only required for one branch that is treated as the main branch in Germany.

Contact the trade office responsible for the registered office of the branch.