Short answer: A GbR (Gesellschaft bürgerlichen Rechts) or a Grundstücksgemeinschaft is usually not entered in the commercial register, so it is verified as an Unincorporated Partnership in Germany, not as an incorporated partnership. Only partnerships registered in a commercial register, such as a KG, OHG, or GmbH & Co. KG, are onboarded as an Organization. This process can only be completed by the host (the primary holder on Holidu).

What is the difference between a GbR, a Grundstücksgemeinschaft, and an incorporated partnership?

An unincorporated partnership is not registered in a trade or commercial register and is not a separate legal entity. The partners are personally liable. A GbR and a Grundstücksgemeinschaft both fall into this category in Germany.

An incorporated partnership is registered in a commercial register (Handelsregister in Germany). Examples include a KG, OHG, or GmbH & Co. KG. These partnerships must be onboarded as an Organization.

Rule of thumb: If your partnership has a Handelsregisternummer, it is an Organization. If it is a GbR or Grundstücksgemeinschaft without a commercial register entry, it is an Unincorporated Partnership. A trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) on its own does not make a GbR an incorporated partnership.

Can I verify my GbR or Grundstücksgemeinschaft as an incorporated partnership?

In most cases, no. GbRs and Grundstücksgemeinschaften in Germany should be verified using the Unincorporated Partnership flow. Selecting the incorporated partnership option is only correct if your partnership is registered in an official commercial register.

What if my partnership is registered in the commercial register?

If your partnership has a Handelsregisternummer, select Organization in your Holidu account. In Adyen, the company type must be Incorporated Partnership. You will need to provide the registration details and the documents required for organizations.

Partnerships from countries where the Unincorporated Partnership type is not yet supported also use the Organization option with the Incorporated Partnership company type.

What are the steps to verify a GbR or Grundstücksgemeinschaft in Germany?

The verification has four main parts. Have your documents ready before you start.

1. Log in and start the process: Log in to your Holidu account, go to the Account tab, and click Validate.
2. Enter partnership details: Your name is pre-filled as the Primary Partner. You must complete Onfido identity verification. Then enter the partnership details and upload a constitutional document.
3. Add all partners: Click "Add another partner" for each additional member. For each partner, select the entity type (usually Individual), indicate whether they hold more than 25% ownership, provide control rights if applicable, and enter their personal details. Then verify each partner's identity.
4. Verify payout details and submit: Enter your bank details and complete payout verification. Review all information and click Submit.

Which documents can I upload for a GbR in Germany?

You must upload one constitutional document. Accepted documents include:

• Gesellschaftsvertrag or GbR-Vertrag, signed by all partners
• Vereinbarung über eine Grundstücksgemeinschaft (for shared property)
• Gewerbeanmeldung (GewA 1 or 2), with all pages including the signature page
• Gewerbeschein
• Bescheinigung über die Erfassung als Steuerpflichtiger (tax registration certificate)
• Statement from an accountant confirming that the partnership exists
• Protokoll einer Gesellschafterversammlung or Gesellschafterbeschluss, signed by all partners

Your constitutional document must:

• Include the names of all partners
• Describe the partnership's roles, responsibilities, and profit distribution or ownership shares
• Be true and up to date

Depending on your situation, you may also need to upload a tax document that shows the partnership's name and tax ID, issued by the German tax authority.

What if we do not have a formal partnership contract?

Any written or signed document that shows who the partners are and how profits or ownership are shared can work. This could be a signed agreement between the partners or a written decision signed by all partners. Make sure the document is complete and matches the names and addresses used in your verification.

Who needs to be verified as a partner?

Every partner or legal representative should be added to your account. The Primary Partner must complete Onfido identity verification. Each additional partner must provide their address and an ID document, such as a passport, driving licence, or national ID card. You can verify identity instantly by scanning a QR code with your phone, or upload clear photos of the document for manual review.

What are the payout requirements for a GbR?

The bank account must be in the name of the partnership, or be a business account that belongs to all partners. The account holder's name must match the partnership name you entered earlier.

You can verify your bank account in two ways:

• Instant verification (recommended): Choose your online banking provider and log in through Tink, our trusted partner. Your login details are not stored and are used only for verification.
• Manual verification: Enter your bank details and upload a recent bank statement issued within the last 12 months. The statement must show the partnership's name and IBAN.

How long does verification take?

If you used instant verification, your status updates immediately. If you used manual upload, verification can take up to 72 hours. Your status will show as "In Review" in your Holidu account while our specialised team reviews your data together with Adyen. Please allow up to two weeks for the full process