How do you check European companies on government websites?
Many countries provide official government databases or business registers to verify European companies. These free or low-cost platforms ensure the company is legitimate and complies with local laws.
Below is a guide for checking companies in all European Union countries, including the official websites for business searches.
Steps to Check European Companies
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Visit the Official Government Business Register
Each EU country has an official platform (listed below) where you can search for company details using the company name, registration number, or other identifiers. -
Search for the Company
Enter the company name or registration number. Some databases allow advanced searches by address or legal form. -
Review the Information
Typical details include:- Company name and address.
- Registration number.
- Legal status (active/inactive).
- Date of establishment.
- Directors and shareholders (if available).
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Validate Additional Information
Cross-check the provided information with the company’s website, contact details, and other online references.
List of Official Government Business Registers in Europe
1. Austria
- Register Name: Firmenbuch (Austrian Business Register).
- Website: https://www.justiz.gv.at
2. Belgium
- Register Name: Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen).
- Website: https://economie.fgov.be
3. Bulgaria
- Register Name: Bulgarian Commercial Register.
- Website: https://www.registryagency.bg
4. Croatia
- Register Name: Court Register.
- Website: https://sudreg.pravosudje.hr
5. Cyprus
- Register Name: Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver.
- Website: https://www.companies.gov.cy
6. Czech Republic
- Register Name: Public Register.
- Website: https://or.justice.cz
7. Denmark
- Register Name: CVR (Danish Business Register).
- Website: https://cvr.dk
8. Estonia
- Register Name: e-Business Register.
- Website: https://ariregister.rik.ee
9. Finland
- Register Name: Finnish Trade Register.
- Website: https://www.prh.fi
10. France
- Register Name: Infogreffe (French Business Register).
- Website: https://www.infogreffe.fr
11. Germany
- Register Name: Handelsregister (German Commercial Register).
- Website: https://www.unternehmensregister.de
12. Greece
- Register Name: GEMI (General Commercial Register).
- Website: https://www.businessportal.gr
13. Hungary
- Register Name: Company Information Service.
- Website: https://www.e-cegjegyzek.hu
14. Ireland
- Register Name: Companies Registration Office (CRO).
- Website: https://www.cro.ie
15. Italy
- Register Name: Registro Imprese.
- Website: https://www.registroimprese.it
16. Latvia
- Register Name: Commercial Register.
- Website: https://www.ur.gov.lv
17. Lithuania
- Register Name: Centre of Registers.
- Website: https://www.registrucentras.lt
18. Luxembourg
- Register Name: Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS).
- Website: https://www.lbr.lu
19. Malta
- Register Name: Malta Business Registry.
- Website: https://www.mbr.mt
20. Netherlands
- Register Name: Kamer van Koophandel (KvK).
- Website: https://www.kvk.nl
21. Poland
- Register Name: National Court Register (KRS).
- Website: https://ekrs.ms.gov.pl
22. Portugal
- Register Name: ePortugal.
- Website: https://justica.gov.pt
23. Romania
- Register Name: National Trade Register Office.
- Website: https://www.onrc.ro
24. Slovakia
- Register Name: Business Register.
- Website: https://www.orsr.sk
25. Slovenia
- Register Name: AJPES Business Register.
- Website: https://www.ajpes.si
26. Spain
- Register Name: Registro Mercantil.
- Website: https://www.registradores.org
27. Sweden
- Register Name: Bolagsverket.
- Website: https://www.bolagsverket.se
Critical Tips for Checking Companies
- Use the official language of the country for more accurate search results.
- Confirm the registration status and verify that the company is active.
- Look for details like company size, directors, and incorporation date.
These government portals provide the most reliable way to verify European companies and ensure they meet regulatory standards. Let me know if you'd like a step-by-step tutorial for a specific country!
