How do I verify my account as an incorporated partnership (GbR or Grundstücksgemeinschaften)?

Important: This process can only be completed by the host (the primary holder on Holidu).

We'll guide you step by step through the verification process for your incorporated partnership. The process is secure, and you'll provide your information in a protected online environment.

Understanding: Incorporated vs. Unincorporated Partnerships

⚠️ Important: Know the difference

An incorporated partnership IS registered in a trade/commercial register (e.g., GbR, Grundstücksgemeinschaften, KG, OHG, GmbH & Co. KG in Germany). These entities have a separate legal status and must be onboarded as an Organization.

An unincorporated partnership is NOT registered in a trade/commercial register and is NOT a separate legal entity. Partners are personally liable.

Rule of thumb: If your partnership has a Handelsregisternummer (DE), is listed in the commercial register, or has a formal legal registration → you are an Incorporated Partnership and should select Organization during onboarding.

GbR and Grundstücksgemeinschaften in Germany

In Germany, incorporated partnerships include:

• GbR (Gesellschaft bürgerlichen Rechts) – A civil law partnership registered in the commercial register
• Grundstücksgemeinschaften – A joint property ownership arrangement with registered status
• OHG (Offene Handelsgesellschaft) – A general partnership
• KG (Kommanditgesellschaft) – A limited partnership
• GmbH & Co. KG – A limited partnership with a limited liability company as managing partner

If your partnership has any of these forms and is registered in the Handelsregister (commercial register), follow the process below.

Step 1: Verify Your Partnership Details

Before You Start: Have these documents ready

• Constitutional document (partnership agreement, Gesellschaftsvertrag, or Vereinbarung über eine Grundstücksgemeinschaft)
• Commercial register extract (Handelsregisterauszug) showing your partnership registration
• ID document(s) of all legal representatives (passport, national ID card, or driver's license)
• Tax ID document (Steuernummer or Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer)

Steps

1. Log in to Your Holidu Account

• Log in and go to the 'Account' tab
• Click 'Validate' to start the verification process
• Select Organization as your account type
• Select Incorporated Partnership as your company type

2. Enter Incorporated Partnership Information

2a. Primary Representative Details

• Details of the person signing with Holidu are pre-filled
• This person must complete Onfido identity verification
• This person becomes the Primary Representative

2b. Incorporated Partnership Details

The host must:

• Enter the official partnership name (as registered in the commercial register)
• Enter the registration number (Handelsregisternummer)
• Upload the commercial register extract (Handelsregisterauszug)
• Upload the constitutional document (Gesellschaftsvertrag or equivalent)
• Provide the partnership's business address
• Provide the partnership's tax identification number

2c. Incorporated Partnership Members and Legal Representatives

Before You Start: Have these ready

• Full legal names of all members and legal representatives
• Address details of all decision-makers and legal representatives
• ID documents (passport, driving license, or national ID) for each member
• Ownership percentages for each member

Steps:

1. The Primary Representative is already listed
2. Click "Add another partner" for each additional member
   • For each member:
     • Enter full legal name
     • Indicate ownership percentage
     • Specify role (managing partner, member, etc.)
     • Enter personal details
     • Submit details
   • 🔁 Repeat until all members are added
3. Verify Identity of Partnership Members
   1. Instant Verification (recommended):
      • Select the country of issuance and document type (passport, driving license, or ID card)
      • Scan the QR code with your phone and take clear photos of the document for immediate verification
   2. Manual Upload:
      • Choose the document type and upload high-quality photos of the document
      • Click 'Next' to submit (this can take up to 72 hours for verification)

3. Upload Required Documents

Commercial Register Extract (Handelsregisterauszug) – Required

This is the official proof that your partnership is registered and incorporated. Download this from your local commercial register office (Amtsgericht). It must show:

• The official partnership name
• The registration number (Handelsregisternummer)
• The date of registration
• All members and their roles

