Which documents do I need to open an account in germany?

  • Updated

As part of our regulatory review, we require proof of identity from you to open your business account with Qonto. Learn more here.


​My company is registered

You must be the managing director of your company (as listed in the company's articles of association) to open a business account. If you are opening the account using a power of attorney from the managing director, we require proof of identity from both you and the managing director.


We require the following documents for the following legal forms:

Sole Proprietor - Trade License GeWA1 (Issued by your local trade or regulatory office)

Freelancer - Official letter from the tax office (Issued by your local tax office)

(e)GbR - Trade License GeWA1 & Partners agreement or GbR contract

GmbH - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

gGmbh - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

UG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

gUG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

AG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

e.K./e.Kfm/e.Kfr - Current extract from the commercial register (Section A) & Trade License GeWA1

AG & Co KG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B), commercial register extract of AG & Transparency register extract

GmbH & Co. KG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B), commercial register extract of GmbH & Transparency register extract

AG & Co oHG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B), commercial register extract of AG and OHG & Transparency register extract

UG & Co. KG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B), commercial register extract of UG & Transparency register extract

oHG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

GmbH & Co. oHG - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B), commercial register extract of GmbH and oHG & Transparency register extract

Limited Partnership - Current extract from the commercial register (Section A) & Transparency register extract

KGaA - Current extract from the commercial register (Section B) & Transparency register extract

 

My company is in formation

During registration, the notarized formation documents must be uploaded. The documents should be stamped and signed or sealed and signed:

  • Registration in the commercial register

  • Certificate of incorporation

  • List of shareholders

What documents do we need if one of your shareholders is a legal entity?

If a legal entity appears as a shareholder, certain documents are required to ensure legal integrity and transparency. Please provide us with the following documents:

  1. Certificate of incorporation of the legal entity: This document confirms the lawful formation and existence of the legal entity. It should contain all relevant details about the formation and structure of the company.

  2. Commercial register extract: An official extract from the commercial register containing information about the registration of the legal entity and its authorized representatives and managing directors.

  3. List of shareholders: A list of all shareholders of the legal entity disclosing their shares and interests in the company.

  4. Transparency register extract (if applicable): If it is a German company, a transparency register extract is required. This document contains information about the beneficial owners and the actual owners of the legal entity according to legal requirements.

  5. Note for legal entities in formation: If the legal entity is still in the formation process and therefore does not possess a commercial register extract, we alternatively accept the registration in the commercial register. However, this is only possible if the legal entity maintains an account with Qonto.

    💡 This only applies to legal entities that have a seat in Germany

Providing these documents allows us to fulfill the necessary legal due diligence and ensure a smooth business relationship.

Currently, the following legal forms are offered for your foundation:

  • GmbH (Limited Liability Company) in formation

  • UG (Entrepreneurial Company) in formation

  • gGmbH in formation

  • gUG in formation