Quick summary: A GmbH requires a business address that is entered into the commercial register. This address has legal consequences and is publicly visible. This article explains what the commercial register requires and what options you have.

Why the GmbH address is more than just a formality

For a GmbH, the business address is not just a minor detail. It is entered in the commercial register, is publicly accessible, and appears on every official company document: invoices, contracts, and correspondence with authorities. Changing the address requires a notary appointment and an amendment to the articles of association. This costs time and money.

That is why it pays to make the right decision from the start. An address that is legally compliant, appears professional, and can be used long-term saves effort later on.

What the commercial register actually requires

The GmbH Act stipulates that the company's registered office must be stated in the articles of association. This office must be located within the country. The address entered into the commercial register must be a real, deliverable address—meaning an address where official documents can reach the company.

A P.O. box is not sufficient. An address where it is proven that no mail arrives is not sufficient. The address must be such that courts, authorities, and creditors can reach the company there.

Can a GmbH use a virtual address?

Yes, this is legally possible and accepted by many local courts. There is no legal requirement that a GmbH must have its own operating facility as its registered office. What counts is the deliverability of the address, not the physical presence of the company at that location.

In practice, it depends on the provider. A reputable virtual office address with active mail handling and a usage agreement is accepted by most registry courts. The prerequisite is that the provider issues a corresponding confirmation that you can present to the notary and the registry court.

At Geschaeftsadressemieten, we issue this confirmation upon request. Hundreds of GmbHs and UGs have already successfully registered our Berlin address in the commercial register.

Private address as a GmbH registered office: What you need to know

Using a shareholder's private address as the GmbH's registered office is legally permitted. Many founders do this because it is simple. However, there are disadvantages you should be aware of.

The private address is published in the commercial register and is accessible to everyone. Any business partner, competitor, or journalist can look up where the managing director lives. This is a data privacy issue that many only realize after the fact. Furthermore, payment orders and lawsuits are served at this address, which can lead to default judgments if you are away.

Which address is suitable for which purpose

There are several address options for a GmbH, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

 
• Own office: Maximum credibility, but high fixed costs and long contract terms
 
• Coworking space with address service: Good if you work on-site regularly, but more expensive than a virtual office
 
• Virtual Office: Most affordable option with full legal recognition, ideal for remote-working GmbHs
 
• Private address: Permitted, but carries data privacy and reputation risks

How to change your GmbH address in the commercial register

If you want to change your existing GmbH address, the process is as follows: The shareholders pass a resolution to relocate the registered office. A notary certifies the amendment to the articles of association. The notary then notifies the commercial register of the change. After a few weeks, the new address will be officially registered.

Notary fees range from 100 to 300 euros, depending on the share capital. Court fees are added to this. The total effort is manageable, but it is worth doing it once and then sticking with the right address.

Conclusion: The right address from the start

A GmbH address is more than just a mandatory field in the articles of association. It is the face of your company in the commercial register and determines how authorities, banks, and business partners perceive you. A professional Berlin address starting at 4.99 euros per month gives you the right foundation from the very beginning.

If you are founding a GmbH or would like to change your existing address, take a look at the packages from Geschaeftsadressemieten. We provide the necessary confirmation for the notary upon request.

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