Germany imposes strict requirements on local phone numbers, but we’re here to help. In this FAQ, we’ll discuss what constitutes acceptable documentation for proof of address for German local numbers.

Per regulations in Germany, only four forms of identification are acceptable as proof of address:

• Handelsregisterauszug with an address on it
• Gewerbeanmeldung that doesn’t include an expiry date
• A valid German government-issued identification document that shows a German address (usually on the back of the card)
• A passport that lists the location of residence in Germany

Handelsregisterauszug with visible address

The German Commercial Register (German: Handelsregister) is a public company register that contains details of all tradespeople and legal entities in the district of the registrar. The Handelsregisterauszug document is a company’s registration with the commercial register that includes the company’s location in Germany. A compliant Handelsregisterauszug will include the following:

• The word “Handelsregister” on the top of the form
• A visible address

One example of a Handelsregisterauszug can be found below (but the exact format varies by locality):

Gewerbeanmeldung

Another form of acceptable business registration is the Gewerbeanmeldung. Applying for a Gewerbeanmeldung is a process in which a business enterprise is registered with the responsible authority (municipality, public order office). A compliant Gewerbeanmeldung will not include an expiry date. A compliant Gewerbeanmeldung will include the following:

• The word “Gewerbeanmeldung” (or Gewerbe-Anmeldung) on the top of the form
• A visible address

An example of a Gewerbeanmeldung can be found below:

A valid German government-issued identification document that shows a German address (usually on the back of the card)

If a German local number is being used by an individual rather than by a business, a valid German government-issued identification document that shows a German address (usually on the back of the card) can be used for proof of address. An example identity document can be found below:

A passport that lists the location of residence in Germany

If a German local number is being used by an individual rather than by a business, a passport that lists the location of residence in Germany can be used for proof of address. An example can be found below: