Business address in Germany: A complete guide for business owners

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Under German law, a business address is the official location where your company is reachable for correspondence and legal notifications. It is a core component of your company’s legal identity.

The address must fulfill these requirements:

• Physical location
• Accessible during normal business hours
• Registered with the trade and tax offices

Acceptable options include:

• Your private residence
• A commercial lease
• Co-working spaces or serviced offices

📌 While a home address can be used, a professional business address significantly boosts credibility with clients, partners, and banks. Read more about the requirements below.

What is a registered office address?

A registered office address 💬Ladungsfähige Geschäftsadresse is legally required for companies and sole proprietors registered in the commercial register and must meet higher transparency standards.

It applies to:

• Corporations (e.g., GmbH, UG, AG) 💬Kapitalgesellschaften
• Sole proprietors registered in the commercial register 💬Eingetragene Kauffrau/Kaufmann
• Commercial partnerships (e.g., GmbH & Co. KG, OHG) 💬Personenhandelsgesellschaften

The address must:

• Be a physical, reachable location
• Be listed in the commercial and transparency register
• Include clear signage and contact details

📌 Each company has only one registered office but may operate at additional business addresses.

Business address vs. registered office address

Can I use my home address as a business address?

Yes, if the location complies with local zoning laws. You must ensure:

• The area is not exclusively residential.
• Your business does not violate local usage ordinances (noise, traffic, fire regulations, etc.).
• You receive landlord permission in writing if you rent.

⚠️ Thinking of registering your business at your private residence? If you’re renting, please be mindful of your lease agreement. Many leases either prohibit or don’t clearly permit commercial use. Skipping the landlord’s OK might seem harmless, but it could lead to some serious trouble — even immediate termination of your lease.

Can I use a P.O. box as a German business address?

No. A rented post office box does not fulfill the requirements for a legally valid business address.

Using one could classify your company as a shell company 💬Briefkastenfirma, potentially triggering tax audits or legal action.

Can I use a virtual office for my German company?

Yes, but only under strict conditions. A virtual office is valid if it provides a serviceable address under §8 Abs. 4 GmbHG and §14 HGB. This includes:

• Physical access and mail reception
• Documented forwarding of post
• Visible company signage
• Legal contract with the provider

Avoid providers that offer only mailbox services. If the address does not meet these standards, your registration may be denied or fines imposed later.

Can I use a c/o address?

Generally, no. A ‘c/o address’ does not usually meet the legal definition of a valid business or registered office address, unless very specific conditions are met.

A c/o address may be accepted only if:

• Your company operates at that location (e.g., a co-working space).
• The address is entered fully in the commercial register, not abbreviated.
• There is physical signage and the entity there reliably receives your mail.

Otherwise, the commercial register may reject your application or impose penalties.

When is the right time to set up an address service?

Timing is everything. That rule applies to searching a valid business address as well. If you’re setting up a limited liability company in Germany, you need a valid address before you can register with the notary and commercial register. This address is more than just a formality — it is part of the company’s public identity and commercial register entry.

For international founders, renting a physical office space is often unnecessary in the early stages, especially when operating remotely. A business address service allows you to meet all legal requirements without relocating or committing to costly overheads. It’s particularly helpful for:

• Non-residents without a German lease
• Founders who want to separate personal from professional mail
• Teams working remotely or planning to scale gradually
• Residents without landlord permission

📌 Setting up your business address early streamlines the entire formation process — including notary appointment, tax registration and opening your corporate bank account. Simply put: it’s one of the first pieces of the puzzle.

What happens if I need to change my place of business?

📌 Create a detailed checklist before changing your business address to ensure you update all the necessary registrations and records quickly.

If your business or registered office address changes, you must:

1. Inform authorities, i.e., trade office, tax authority, and—if applicable—the commercial register and transparency register.
2. Ensure the new address is legally valid, with physical presence and mail reception during business hours.
3. Update your contact details, including on your website, imprint, Google My Business, invoice template, and company letterhead.
4. Inform important contacts such as insurers, suppliers and other service providers such as bank, tax consultant and utility providers and customers, if necessary.

Non-compliance can lead to delayed correspondence and payments which may result in official warnings and fines.