Form a Company in Germany
Set up a German GmbH or UG (limited liability company) as a resident or non-resident. We explain the process and connect you with a Germany provider for notarial incorporation, commercial-register entry and ongoing compliance. Remote steps are often possible, subject to acceptance.
Largest EU Economy
A German company operates from the largest economy in the European Union, with access to a vast market and strong trade links worldwide.
Established Legal System
A civil-law framework with well-defined company law and a respected commercial register (Handelsregister), supporting strong credibility.
Referral Platform
We connect you with an appropriate Germany provider; assistance and acceptance always depend on the provider's own checks.
GmbH or UG
The GmbH is the standard limited company, while the UG allows a lower initial capital and builds reserves over time. The right choice depends on your plans.
Why Form a Company in Germany?
Germany is a leading European business location. The points below are general commercial considerations, not guarantees, and your own circumstances should be reviewed with a qualified adviser.
Access to the EU Market
A German entity operates from within the EU single market and the largest European economy, which many international businesses value for credibility and reach.
Strong Reputation
A GmbH is widely recognised and trusted by banks, suppliers and customers, which can support commercial relationships.
GmbH or UG Options
The GmbH is the established limited liability company, while the UG (haftungsbeschränkt) allows a lower initial capital and accumulates reserves. The structure can be matched to the plan.
Skilled Workforce & Infrastructure
A highly skilled workforce and world-class transport, digital and industrial infrastructure support a wide range of activities.
Treaty Network & EU Directives
Germany has an extensive double-tax treaty network and EU directives that may reduce withholding taxes in cross-border situations. Eligibility should be confirmed case by case.
Foreign Ownership
Non-residents can generally own and manage a German company, subject to KYC and any sector-specific conditions.
Formation Packages
Choose the structure that fits your business. Every engagement is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need.
- UG (haftungsbeschränkt) formation & name check
- Notarial incorporation & articles
- Commercial register (Handelsregister) entry
- Assistance with tax and VAT registration, where applicable.
- Corporate document set
- GmbH formation & name check
- Notarial incorporation & articles
- Assistance meeting the share-capital requirement
- Registered office support
- Accounting & annual filing support
- Holding GmbH + operating company
- Review of structuring options
- Registered office for the entities
- Accounting for the structure
- Coordination with your adviser
Statutory costs such as notary, registry and government fees are set by third parties and quoted separately. Figures are confirmed in writing before you commit.
Germany Formation Services
Everything you need to form, register and run a German company, handled with an in-country service provider.
Company Formation
Full GmbH or UG formation: name check, notarial deed of incorporation and articles, and entry in the commercial register (Handelsregister), with the corporate document set.
Registered Office & Substance
A German company must maintain a registered office in Germany. We can arrange registered-office services and general guidance on substance, subject to banking and provider requirements and acceptance.
Directors & Shareholders
Foreign individuals and corporate shareholders can own and manage a German company. At least one managing director (Geschäftsführer) is appointed to represent the company.
Banking & Capital
Introductions to German banks. A capital-deposit account is typically needed for incorporation, and account approval rests with the bank after its own KYC.
Accounting & Compliance
Bookkeeping, annual financial statements, corporate and trade tax returns, VAT returns and filings, kept on schedule against German deadlines.
Tax & Structuring Guidance
A general overview of German corporate tax, trade tax, VAT and the treaty network, so the structure fits your plans.
How to Form a German Company
- 1
Tell Us Your Plans
Send your details through the quote form. We explain the GmbH and UG options and connect you with a Germany service provider where appropriate.
- 2
KYC & Documents
The provider verifies identity and collects the usual documents: passport and proof of address for individuals, and incorporation documents for corporate shareholders.
- 3
Notarial Incorporation & Capital
The deed of incorporation is executed before a German notary and the share capital is arranged, with a bank confirmation before commercial-register entry.
