Register Company in Germany

Fionza Consultants offers comprehensive assistance for clients looking to register a company in Germany. Our service bundle encompasses Germany company registration, establishing corporate bank accounts in Germany, handling tax and trade registrations, and facilitating visa applications. Fionza Consultants is your all-in-one solution for launching your business operations in Germany in full compliance with legal requirements.

Germany

Company Registration – 3 Week
Local Director? – No
Bank Account Opening – 3 Weeks
Travel Required – No

Germany Company registration

Incorporating a company in Germany is a seamless process when you’re well-informed about the necessary steps and requirements. At Fionza Consultants, our team of seasoned experts possesses extensive experience in assisting international clients in their journey to establish their companies in Germany.

Our comprehensive business expansion service package encompasses the following key components:

German Companies Register Setup: We facilitate the hassle-free registration of your company with the German Companies Register, ensuring compliance with all regulatory obligations.
Company Secretary Services: Our dedicated team can act as your company secretary, taking care of administrative tasks and helping you stay on top of your corporate responsibilities.
Registered Office Address: We provide a registered office address, enabling you to establish a formal business presence in Germany.
Tax and Trade Registration: Fionza Consultants will handle all tax and trade registrations on your behalf, ensuring that you meet the necessary regulatory requirements.
Opening a Local German Corporate Bank Account: We streamline the process of opening a local corporate bank account in Germany, facilitating financial operations for your business.

Throughout the entire process, Fionza Consultants will offer expert guidance and advice on the capital injection procedure, ensuring that your investment is strategically managed and aligned with your business goals.

With Fionza Consultants by your side, you can navigate the German company incorporation process with ease, making your international expansion dreams a reality. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

How long to register a German company and open a corporate bank account?

Fionza Consultants offers efficient company registration services with the German Companies Registry. On average, our streamlined process ensures completion within just 2 weeks from the start of engagement.

Following successful registration, our dedicated team will swiftly handle tax and trade registration within a maximum of 4 weeks.

Additionally, within 4 weeks of your company’s registration, Fionza Consultants will facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account with a well-established German bank. Please note that many reputable German banks typically require our international clients to visit a local branch for in-person interviews. Our experienced banking team, located in Germany, will accompany you to these meetings to ensure a smooth process.

With Fionza Consultants by your side, international clients can anticipate commencing their business operations in Germany in as little as 8 weeks from the moment of engagement. For more detailed information on opening a German corporate bank account, please visit our dedicated webpage.

How to register company in Germany?

Step 1: Strategic Planning and Business Entity Selection Our team of experts initiates the process by thoroughly assessing your business requirements, activities, and available resources. We will recommend the most suitable legal entity for your operations in Germany, such as GmbH or UG. These entities are both limited liability companies but differ in their paid-up capital requirements. We work closely with you to determine the ideal paid-up share capital and corporate structure for your venture.

Step 2: Business Name Reservation Once your preferred business entity is confirmed, Fionza Consultants conducts a thorough check to ensure the availability of your chosen business name in the commercial register. We then reserve your business name through the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).

Step 3: Document Preparation and Notarization Upon receiving the necessary due diligence documents, including articles of association, documents outlining the management board structure, and a shareholder’s list, our legal team commences the preparation of articles of incorporation and other essential corporate documents tailored to your intended business activities. Prior to submission to the authorities, these incorporation documents must be translated and notarized. In many cases, the presence of the company’s director in Germany is required for notarization. If traveling to Germany is inconvenient, we offer an alternative solution, which is to purchase a pre-existing shelf company. Alternatively, Fionza Consultants can provide our clients with a nominee German director to facilitate online company registration.

Step 4: Meeting Capital Requirements Before finalizing the foreign company registration in Germany, it is mandatory to inject the paid-up capital into a corporate bank account. Fionza Consultants establishes a capital account with a reputable local German bank. However, please note that most banks typically require our international clients to attend a face-to-face meeting in Germany. In cases where travel is impractical, we recommend considering the purchase of ready-made shelf companies or utilizing Fionza Consultants’ local nominee director service.

Step 5: Company Registration Fionza Consultants proceeds to complete the formal company registration process with the German Companies Registry. Once your company is registered, we promptly dispatch essential documents, including the Germany company registration certificate, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Register of Directors, and Register of Shareholders, to your preferred addresses. If needed, we offer translation services to ensure your understanding of these corporate documents, which are in German.

Step 6: Tax and Trade Registration Following company registration, Fionza Consultants initiates the process of tax and trade registration with the Finanzamt (tax office) and Gewerbeanmeldung (trade office).

Step 7: Corporate Banking Services After official company registration, Fionza Consultants transforms the capital bank account into a trading account. We then dispatch internet banking tokens and access codes to your chosen addresses.

Step 8: Compliance and Ongoing Support Staying compliant with local laws is crucial post-registration. This includes obtaining mandatory business insurance and completing annual German company filings. Fionza Consultants offers ongoing support to ensure your continued compliance with local regulations and laws.

For more information on opening a German corporate bank account, please refer to this webpage.

Why start a business in Germany?

Over the years, Germany has earned its reputation as the economic powerhouse of the European Union. Its strong economy and business-friendly environment make it a top choice for investors seeking to establish a presence in Europe.

Before embarking on online company registration, it’s crucial to grasp the political and economic landscape of this jurisdiction to ensure a successful business venture aligned with your objectives.

Political Environment:

Transparency International ranks Germany 9th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index.
Germany is an active member of global organizations like the European Union, World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and OECD.
Incorporating a company in Germany can be complex and typically takes about 4 weeks, with Germany ranking 125th in the world for “Ease of Starting a Business” in 2020 according to World Bank research.

