What must be included in a website Impressum in 2025?

Almost every website in German-speaking countries requires a legal notice, commonly referred to as an Impressum. U.S. companies operating in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) may legally need an Impressum on their website if they target users in those countries. Many websites offer templates or sample texts to help users create one. Some even provide full Impressum generators that allow you to generate a legally compliant notice with just a few clicks.

Legal notice requirements for websites

Sometimes translated as an “imprint,” an Impressum is a type of legal disclosure that provides visitors with key information about the entity responsible for a website. While there is no direct equivalent or legal requirement for an Impressum in the United States, it shares similarities with terms like “legal notice” or “site notice” commonly found in English-speaking countries. It can also resemble website credits, though it is not the same as an “About Ussection.

In the U.S., there is no general legal requirement to publish a site notice like an Impressum. However, most website owners are legally required to include a copyright notice and a privacy policy, and in some cases, terms and conditions or legal disclaimers—especially for businesses selling products or services online.

Who is required to provide an impressum?

Any company, online store, or media outlet (e.g., newspapers, magazines, journals) operating in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland must make this information easily accessible to the public. German media law requires all publicly accessible websites—including social media profiles—to feature a clear and complete Impressum.

For example, online service providers should include an Impressum on their Facebook pages. The same obligation applies to merchants using third-party platforms or marketplaces to conduct business: an Impressum must be provided for their individual offerings.

Does this apply to U.S. companies?

Yes. The Impressum obligation also applies to foreign companies, including those based in the United States, if they target users or conduct business in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Failure to comply can result in legal warnings or fines of up to €50,000 (approx. $54,000) in Germany.

What should an Impressum contain?

Before launching your website for users in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, it’s important to ensure that your legal notice is accurate and complete. The following items are core components of a legally compliant Impressum under local regulations:

• Name of the website owner or company (including the official legal structure)
• Business address
• Contact information (email address and phone number are typically required)
• Commercial register and registration number (if the business is officially registered in a commercial register)
• VAT identification number or equivalent business identification number
• Profession-specific information (e.g., chamber affiliation, professional title, or governing body—if applicable)
• Details of the relevant regulatory authority (if your business requires licensing or oversight)

Some business types are subject to additional disclosure requirements. For example, if your website provides journalistic or editorial content, you must name the person responsible for the content. There are also special rules for partnerships and corporations that are currently undergoing dissolution or liquidation. This status must also be clearly indicated in the Impressum. As a result, the specific content of your legal notice depends on both the legal structure of your business and the type of content or services provided on your website.

Legal consequences of failing to include an Impressum

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to €50,000 (approx. $54,000) in Germany. Additionally, the law mandates that the commercial nature of your website must be clearly disclosed. If you use your site to conduct business, you must include your business address and legal entity in the Impressum.

Missing or incorrect information can also lead to formal warnings (Abmahnungen) from competitors, trade associations, or consumer protection organizations. These warnings often require immediate correction and may involve legal fees or settlement costs.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when doing business internationally. As this example shows, understanding and respecting the specific legal expectations of your target country builds trust and helps you avoid costly penalties or administrative headaches.

While Impressum violations have been repeatedly challenged in court over the years, there is still no unified legal stance on how strictly they should be penalized. Nevertheless, enforcement remains active—and proactive compliance is strongly advised.

Impressum templates and generators

The key components listed above can serve as a basic Impressum template for your website. However, creating one is even easier and faster with the help of an Impressum generator. These tools typically guide users through a form-based process: you enter your company’s legal and contact information, and the tool automatically generates a legally compliant Impressum.

Many of these generators are available for free. While they cannot replace individual legal advice, they are generally sufficient for most standard websites—provided the site does not operate within a highly regulated or legally complex industry.

Using a generator makes it possible to quickly and professionally create a customized provider identification. This helps protect against legal warnings (Abmahnungen) and potential fines. A website with a proper Impressum also meets professional online standards and enhances user trust.

Please refer to the legal disclaimer for this article.