- 4
Registration, Tax & Compliance
The company is entered in the commercial register, tax and VAT registrations are coordinated, and assistance may be provided with opening a corporate account.
What You Receive
- ✓ Notarial deed & articles
- ✓ Commercial register (Handelsregister) entry
- ✓ Tax number & VAT ID, where applicable.
- ✓ Business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung), where applicable.
- ✓ Corporate document set
Timelines depend on KYC, notary scheduling, capital deposit and register processing. We confirm expected turnaround with your quote.
German Tax & Annual Compliance: General Overview
A plain-language summary of the main German tax and filing points for a company in 2026. This is general information to help you plan, not tax or legal advice. Your German provider or adviser confirms what applies to your situation.
Corporate Income Tax & Solidarity
A German company pays corporate income tax at 15%, plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% of that tax (about 15.8% combined at federal level). Municipal trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) applies in addition and varies by municipality, so the overall corporate tax burden is commonly around 30% depending on location.
Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer)
Trade tax is levied at municipal level and varies by location, so the total effective tax rate depends on where the company is based. Current figures should be confirmed.
VAT
The standard German VAT rate is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% for certain goods and services. VAT registration and charging obligations depend on the activity and turnover.
Withholding & Treaties
Dividends and certain payments to non-residents can be subject to withholding tax, though EU directives or a treaty may reduce or eliminate it for qualifying recipients. Eligibility should be confirmed case by case.
Annual Financial Statements
Companies prepare annual financial statements and file or publish them as required, along with tax returns. Deadlines apply after the financial year-end.
Payroll & Social Security
Where a company employs staff, German payroll taxes and social-security contributions generally apply, with periodic filings. This only applies where there is actual employment.
Germany Company Formation FAQ
Common questions about forming a company in Germany. General information only, not legal or tax advice.
A GmbH is the standard German limited liability company with a higher minimum share capital, while a UG (haftungsbeschränkt) can be formed with a lower initial capital and must build reserves over time. Both offer limited liability.
Yes. Shareholders do not need to be German nationals or residents, and non-residents can generally own a GmbH or UG, subject to the provider's KYC checks and any sector conditions.
A GmbH generally requires EUR 25,000 of share capital, and for a standard cash GmbH at least EUR 12,500 generally needs to be contributed before registration. A UG can be formed with as little as EUR 1 and builds statutory reserves. Current requirements should be confirmed.
There is generally no absolute requirement for a resident managing director, though a managing director (Geschäftsführer) must be appointed and residence can have practical implications. This should be planned with an adviser.
Yes. German company formation generally requires notarial incorporation. Some steps may be handled remotely or by power of attorney, though notarial requirements apply. We confirm what is possible in your case.
Corporate income tax at 15% plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% of that tax (about 15.8% combined at federal level), municipal trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) which varies by location, and VAT (standard 19%) where registered. The overall corporate tax burden is commonly around 30% depending on municipality. This is general information, not tax advice.
A capital-deposit account is normally needed for incorporation, and a corporate account is standard in practice. Account opening is a separate process with its own checks and bank acceptance.
Yes. A corporate shareholder, including a foreign company, can own a German company, including through a holding structure. Its constitutional documents and beneficial owners will be needed for KYC.
Timing depends on notary scheduling, capital deposit, bank onboarding and commercial-register processing. We confirm expected turnaround with your quote rather than guaranteeing a fixed timeline.
Yes. A holding GmbH is commonly used to hold shares in other companies, potentially benefiting from participation rules and EU directives, subject to conditions that should be reviewed. Benefits are not guaranteed.
For individuals, generally a passport, proof of address, business-activity and source-of-funds information and tax-residency details. For corporate shareholders, incorporation and constitutional documents, registers, an ownership chart and beneficial-ownership information.
Still Have Questions?
Send us your question through the form and we will reply by email.
Start Your Germany Company Today
Send us your details and we will explain the GmbH and UG options and connect you with a Germany provider.
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