Handelsregistergebühren

The Handelsregistergebühren, or commercial register fees, are charges levied by the German Commercial Register for services related to the registration and maintenance of businesses. These fees are regulated by law and aim to cover the administrative costs associated with operating the register.

When a company is established or undergoes significant changes, such as a change in legal form or a change in managing directors, these events must be entered into the Handelsregister. The fees for these entries vary depending on the type of entry and the legal form of the company. For example, registering a newly founded GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) typically incurs different fees than registering a sole proprietorship.

In addition to initial registration fees, there are also ongoing fees for maintaining the register, such as updating information or publishing annual financial statements. These fees are generally paid by the registered company. The specific amounts and the legal basis for the Handelsregistergebühren are outlined in the Gerichtskostengesetz (GKG), the German Court Costs Act. Understanding these fees is important for businesses operating in Germany to ensure compliance with legal and financial obligations.