We are specialized in opening German companies on behalf of foreigners. You can read all about prices and procedures below.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What are the types of companies available for registration in Germany? | – sole proprietorship, – general/limited partnership, – private limited liability company (GmbH), – mini-GmbH, – joint stock company |
Business forms available for foreign companies | – branch, – subsidiary, – liaison office |
What are the company formation steps in Germany? | – document drafting, – bank account opening, – document filing with the Trade Register, – tax registration |
| Documents | – application form, – Articles of Association, – management structure chart, – share capital deposit certificate |
| Company registration fee | – EUR 1,250 for mini-GmbH, – EUR 3,050 for GmbH |
| Virtual office fee | Starting at EUR 200 per month |
| Accounting service fee | Starting at EUR 100 per month |
| How long does it take to register a company in Germany? | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Online registration availability (YES/NO) | Yes, through our local experts |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 1 |
| Minimum number of directors | 1 |
| Resident director required | No |
| Minimum share capital for LTD | EUR 25,000 |
| Full foreign availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Shelf company availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
What are the steps for company formation in Germany?
- choose a company type: this can be the limited liability company (GMBH), the joint stock company or the partnership.
- choose a company name: the name of the new legal entity needs to be unique and can be checked for availability.
- execute the deed of formation: this is performed before a notary in Germany; the founders must also prepare the Articles of Association.
- deposit the share capital: some business forms require a minimum share capital, that is deposited in a corporate bank account.
Actual registration of the business: the formation ends with registering the company in the commercial register.
!Important: The founders of the company need to sign the application for registration in front of the
notary public. Once the company is registered, the liability of the founders enters into effect.
We also invite you to watch the video on our company formation services in Germany:
What are the documents required for company formation in Germany?
The following documents are to be submitted to the German Commercial Register in order to start the registration process:
- an application for registration;
- the notarized articles of association;
- a document showing the management board structure;
- a certificate showing that the share capital was deposited.
The documents must be submitted in an electronic form. The registration of the new legal entity is recorded by the Commercial Register on an electronic platform.
What are the costs for opening a company in Germany?
Main company formation fees:
- the company formation fee for opening an UG (mini GMBH) in Germany is 1,250 euros;
- branch office registration – 1,750 euros;
- GMBH formation – 3050 euros;
- the purchase of a GmbH shelf company with bank account – 5,150 euros.
Secondary fees:
- Virtual office costs: a virtual office package has a cost of approximately 200 euros per month;
- Accounting costs: accounting fees for German companies starting from 100 euros per month;
- Registration fee: the usual registration costs for a GmbH in Germany amount to approximately 400 euros;
- Minimum share capital: the minimum share capital for the limited liability company (GMBH) is 25,000 euros and 1,00 EUR for the Mini GmbH.
What are the post company registration steps in Germany?
After the submission of the documents, the process of company incorporation continues by applying for the trading license from the local Office of Business and Standards, followed by the registration with the statistical office (which will send a questionnaire that must be filled with the company’s business data) and at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Labor Office.
The labor office will issue an eight-digit operating number which must be reported for social security purposes. The entity must then apply for the Federal Health Insurance Office.
A notification must be sent to the Tax Office which reports the formation of the new business entity, this leading to the registration for the corporate taxes and VAT.
The main steps for opening a business in Germany are presented in our infographic below:
What are the main types of companies in Germany?
The main types of companies available for registration in Germany are:
- UG (Mini-GmbH);
- the limited liability company (GmbH);
- the branch office.
Can company structure be subject to change?
Yes. Company owners must also notify the authorities regarding:
- any changes involving the expansion of the business activities (in addition to the change of the primary activities);
- changes to the company names;
- changes that occur in the managerial hierarchy of a company registered with the Commercial Register;
- as well as changes in the publicly available information about the company directors.
A fee will apply for the newly registered changes. One of our agents can of course assist you with these proceedings.
How quickly can I incorporate my company in Germany?
Before starting a business in Germany, a legal entity can be established in this country in approximately 2 – 4 weeks when investors follow all of the presented steps and prepare their documents accordingly.
What is the minimum share capital in Germany?
You will need 25,000 euros to start a limited liability company and 50.000 euros for opening a business in Germany as a joint stock company or a limited partnership in Germany.
Do I need special permits and licenses for opening a company in Germany?
Yes, activating in Germany often implies taking into account special requirements for permits/licenses.
How can I open a bank account in Germany?
By making an appointment with a bank representative. You must have your passport or ID on you. For opening a corporate bank account you can request the services of our German experts.
Foreign investors who want to open a company in Germany canget in touch with our team of local specialists, who can successfully assist them with the company registration process.