Constitutional Document (Gesellschaftsvertrag) – Required

This is the written agreement establishing the partnership. Accepted documents include:

• Gesellschaftsvertrag (partnership agreement, signed by all partners)
• Vereinbarung über eine Grundstücksgemeinschaft (joint property ownership agreement)
• Gewerbe Anmeldung (GewA 1 or 2) – all pages including signature page
• Gewerbeschein (business registration certificate)
• Bescheinigung über die Erfassung als Steuerpflichtiger (tax registration certificate)
• Protokoll einer Gesellschafterversammlung (meeting minutes, signed by all partners)
• Gesellschafterbeschluss (partner resolution)

All constitutional documents must:

• Include the name of all partners
• Include the partnership's details: roles, responsibilities, and profit distributions
• Show the date of establishment
• Be true and up-to-date

Tax Document – If Required

Upload a tax document showing the partnership's name and tax ID (Steuernummer or Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer), issued by the German tax authority (Finanzamt).

4. Review and Submit

• Double-check all the information you've provided
• Ensure all document uploads are clear and legible
• Click 'Submit' to complete this step

Step 2: Verify Your Payout Details

Make sure the bank account holder's name matches the partnership name provided earlier, OR is a business account that belongs to ALL members of the partnership. The bank account must be in the same name as the incorporated partnership you registered in the previous step.

Choose one of the two verification methods

Instant Verification (recommended)

• Search and select your online banking provider
• Log into your bank account via Tink, our trusted partner
• Your banking login details are not stored – they're 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, IBAN, and account holder information
• Click 'Next' to submit (verification can take up to 72 hours)

Step 3: Complete Verification

• If you used Instant Verification, the status updates immediately
• If you used Manual Upload, the process can take up to 72 hours

The verification status in your Holidu account will show as "In Review".

Use the Holidu Assistant in your account to reach our specialised team, who review your data together with Adyen Support.

We'll do our best to complete your verification quickly. Please allow up to two weeks for the full process.

Tips for a Smooth Verification Process

• Check Document Clarity: Make sure all documents are clear, well-lit, and legible. Poor quality images may delay verification.
• Consistency is Key: Ensure all information matches across documents – especially partnership names, addresses, and member names.
• Use Official Documents: Always use official documents from the commercial register and tax authority. Copies certified by a notary (beglaubigte Abschrift) are accepted.
• Current Information: Ensure all documents are current and reflect the existing partnership structure. If there have been recent changes to membership, provide updated documents.
• Monitor Your Email: Watch your inbox for updates or any extra steps needed to complete the process.
• Translation Requirements: If documents are not in English, provide certified translations alongside the originals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my partnership information has changed since registration?

If there have been changes to your partnership (such as new members, changes in ownership percentages, or address changes), you must provide updated documents from the commercial register (Handelsregisterauszug) and update your partnership agreement if applicable. Contact our support team to discuss your specific situation.

Can I use a scanned copy of my documents?

Yes, clear scanned copies are acceptable. However, for official documents like the commercial register extract, a certified notarial copy (beglaubigte Abschrift) is recommended for faster verification.

What if I don't have all members' ID documents?

Each member listed in your partnership must complete identity verification. If a member is unavailable, you may need to provide a power of attorney or authorization document allowing another member to complete verification on their behalf.

How long does verification take?

If you use Instant Verification for both identity and bank account, the process can be completed within hours. If you use Manual Upload for any step, allow up to 72 hours for each manual submission. The full verification process with Adyen can take up to two weeks.

What if verification is rejected?

If verification is rejected, you'll receive a notification with the reason. Common reasons include unclear documents, mismatched information, or missing required documents. Review the feedback carefully and resubmit corrected documents using the Holidu Assistant.

Can I update my bank account after verification?

Yes, you can update your bank account information in your Account settings at any time. However, the new account will need to go through verification again before it becomes active for payouts.