Table of Contents: Commercial Register Extract
♦ When You Need a Certified Translation of Your Commercial Register Extract
♦ Important Notes on the Translation of Your Commercial Register Extract
♦ Safe, Fast, and Nationwide Recognition: Your Path to Translation
♦ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Translation of Your Commercial Register Extract
When You Need a Certified Translation of Your Commercial Register Extract
Establishing Foreign Branches and Subsidiaries
If your company plans to establish a branch or a subsidiary in another country, local authorities almost always require a certified translation of your current Commercial Register Extract. This document serves as official proof of your existing legal form and the authorised representatives, making it a fundamental part of any international expansion.
Opening Foreign Business Accounts and Loan Applications
Foreign banks need the Commercial Register Extract in a translated and certified form to unequivocally verify your company's identity and legal existence (Know Your Customer check). This is essential not only for opening a business account but also for applying for loans or other financing abroad.
Participating in International Tenders and Contract Closures
Many international business partners and contracting authorities (public or private) require proof of your company's existence and solvency when participating in tenders. A certified translation of your Commercial Register Extract serves as legally recognised evidence that your company's details are correct during important contract closures.
Proof of Corporate Structure and Representation Authority Abroad
The extract proves who is authorised to legally represent your company (managing directors, authorised signatories). You must clearly prove representation authority during court proceedings, notary appointments, or the signing of major international contracts abroad. The certified translation ensures that the foreign entity understands and accepts the German legal terminology.
Official Registrations and Permits in Other Countries
Whether it involves the registration of trademarks, patents, or applying for specific business permits abroad: Local authorities require the Commercial Register Extract as the basis for any type of official entry. The sworn translation guarantees that your company meets all formal requirements of the destination country.
Why a certified translation with an official stamp?
A certified translation is a binding and official document for submission to national and international authorities. Your certified document bears a certification note, an official round stamp, and the signature of the state-certified translator. With this note, stamp, and signature, the completeness and accuracy of your translated document are confirmed. The translator is legally liable for this accuracy. The round stamp contains the translator’s name, language combinations, and the designation of the court before which the translator was sworn in.
Only sworn and certified translators, such as those working with dito, are authorized to produce certified translations. Like court interpreters, they are bound by confidentiality obligations (§189 para. 4 GVG) and by the duty to carry out translations fully and diligently. During the swearing-in process, the state authority examines the translator’s qualifications and legal expertise. The title “translator” itself is not protected in Germany. However, for certified translations, official authorization as a sworn, publicly appointed, or certified translator is required.
dito Beglaubigungen uses the translation management software OTM® for quality assurance in accordance with ISO 9001 and DIN EN 15038. This ensures the continuous improvement of the formal and linguistic quality of our translations and guarantees fast response times, adherence to deadlines, and data security for optimal customer satisfaction.
Important Notes on the Translation of Your Commercial Register Extract
Current Extract or Historical Extract?
In Germany, there is the current extract (which shows the present circumstances) and the historical extract (which contains all deleted or amended entries). For most authorities and banks abroad, the current extract is necessary. Please check the exact requirements of the requesting body before submitting the scan for the certified translation to us.
Apostille or Over-Certification for Foreign Use
For the complete recognition of your Commercial Register Extract abroad, especially in countries outside the EU, an additional Apostille or Over-Certification from the court is often required. This must be applied for directly at the competent court (usually the District Court, Landgericht). The certified translation will only be prepared after this Over-Certification has been affixed, so that it can be translated along with the document.
The Validity of the Certified Translation
The certified translation itself is valid indefinitely. However, foreign authorities and business partners place great importance on the up-to-dateness of the Commercial Register Extract. It is often required that the original document is no older than three to six months. Ensure that your extract complies with this deadline when commissioning the sworn translation.
Which Language is Required for the Translation?
Before you commission the certified translation, ensure that you know the correct target language. While in most countries the national language (e.g., Spanish for Spain) is required, many international organizations and some countries accept English as a business language. Our sworn translators offer over 40 languages.
What Information Does a Commercial Register Extract Contain?
The Commercial Register Extract looks slightly different depending on the federal state, but always contains the same information:
The Structure: What Information Does the Commercial Register Extract Contain?
The Commercial Register Extract looks slightly different depending on the federal state, but always contains the same information:
- The Company Name and the Registered Office (Location)
- The Legal Form of the company (e.g., GmbH, AG, e.K.)
- The Object of the Company (Field of Activity)
- The amount of the Share Capital or Registered Capital
- The Authority to Represent and the Representatives (e.g., Managing Directors, Executive Board, Authorized Signatories)
- The Date of the Last Entry and the Commercial Register Number
- Where applicable: Deletions, Amendments, or Liquidations (in the case of historical extracts)
What Different Types of Commercial Register Extracts Are There?
