At the end of each month, domestic banks and companies, as well as private individuals and public bodies, are obliged to submit various reports to the Bundesbank if payments have been made abroad.

The reports Z4, Z8 and Z10-Z15 for foreign payments over EUR 12,500 each relate to different subject areas. In addition, the 3-digit AWV code must be assigned to each transaction.

A restricted group of persons is obliged to report all foreign receivables and liabilities over EUR 5 million to the Bundesbank. It must also be stated whether it is a direct or indirect holding, whether derivatives are involved or whether the counterparty is regarded as a foreign bank.

In addition, cross-border participations must be reported if the object of the participation has a balance sheet total of more than EUR 3 million and the share amounts to 10% or more. This reporting obligation also applies to companies domiciled in Germany with a balance sheet total of EUR 3 million or more if a foreign investor holds 10% or more. All holdings in subordinate companies must also be reported to the Bundesbank.