- Knowledge
1. Gateway to the European market: Germany is the largest consumer market in Europe, and registering a German company can easily enter the vast market of over 500 million people in the European Union.
2. High international reputation: German companies have an extremely high international reputation, which can enhance their brand image and customer trust.
3. Tax preferential policies: The German government provides various tax preferential policies to attract foreign investment, especially for high-tech enterprises and startups.
4. A sound legal system: Germany's legal system is transparent and stable, providing good legal protection for businesses.
5. High quality logistics and infrastructure: Germany has the most developed logistics network and infrastructure in Europe, which facilitates international trade for enterprises.
6. Strong innovation capability: Germany is a global leader in technology research and innovation, and companies can leverage Germany's innovation ecosystem to rapidly develop.
1、 Types of German Companies
01. Limited Liability Company (GmbH - Gesellschaft mit beschr ä nkter Haftung)
characteristic:
The shareholder's liability is limited to the registered capital, with a minimum registered capital of 25000 euros (paid in at least 12500 euros).
Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, at least one shareholder/director is required (without nationality restrictions).
Advantages: controllable risks and high international recognition.
02. AG - Aktiengessellschaft Limited Liability Company
characteristic:
The minimum registered capital is 50000 euros, and a board of directors and a supervisory board must be established.
Can be listed for financing, suitable for large enterprises.
03. Individual Business (Einzelunternehmen)
characteristic:
No registered capital requirement, operators bear unlimited liability.
Suitable for freelancers or small and micro entrepreneurs.
04. Partnership Enterprise (GbR/OHG/KG)
Type:
Civil Partnership (GbR): No registered capital, partners have unlimited liability.
Ordinary Partnership (OHG): Business registration is required, and partners have unlimited liability.
Limited Partnership (KG): At least one unlimited liability partner and one limited liability partner.
2、 Core requirements for registering a German company
01. Requirements of Shareholders/Directors
At least one shareholder and one director (who can be the same person), with no residency restrictions.
Non EU residents are required to entrust a local German manager (Gesch ä ftsf ü hrer) to manage the company.
02. Registered address
Actual office address in Germany is required (virtual office can be rented).
03. Articles of Association (Gesellschaft svertrag)
Clearly define the company name, business scope, registered capital, and shareholder rights.
3、 German company registration materials
（1） Basic documents
Notarized passport of shareholders/directors (requires German translation and authentication by the German embassy/consulate).
Company Articles of Association (notarized).
Registered capital certificate (actual payment certificate issued by the bank).
（2） Special documents
Proof of company name search: The name needs to be verified by the local court (Amtsgericht).
Business Scope Statement: Some industries require additional licenses (such as catering and finance).
4、 German company registration process
Step 1: Name verification and notarization (1-2 weeks)
Submit 3 alternative names to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau (IHK) for plagiarism check and notarization of the company's articles of association.
Step 2: Open a capital verification account (1 week)
Deposit registered capital (at least 12500 euros) in a German bank.
Step 3: Business Registration (2-4 weeks)
Submit the Handelsregister eintrag application to the local court and obtain an HRA/HRB number upon approval.
Step 4: Tax Registration (1 week)
Apply for a tax number (Steuernummer) and a value-added tax number (USt IdNr) at the tax bureau (Finanzamt).
Step 5: Industry License (depending on the situation)
If the catering industry requires a hygiene license (Gesundheitszeugnis), trading companies need to register as members of the Chamber of Commerce (IHK).
5、 Precautions for registering a German company
1. Language requirements
All documents must be in German version, it is recommended to entrust a professional translation agency.
2. Annual review and compliance
Submit financial statements annually (simplified for small businesses), with a maximum penalty of 25000 euros for overdue payments.
3. Social Security and Labor Law
Employees are required to pay pension, medical, and unemployment insurance (accounting for approximately 20% of their salary).
6、 Common Problems in German Company Registration
Can non EU residents register GmbH as sole proprietors?
Yes, but it is necessary to appoint a local manager in Germany (who can also be a shareholder).
Can the registered capital be used for business operations?
Sure, but the proof of capital injection needs to be kept for review.
How long is the registration period?
About 6-8 weeks (including notarization, bank account opening, and court approval).
What should I do if my company name is rejected?
Change the name (avoid using restricted terms such as "Bank" and "Global") and resubmit.
