OpenSanctions
Operator: OpenSanctions Datenbanken GmbH, Germany
Searches international sanctions and watchlists, as well as information on politically exposed persons.
Compliance & Public Records
Product
OpenSanctions database with public web search; API access and access to the full dataset have their own usage and pricing models.
Availability and source date
Active
As of: 16 October 2026.
No functionality test has been performed.
Use in OSINT research
Shows possible sanctions list entries and politically exposed persons (PEPs) matching a person or company name, with source references. The researcher must confirm identity and the specific listing separately.
Queries
| Input | Result | Result type |
|---|---|---|
| Person name | Web search returns records with matching names, sources and risk categories. | Retrieved |
| Company / organisation name | Web search returns matching organisation entries from the aggregated dataset. | Retrieved |
| Person name + Date of birth | The matching API scores possible matches using names and dates of birth; the result is a list of candidates. | Technical check according to provider |
| National ID number | The API can use an identification number as an additional matching attribute where it is present in the dataset. | Technical check according to provider |
Features
- Searches the dataset by names and terms.
- Narrows search results by data source and entry type.
- Links information to its original sources.
- Shows documented relationships between people and organisations.
- Scores possible matches through the API and explains match scores.
Categories
- Compliance & Public Records
- Sanctions & PEP
Coverage
Geographical coverage
Worldwide
Dataset
Aggregated international sanctions lists, PEP directories and other public watchlists; scope and currency depend on each source.
Access
Requirements
Public web search for examining individual records. Under its terms, the hosted API is intended exclusively for businesses and professional users, not consumers. It requires an account and an API key; access to the full dataset and commercial use are subject to separate conditions.
Export
API responses in FollowTheMoney JSON format; full datasets are offered separately for download.
Provider
OpenSanctions Datenbanken GmbH
Country of establishment
Germany
Interfaces
API
Available. Hosted API for search, matching and detailed records; an account, key and credits are required.
MCP
Available. Official yente-mcp server from yente-client. It runs as a local service and connects to the hosted API or a self-hosted yente instance; the article dated 24 September 2026 does not yet identify a public hosted MCP endpoint.
AI agents
Available. AI agents can call match and search through the official MCP service. Checking results and making decisions remain the user's responsibility.
Usage note
The free data licence is restricted to non-commercial use; commercial data use requires a suitable licence or API access, whose terms prohibit redistribution of substantial parts of the dataset.
Legal note
The required legal basis must be established before processing personal data.
Limitations
- Name similarity and match scores do not confirm identity; additional attributes and the original source must be checked.
- An entry may document a political role or relationship without establishing that the person or organisation is itself subject to sanctions.
- The dataset depends on its sources; the provider guarantees neither completeness nor accuracy.
Guides and practical reports
Official · Matching API quickstart tutorial
OpenSanctions · EN
Explains API keys, the first query and how to interpret match scores and sources.