Company Registry Lookup - How to Use It

Company registries are official government databases containing information about registered businesses. Here you will learn how to use them effectively to verify customers and find business information.

What Are Company Registries?

Each country maintains its own official register of businesses. Here are the key registries in several countries:

• Companies House - United Kingdom
• Bolagsverket - Sweden
• Erhvervsstyrelsen / CVR - Denmark
• Bronnysundregistrene - Norway

These registries hold essential information about all registered businesses, including company names, registration numbers, addresses, directors, and financial status.

Why Use Company Registry Lookups?

When Invoicing:

• Verify that the customer exists and is active
• Get the correct legal name and address
• Check the company registration number
• Confirm VAT registration status

When Establishing New Client Relationships:

• Check if the business is currently active
• See who has signing authority
• Review the company's history and structure

For Credit Checks:

• Is the company undergoing insolvency proceedings?
• What is the financial status?
• Are there any payment defaults recorded?

How to Search Company Registries

Method 1: Official Registry Websites

United Kingdom - Companies House:

1. Go to find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk
2. Enter company name or registration number
3. Click on the company in the search results
4. View all publicly available information

Sweden - Bolagsverket:

1. Go to bolagsverket.se or allabolag.se
2. Enter company name or organisation number
3. View business details

Denmark - CVR / Virk.dk:

1. Go to virk.dk
2. Enter company name or CVR number
3. View company information

Norway - Bronnysundregistrene:

1. Go to brreg.no
2. Enter company name or organisation number
3. View business details

Method 2: Fakturagenerator.com

We have integrated company registry lookups directly into our invoice generator:

1. Enter a registration number or company name
2. Select the correct company from the list
3. All information is filled in automatically

This saves time and eliminates typing errors.

What Information Can You Find?

Always Available (free):

• Registration number - Unique business identifier
• Company name - Registered legal name
• Address - Registered office and correspondence address
• Company type - Limited company, sole trader, partnership, etc.
• VAT status - Whether VAT registered
• Date of incorporation - When the company was formed
• SIC/NACE codes - Industry classification codes describing the business activity

Extended Information:

• Directors - Company officers
• Board members - If applicable
• Signing authority - Who can sign on behalf of the company
• Auditors - Company auditors
• Shareholders - Ownership structure (varies by country)

Tips for Effective Use

1. Use the Registration Number

Searching by registration number gives an exact match. Company names can have multiple variations and spellings.

2. Check VAT Status

Verify whether the company is VAT registered. For EU cross-border trade, use the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) to validate EU VAT numbers.

3. Verify the Address

Use the address from the official registry on your invoice. It is always current and accurate.

4. Check if the Company is Active

The status field shows whether the company is:

• Active / Trading
• In liquidation
• Dissolved
• In administration / Bankrupt

Company Registry APIs

For developers and automation, most registries offer API access:

• Companies House API (UK) - Free REST API at developer.company-information.service.gov.uk
• Bolagsverket (Sweden) - Available via third-party providers like allabolag.se
• CVR API (Denmark) - Available at cvrapi.dk and via Erhvervsstyrelsen
• Bronnysundregistrene API (Norway) - Free API at data.brreg.no

Fakturagenerator.com uses these APIs to give you instant lookups directly in the invoice tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are company registry lookups free?

Yes, basic lookups are completely free on all official registry websites and in our invoice generator.

How up to date is the information?

Official registries are updated continuously. Changes are typically registered within 1-5 business days depending on the country.

What about GDPR?

Company registries primarily contain business information, not personal data. However, sole trader records where the owner's name is public may be subject to GDPR considerations.

Can I look up companies in other countries?

Yes, each country has its own registry. For EU companies, the European Business Register (EBR) provides a cross-border search facility.

Use Fakturagenerator.com

Save time with integrated company registry lookups:

• Enter a registration number and get all information automatically
• Verify customers in seconds
• Eliminate typing errors
• Always up-to-date information

Professional invoices start with correct customer information. Use company registry lookups to ensure everything is accurate.

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