When you apply for a ZEN Business account, we need documents that confirm your business is registered, who runs it, and who owns it.
In many cases, one current document from your company registry can provide all this information. The exact documents you need depend on your legal form.
Why do we need these documents?
We need to verify every business that applies for a ZEN Business account.
Providing the right documents from the start helps us review your application without having to ask you for missing or updated information.
What information do your documents need to show?
| We need to confirm | Your documents should show |
|---|---|
| Your business is registered and active | Its legal name, registration number, registered address, legal form, registration date, and confirmation that it is still active. |
| Who runs your business | The full names of everyone who currently directs, manages, or represents it. |
| Who owns your business | The full names of everyone who owns it and how much of the business each person owns. |
One document can confirm more than one of these. For example, a current registry extract may contain all three.
Which legal form should you choose?
Select the description that best matches your business or organisation. You can then check the specific documents required for that legal form.
- Limited liability company: A company with share capital and limited liability. Examples include Ltd, GmbH, B.V., S.r.l., SARL, sp. z o.o., and LLC.
- Sole trader: You run the business in your own name. There are no shareholders, and the business is not a separate legal entity from you.
- Partnership: Two or more partners run the business together under a partnership agreement. Examples include LP, LLP, OHG, KG, SNC, VOF, and sp. j.
- Association or society: A membership organisation with a non-commercial purpose, usually run by an elected board. Examples include e.V., vereniging, association loi 1901, and stowarzyszenie.
- Foundation: An entity set up by a founder to hold assets for a specific purpose and without owners. Examples include Stiftung, stichting, fondation, and fundacja.
- Trust or similar arrangement: Assets are held by trustees for beneficiaries under a trust deed or similar arrangement.
- Cooperative or mutual: An organisation owned by its members, who share its surplus. Examples include cooperative, mutual, coöperatie, Genossenschaft, and spółdzielnia.
- Branch or representative office: A registered branch or representative office of a parent entity based elsewhere. The branch is not a separate legal person.
- Public entity or government body: A government body, public authority, municipality, agency, or another entity created by law.
What should you check before uploading your documents?
- Send the most recent version. We can't accept historical or superseded documents.
- Include every page, even if a page only contains a stamp or signature.
- Make sure your business's full legal name and registration number are clearly readable.
- You can upload a clear scan, photo, or downloaded PDF. Make sure all text is legible.
- Documents in your local language are accepted. You don't need to translate them.
What happens after you upload your documents?
Your documents are sent for review after you upload them.
If we need another document or more information, we'll let you know. You can continue setting up your account while the review is in progress.