A Step-by-Step Guide
Verifying the identity of a Romanian company is a crucial step before engaging in any business transaction to avoid potential scams. The primary authority for company information in Romania is the National Trade Register Office (Oficiul Național al Registrului Comerțului – ONRC). Here’s a summary of the steps involved:
- Access the National Trade Register Office (ONRC) Online Services: The ONRC provides extensive online services for company verification. The main portal for these services can be accessed via the official ONRC website (www.onrc.ro). Some services might require user registration (creating a username and password), which is typically free of charge.
- Utilize the ONRC E-Services Portal: The ONRC’s e-services portal offers various tools for information retrieval. Key services include:
- Recom online: This service provides detailed information about professionals (companies), including their name, organizational form, identification details (Trade Register order number, European Unique Identifier – EUI, Unique Registration Code – CUI), registered office, share capital, main and secondary activities, details of directors and associates, information on subsidiaries/branches, and more. Access to Recom online is often subscription-based or may involve fees for specific reports.
- Infocert: This service allows users to obtain official documents and certificates, such as certificates of status (certificat constatator), which confirm a company’s current legal standing and key details.
- Verification of Company Name Availability: While more relevant for new company registrations, this tool can also be used to check if a company name is registered.
- Access to the Register of Beneficial Owners (RBO): You can request information about the beneficial owners of a company. This is particularly important for due diligence and understanding the ultimate ownership structure.
- Identify Key Company Information to Verify: When checking a company, focus on verifying the following details:
- Company Name and Legal Form: Ensure the official registered name and legal structure (e.g., SRL, SA) match the information provided by the company.
- Unique Registration Code (CUI – Cod Unic de Înregistrare): This is a unique identifier for all Romanian legal entities and is essential for verification.
- Trade Register Number (Număr de Ordine în Registrul Comerțului): This number indicates the company’s registration with the local Trade Register office.
- Registered Office Address (Sediu Social): Verify the official address of the company.
- Share Capital (Capital Social): Check the subscribed and paid-in capital.
- Administrators/Directors: Identify the legal representatives of the company.
- Company Status: Confirm if the company is active, in insolvency, liquidation, or has been struck off the register.
- Obtain Official Documents: For formal verification, it is advisable to obtain official documents from the ONRC. The most common is the Certificate of Status (Certificat Constatator), which provides a snapshot of the company’s current legal and financial status. These documents can usually be requested online through the ONRC portal, often for a fee.
- Check the European e-Justice Portal: The European e-Justice Portal provides links and information about business registers across EU member states, including Romania. It can be a good starting point to understand the Romanian system and find links to the ONRC.
- Cross-Reference Information: If possible, cross-reference the information obtained from the ONRC with other sources, such as the company’s own website, business directories, or by requesting documents directly from the company. However, the ONRC remains the most authoritative source.
By following these steps and utilizing the official resources provided by the ONRC, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of dealing with fraudulent or non-existent companies in Romania.