GLOSSARY.
WHAT IS AN UNBEDENKLICHKEITSBESCHEINIGUNG?
The Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung is a tax clearance certificate from the tax office. It confirms that the real estate transfer tax has been paid or secured. Only then does the land registry enter the buyer as the new owner.
HOW IT WORKS.
- The notary reports the purchase contract to the tax office
- The tax office sends the buyer the real estate transfer tax assessment
- After payment, it issues the clearance certificate
- The notary applies for the transfer of ownership in the land register
WHY IT MATTERS.
The faster the tax is paid, the sooner the buyer becomes owner. For sellers: the purchase price is usually paid earlier, secured by a priority notice of conveyance (Auflassungsvormerkung).
RELATED TERMS.
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German version: Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung.
As of November 2026, AENGEVELT Research.