German Company Registration

Full-process services from company setup to tax compliance

Efficient access to the EU market

What are the advantages of registering a company in Germany?

What are the requirements for registering a company in Germany?

What are the main types of German companies?

limited liability company corporation Branches and representative offices limited liability partnership

limited liability company

It is the most mainstream and popular form for foreign investors to set up operating companies in Germany. The liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount of their capital contribution and the structure is standardized and highly reputable.

corporation

Suitable for large corporations or companies planning to go public. Higher registered capital requirements (minimum EUR 50,000) and complex governance structure (board of directors and supervisory board required).

Branches and representative offices

Foreign-incorporated companies can set up a branch (which can operate independently) or a representative office (which is limited to liaison and market research, but strictly prohibited) in Germany. Both are unincorporated entities and the legal responsibility lies with the foreign parent company.

limited liability partnership

A hybrid form consisting of a GmbH as a general partner with unlimited liability and one or more limited partners. Provides flexibility in tax arrangements but has a more complex structure.

Basic information to be prepared for registering a German company

Enrollment time: the entire standard process totals approximately 6 - 12 weeks

Q&A Frequently Asked Questions

Q1:Can a foreigner 100% hold shares in a German GmbH?

A: Absolutely. German law does not place any restrictions on the percentage of shares held by foreign shareholders and allows one or more foreign natural or legal persons 100% to wholly own a limited liability company (GmbH). This is a reflection of the high degree of openness of the German market.

Q2:Do I have to pay the entire registered capital of EUR 25,000?

A: A minimum of TP3T 501 (EUR 12,500) must be paid in prior to incorporation. This amount needs to be deposited in a company account at a German bank and certified by the bank. The remaining EUR 12,500 can be paid in at a time to be decided by the shareholders after the incorporation of the company according to the Articles of Association. The entire capital will eventually need to be in place.

Q3:Why is it necessary to register a German company with a Notary Public (Notar)?

A: This is a mandatory provision of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG). The notary is responsible for verifying the identity of the shareholders, ensuring that the articles of association are legally compliant, witnessing the signing process and submitting the documents to the court. The notary procedure ensures the seriousness and legality of the company's establishment and the reliability of the documents, and is a necessary prerequisite for the company to obtain legal personality.

More questions to ask