What Different Types of Commercial Register Extracts Are There?
Depending on what you need your extract from the Commercial Register for, you can choose between the simple and the official (certified) extract. Furthermore, the following types of Commercial Register Extracts are distinguished:
- ♦ Current Printout – the current register status without entries regarding changes or similar.
- ♦ Chronological Printout – all entries concerning the company in chronological order
- ♦ Historical Printout – the former (analogue) register sheet until the switch to electronic Commercial Register management
Safe, Fast, and Nationwide Recognition: Your Path to Translation
Your 3-Step Process: Upload, Creation of the Certified Translation, Shipping
Your 3-Step Process: Upload, Creation of the Certified Translation, Shipping
Trust in our transparent, digital process. You receive the certified translation of your document in just three steps – guaranteed recognised and delivered on time.
Upload Document Online and Receive an Instant Quote
Upload the high-quality scan or a clear photo of your document via our online portal. You will receive a transparent fixed price quote within minutes, including the estimated processing time.
Processing, Review, and Final Confirmation by the Translator
After you place your order and make the payment, the document is immediately assigned to one of our publicly appointed and sworn expert translators. The translator prepares the draft translation, which we send to you for approva before the final certification. You can calmly review all personal data (names, date of birth, registry office). Only after your confirmation does the translator provide the legally compliant certification, which is accepted nationwide by all authorities and courts.
Receipt of the Certified Translation (Digital and Original)
Upon completion, we first send you the certified translation as a PDF scan via email. The legally valid original document, affixed with the translator's stamp, is immediately sent by post to your desired address.
Transparent Costs and Express Delivery
We value complete cost transparency, so you know exactly what costs will be incurred for the certified translation of your Commercial Register Extract from the very beginning.
Fixed Price Guarantee: You will always receive a binding fixed price from us for the translation of your Commercial Register Extract, based on the length and format of the document. There are no hidden fees.
Free Preliminary Check: The review of your document and the preparation of the quote are, of course, free of charge.
Regular Processing Time: Standard delivery is within a few working days by post.
Express Option (By Arrangement Only): Should you require the certified translation of your Commercial Register Extract at very short notice, we offer express processing. Since the availability of our sworn translators for urgent orders is limited, this service is only possible after prior arrangement and availability check. Please contact us directly with your desired deadline.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Translation of Your Commercial Register Extract
How long does the certified translation of my Commercial Register Extract take?
The processing time depends on the length and complexity of your extract (current, chronological, or historical). For the current extract, standard processing usually takes 3 to 5 working days (plus postal delivery time). We always offer an Express Option (by arrangement), where the certified translation is processed with priority by one of our sworn translators.
Do I have to send you the original Commercial Register Extract?
No. To prepare the certified translation, we only need a high-quality scan or a clear photo of your document. Our sworn translators prepare the translation based on the digital image and confirm the conformity of the translation with the document presented (the copy).
Is the certified translation valid nationwide and internationally?
Yes. The certification issued by our sworn translators is accepted nationwide by all German authorities, courts, and tax offices. Internationally, it is also accepted in most countries without any problems. Please only note that an additional Apostille or Over-Certification may be required for some countries.
What is the difference between a simple and an official extract?
The simple extract is only for informational purposes and is not certified. The official extract (also called a certified extract) contains the confirmation note of the register court and is required for official purposes such as founding companies, bank transactions, and dealing with authorities. Always send us the official extract for the certified translation.
Can I translate the Commercial Register Extract myself and have it certified?
No. A certified translation in Germany may only be prepared by a sworn translator (also called a certified or publicly appointed translator). The authorities require the stamp and signature of this officially authorised translator to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
We can prepare a certified translation for you because...
Only sworn and authorized document translators, such as those at dito, are entitled to produce certified translations. They are subject to a duty of confidentiality (§189 para. 4 GVG), just like court interpreters, and are obligated to complete translations fully and conscientiously. During the swearing-in process, the state authority verifies the translator's qualifications and legal expertise. The title "translator" is not protected in Germany. However, certified translations require a license as a sworn or publicly appointed or authorized translator.
Skeptical? Our 20 Years of Experience Secure Your Success.
The certified translation is about your future: visas, jobs, or the recognition of your qualification. Ask yourself: Who guarantees the recognition of my document?
The answer lies in our experience: As a sworn translator, I have worked successfully for over 20 years for the largest and most demanding companies in Europe. My work was always discreet, precise, and reliable.
Today, I share this expertise and the team of experts I have built with you. This team consists of publicly appointed and sworn specialist translators for over 40 languages, all of whom are familiar with the processes of German and international authorities.
Our Goal: To give you the security you need. With dito, you don't just receive a certified translation, but a partner who ensures that your document is nationally and internationally recognized so that you can achieve your goals.
Start achieving this goal now by holding your documents in the language of your choice.