Register modernisation at a glance

Foundation and purpose of the RegMo project

On 23 June 2021, the federal and state governments adopted the "Overall Control of Register Modernisation" initiative (RegMo for short). This ambitious project aims to create a centralised component system, known as the Once-Only-Technical-System (NOOTS). The aim is to make data from various public administration registers centrally available. This should increase efficiency and promote digitalisation in the public sector.

The implementation of RegMo is subject to various legal requirements. The legal obligation to link registers should be emphasised in particular. This obligation applies to all register-keeping bodies at federal, state and local authority level and ensures structured and standardised access to the data.

RegMo is not just a technical project, but also a central element in the digitalisation strategy of the federal, state and local governments. It pursues five main objectives:

1. simplification of data retrieval for citizens

2. improvement of administrative services

3. support for research and science

4. digitisation of the register census by 2031

5. promotion of the open data policy

The project serves as a catalyst for numerous other initiatives and strategies. At its core is the vision of making data available "at the touch of a button" in the future. This concerns both citizens who wish to make use of administrative services and the scientific community. Register modernisation therefore forms the basis for the implementation of automation potential or fully digital processes through the use of rule-based systems or the application of AI.

The Identification Number Act (IDNrG) serves as the legal basis. It regulates the introduction of the tax identification number as a standardised identification feature in administrative registers. The main objectives are to uniquely assign data to individuals, increase data quality and reduce the administrative burden for citizens.

The IDNrG lists 51 affected registers, including 19 classified as priority registers. These include already established registers such as the population register, but also future registers such as the trade registers. The complete list of registers can be viewed on the website of the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).

Video: KPMG Register modernisation

European legal obligations through the Single Digital Gateway (SDG) Regulation

Overview and goals

The Single Digital Gateway (SDG) Regulation was adopted by the European Union in 2018. It aims to establish a standardised digital portal for administrative services within the EU. This entails various obligations for Germany and all other member states, including the complete digitalisation of 21 procedure bundles and connection to the European Once-Only-Technical-System (EU-OOTS).

The SDG Regulation and the German OZG have similar objectives: They are intended to promote the digitalisation of public administration and make services accessible via a single portal. The SDG Regulation extends this to a European level and implements the once-only principle across borders.

The requirements of the SDG Regulation are set out in three articles in particular:

Article 6: National online services must be fully electronic
Article 13: These services must also be available across borders for users in other EU countries
Article 14: Electronic evidence should be able to be transmitted automatically throughout the EU

All member states, including Germany, must have implemented the requirements of the SDG Regulation by 12 December 2023. Among other things, this means that procedures such as applying for student funding or a registration certificate must be digitally accessible not only nationally, but also throughout the EU.

The SDG Regulation has a direct impact on the ongoing efforts to modernise registers in Germany. It imposes additional requirements, including EU-wide networking and the provision of cross-border services, which must be taken into account in national efforts.

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Benefits of register modernisation

Cost savings and increased efficiency

According to the IT Planning Council, register modernisation can generate a total annual benefit of 6.3 billion euros. In addition to a further 0.6 billion euros per census, this indicates considerable cost savings and efficiency gains. In fact, the National Regulatory Control Council estimates that modern registers can reduce the time required to process administrative services by 59 per cent.
Backend integration and once-only principle

Register modernisation addresses the often neglected back-end integration and enables seamless implementation of the once-only principle. This means that citizens and companies only need to submit one application to utilise several administrative services. This takes the user experience to a new level and minimises bureaucratic effort.
Cross-register identity management

Comprehensive identity management enables reliable and automated data exchange between different authorities. This not only simplifies administration, but also increases data security.

Overall register modernisation project (RegMo)

Opportunities for participation

The project offers federal states, municipalities and districts the opportunity to participate in the form of pilot projects. This allows them to participate in testing the connection of registers and thus gain practical experience.

Financial support

Participants can receive financial support for their implementation projects. Our expertise is available to effectively support the process.financial support

Contributors can receive financial support for their implementation projects. Our expertise is available to support the process effectively.

Register modernisation is therefore a central pillar of administrative modernisation and is essential for the implementation of the Online Access Act (OZG) and the European SDG Regulation. It offers enormous opportunities for increased efficiency, cost savings and improved citizen friendliness.

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