Our purpose
Business registries contain essential information for anyone conducting business across Europe. Yet accessing and interpreting this information can be challenging, particularly when dealing with registries in unfamiliar countries with different systems, languages, and procedures. Registry Lookup exists to bridge this knowledge gap.
We created this resource because we recognised that valuable information exists in public registries throughout Europe, but the systems for accessing it can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with specific national procedures. Our guides explain how these systems work, what information they contain, and how to use them effectively.
Our goal is not to replace official sources but to complement them by providing context and explanation. We help visitors understand what they are looking at when they access a national registry and what the information means in practical terms. We also help visitors know which registry to consult for different needs and how to obtain the documents they require.
What we provide
Registry Lookup offers educational content across several areas related to European business registration. Our guides section provides step-by-step instructions for searching major national registries, explaining how each country's system works and how to navigate official portals effectively.
Our formats section explains how registration numbers, VAT identifiers, and other business codes are structured across different countries. Understanding these formats helps visitors verify that they have correct information and are searching in the right places.
Our verification section explains how to cross-check business information against multiple official sources, identify potential warning signs, and conduct effective due diligence on European companies.
Our document section explains how to obtain official registry documents including extracts, certificates, and historical records from different national registries, with guidance on fees, processing times, and procedures.
Independence and neutrality
Registry Lookup is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with any European Union institution, national government, business registry, or commercial data provider. We do not represent any official body and our content does not constitute official guidance from any government or international organisation.
This independence allows us to provide straightforward, user-focused guidance without institutional constraints. We can acknowledge when official systems are confusing, suggest workarounds for common problems, and present information in ways that prioritise user understanding over institutional messaging.
Our content takes a neutral stance on commercial and political matters. We do not promote specific companies or services, and we do not advocate particular business practices or regulatory approaches. Our role is to inform, not to persuade.
How we source information
The information on Registry Lookup comes from publicly available official sources. We research national registry systems by examining their official documentation, exploring their online portals, and reviewing relevant legislation and regulations. We do not have special access to non-public information.
Our primary sources include the official websites of national business registries and commercial registers, European Union portals including the e-Justice portal and Commission publications, national legislation governing business registration, and official documentation provided by registry authorities.
We strive to keep information current, but registry systems and procedures do change. If you notice information that appears outdated or incorrect, we welcome feedback. Ultimately, official registry portals are the authoritative source for current procedures and fees.
Our approach to accuracy
We take accuracy seriously while acknowledging that we cannot guarantee perfection. Business registration is a complex topic with variations between countries and changes over time. We verify information against official sources before publication and review content periodically for continued accuracy.
However, our content is educational in nature and should not be treated as official guidance. For specific legal, tax, or compliance matters, readers should consult qualified professionals who can consider their particular circumstances. Official registry authorities are the definitive source for questions about their systems and procedures.
We clearly distinguish between general principles that apply broadly and country-specific details that may vary. When we are uncertain about specific details, we say so rather than making assumptions that might mislead readers.
Advertising and funding
Registry Lookup is funded through advertising displayed on our pages. We use Google AdSense to serve advertisements that help cover the costs of maintaining and updating this resource. Advertising revenue allows us to provide our educational content free of charge to all visitors.
Advertisers do not influence our content. The guides, formats, verification procedures, and other information we provide are determined solely by their educational value and accuracy, not by advertising considerations. We maintain strict separation between editorial content and advertising.
We do not accept paid placements within our educational content, sponsored articles, or other arrangements that might compromise our independence. The advertisements you see are served by Google's automated systems based on your interests and our site's content, not editorial decisions on our part.
What we do not do
To be clear about our scope, there are several things Registry Lookup does not do. We do not store or provide company data directly. We guide visitors to official sources where they can access verified information. We do not maintain a database of companies or offer our own search function for company records.
We do not provide legal, tax, or professional advice. Our content is educational and informational, not advisory. Readers who need advice on specific situations should consult qualified professionals in relevant jurisdictions.
We do not guarantee the accuracy of information in official registries or take responsibility for errors in official records. Registry authorities maintain their databases; we merely explain how to access them.
We do not verify companies or provide verification services. Our verification guides explain how readers can conduct their own verification using official sources. We do not issue any form of certificate, report, or confirmation about any company.
Contact
If you have questions, suggestions, or notice information that needs updating, we welcome your feedback. We review all communications and use feedback to improve our content.
Please note that we cannot provide personalised advice about specific companies or situations. Questions about particular registry records should be directed to the relevant national registry authority. Questions about legal or compliance matters should be directed to qualified professionals.
For general feedback about our content and suggestions for improvement, you may reach us through standard communication channels. We appreciate corrections, clarifications, and information about changes to registry systems that we may not yet have covered.
Frequently asked questions
Is Registry Lookup an official EU website?
No. Registry Lookup is an independent educational resource with no affiliation to the European Union, any of its institutions, or any national government. We provide guidance about official systems but are not part of those systems ourselves.
Why do you not provide company data directly?
Several reasons inform this approach. First, official registries are the authoritative sources and provide the most current information. Second, reproducing registry data raises legal and practical complications. Third, directing users to official sources ensures they understand where information comes from and can verify it themselves.
How often is your content updated?
We review content periodically and update it when we become aware of changes to registry systems or procedures. However, official systems may change without immediate reflection in our guides. Always check official registry portals for the most current procedures and fees.
Can I use your content for my own purposes?
Our content is protected by copyright. You may link to our pages and share them with others. Reproducing substantial portions of our content requires permission. Contact us if you have specific licensing enquiries.
Do you recommend any particular services or providers?
No. We do not recommend, endorse, or promote any commercial services or providers. When we mention commercial options such as credit reference services, this is for informational completeness, not recommendation. We have no commercial relationships with service providers.
How can I report an error?
If you identify information that appears incorrect or outdated, please let us know through our contact channels. Include details of what appears wrong and, if possible, references to official sources showing the correct information. We investigate all reported errors and correct confirmed inaccuracies.
Can you help me with a specific registry search?
We provide general guidance but cannot assist with specific searches or verify particular companies. Our guides explain how to conduct searches yourself. For company-specific questions, contact the relevant national registry directly or engage professional verification services if needed.
Is this information applicable outside the EU?
Our content focuses on European Union member states and their business registration systems. While some information may be relevant to EEA countries with similar systems, we do not systematically cover non-EU jurisdictions. For countries outside the EU, consult local sources and professionals familiar with those jurisdictions.