Why notaries are involved

Many company formations and structural changes in Germany are subject to formal requirements. Notaries commonly handle the electronic filing to the commercial register for corporate forms and certain changes. The notary’s role is to ensure formal validity of the documents and to file them through the mandated channels.

What a notary typically confirms

A notary generally confirms that documents were executed in the required form and that the filing meets formal requirements. This is not the same as a business audit or a guarantee of solvency. The scope is procedural and legal‑formal rather than commercial.

Practical documentation outcome

Because filings are formalized, many third parties request a current register extract and, if needed, notarized/certified documents for cross‑border use. Understanding what the register extract shows helps interpret those requests.

Common documents handled in formations/changes

• Formation deed or resolutions requiring notarization
• Articles of association (or amendments)
• Appointments/removals of managing directors or board members
• Applications/filings to the commercial register

Related pages

• Register extract — What to request to confirm registered facts.
• Certified copies & apostille — When an extract must be certified for foreign authorities.