Relocating a Company's Registered Office in Germany: Step by Step

Relocating a registered office involves more than one form. The exact sequence depends on the legal form, articles of association, place of management and whether the move crosses registry-court or municipal boundaries.

1. Review the company and intended setup

With your advisers, clarify the legal form, articles of association, current registered office, place of management, employees, existing fixed places of business and the activity planned for Schönefeld.

2. Secure a genuine operating address

Confirm that official documents can be received at the address and that workspace, meetings and management activity can genuinely take place there. Agree how the facilities will be booked and how use will be recorded.

3. Make the corporate and notarial decisions

Registered companies may require shareholder resolutions, amendments to articles and notarial filings. The exact documents should be prepared by the responsible professionals.

4. Notify registries and public authorities

Coordinate the commercial-register, local business-registration and tax-office notifications. If more than one business location remains, the allocation of municipal business tax may need separate analysis.

5. Update the operating environment

Update banks, insurers, customers, suppliers, invoices, contracts, website disclosures and internal records. Retain the evidence supporting actual management activity at the new location.

Primary sources and further reading