[Control] The Uniqueness of German Companies

Identifying companies in Germany can be a challenge, especially for those accustomed to simpler identification systems like the one in France. Unlike France, where each company has a unique identifier, Germany adds an extra layer of complexity. In this article, we address frequently asked questions to help you navigate the unique landscape of company identification in Germany. 🇩🇪

Q1: How does the process of identifying companies in Germany differ from other countries like France?

Answer: In Germany, unlike other countries like in France, company identifiers are not unique, which complicates the identification process. Two major identifiers are used in Germany: the VAT number and the commercial register number, known as Handelsregister.

Q2: Can you explain these two identifiers in detail?

Answer: VAT numbers in Germany are not unique and can be reassigned, belonging to multiple companies. In contrast, the commercial register number (Handelsregister) is unique for a company registered in the same commercial court. A single commercial register number can, therefore, belong to up to 151 different companies, distinguished by the commercial courts. Hence, it is advisable to prioritize the Handelsregister number over the VAT number for verifications. ✅

Q3: Can the VAT number be used to invite a company?

Answer: No, it is not possible to invite a company using the VAT number. Since this number can belong to multiple companies without distinction, it is not used for invitations. It is imperative to use the local identifier, namely the Handelsregister, for this purpose. 🚫

Q4: What steps should we follow after registering a third party?

Answer: Once a third party is registered and validated, it is highly recommended to recheck using the Handelsregister identifier. This ensures more accurate and reliable information. 🔍

Q5: What specific considerations should we take into account when integrating your services into our tools?

Answer: On our platform, we directly display company names to ensure transparency for our users. However, when using our API (or when performing a mass verification by sending the import CSV file), it is essential to specify the court code associated with the company to ensure verification is performed for the correct company. Without this specification, the verification will be performed on the first company in the list, which may not meet your needs. 📊

Q6: Why can the scores obtained through the API and using our SaaS service differ?

Answer: Scores may vary because the verified companies are not the same. To obtain accurate results, we encourage you to provide the court code associated with the company, in addition to the registration number in the commercial register. 📈

Q7: Where can I find the court code to add to the commercial register number?

Answer: For more detailed information, you can download and consult our user guide, "Guide - German company ID.pdf," which we provide. This guide will assist you in creating the "Court Code: Commercial Register Number" identifiers for your verifications through the API or through a mass verification (by sending the import CSV file) 📖