Economic Environment:

Germany boasts the world’s safest banks, as per Global Finance’s 2019 ranking.
The absence of capital controls in Germany allows businesses to freely transfer funds across borders.
Despite a dip in GDP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Germany remains the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest globally.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2019 places Germany at 7th out of 141 countries.

Social Dynamics:

Germany is a culturally diverse country, offering a wide range of lifestyles.
While the Covid-19 pandemic led to a temporary rise in unemployment to 3.9% in 2019, it is forecasted to decrease to 3.5% in 2021.
The government has recently implemented measures to promote gender equality, ensuring equal rights, pay, and treatment for both women and men.

Technological Advancements:

Germany places a strong emphasis on national science and technology, evident through its numerous laboratories and supportive policies from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The country boasts modern and sophisticated telecommunication systems, providing a significant advantage for businesses in the IT industry.

Legal Framework:

Setting up a business in Germany involves minimal requirements and doesn’t necessitate the appointment of a local resident director.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany can benefit from various government incentives and grants, reducing the overall cost of business operations.

Environmental Commitment:

Germany enacted the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) in 2014, highlighting its dedication to renewable energy sources and compensating those who utilize them.
Germany’s 10th rank out of 180 countries on the Environmental Performance Index reflects its robust implementation of environmentally friendly laws while maintaining high economic growth.

Types of companies in Germany

There are several types of business entities available for companies in Germany to choose from. Our team of experts will thoroughly assess your business model, objectives, and resources to recommend the most suitable business structure for your needs.

GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)

When foreign investors and entrepreneurs decide to establish a company in Germany, the most common choice is the GmbH, which is equivalent to a limited liability company. GmbH registration is suitable for various business sectors, whether you are operating onshore or offshore. As per the Germany Companies Registry, the minimum requirements for a GmbH include:

At least 1 director of any nationality
At least 1 shareholder of any nationality
Minimum paid-up capital of €25,000
Legal registered office address

UG (haftungsbeschränkt)

The UG, often referred to as a mini GmbH, is a suitable option for entrepreneurs seeking to invest less capital initially. Unlike the GmbH, there is no minimum paid-up share capital requirement for a UG. However, 25% of the company’s profits must be allocated to reserves until they reach a total of €25,000. Afterward, the company can convert to a standard GmbH. Setting up a UG offers reduced risk and lower initial costs compared to other structures. It shares many characteristics with GmbH but does not require an initial paid-up capital. If your business has more than 3 shareholders, you must opt for GmbH registration.

General Commercial Partnership (Offene Handelsgesellschaft – OHG)

In this legal entity, a minimum of two individuals come together to establish a business. To establish an OHG, you must submit Articles of Association that include details of the shareholders, the business’s purpose, deposits made, and more. These articles must be notarized and submitted to the commercial registry. Additionally, the business should be registered with the Trade Office. It’s important to note that all partners in this type of business have unlimited liability, meaning they are personally accountable for the company’s debts and liabilities.

Limited Partnership (Kommanditgesellschaft)

To establish a limited partnership, a minimum of two individuals is required, with a capital of €50,000. The partners must sign the Articles of Association, have it notarized, and register with the Trade Register. In this structure, the general partner has unlimited liability and is fully responsible for all company debts, while the limited partner is only liable up to the value of their shares in the business.

Branch

A branch office is an extension of the parent company and can conduct business activities in Germany similar to those of the parent company. The parent company is the sole shareholder and is fully liable for any debts incurred by the German branch office. Additionally, the German branch office is considered part of the foreign company and is subject to the German taxation system applicable to it.

Representative Office

A representative office is limited to conducting market research and marketing activities for the parent company. It is not permitted to sign contracts, enter into sales agreements, or generate income in Germany.

We hope this information helps you make an informed decision regarding the most suitable business structure for your venture in Germany.

Why start a business in Germany?

Over the years, Germany has established itself as the economic powerhouse of the European Union. This reputation is primarily attributed to its strong economy and its status as a business-friendly destination. Alongside its political and economic stability, Germany stands out as a preferred choice for investors seeking to initiate European business ventures.

Prior to commencing the online company registration process, it is imperative to gain insight into the political and economic landscape of this jurisdiction. This knowledge is vital to ensure the smooth and secure operation of your business, enabling you to meet your strategic objectives.

Political Environment:

Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Germany at a commendable 9 out of 180 countries, indicating a low level of corruption.
Germany actively participates in various global organizations, including the European Union, World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and OECD.

Incorporating a company in Germany can be a complex process, typically requiring around 4 weeks to complete. According to the World Bank’s research, Germany’s ranking for “Ease of Starting a Business” in 2020 was 125th worldwide.

Economic Landscape:

In 2019, Global Finance recognized Germany as having the world’s safest banking sector.
Germany boasts an absence of capital controls, permitting businesses to freely transfer funds across international borders.
While Germany possesses the fourth-largest global economy and the largest in Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary decline in its GDP.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index for 2019 ranks Germany at a strong 7th out of 141 countries.

Social Considerations:

Germany is a culturally diverse nation, offering a wide array of lifestyles.
In 2019, Germany reported an unemployment rate of 3.16%, which rose to 3.9% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Projections indicate a decrease to 3.5% in 2021.
The government has recently adopted policies to advance gender equality, ensuring equal rights, pay, and treatment for both women and men.

Technological Landscape:

Germany places a significant emphasis on national science and technology, evident through its numerous laboratories and government policies under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The country boasts modern and sophisticated telecommunication systems, providing a significant advantage for businesses in the IT industry.

Legal Aspects:

Establishing a business in Germany involves minimal requirements and does not necessitate the appointment of a local resident director.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany can benefit from various government incentives and grants, effectively reducing the cost of business operations.

Environmental Concerns:

In 2014, the German government introduced the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), focusing on renewable energy sources and offering compensation to those utilizing such sustainable energies.
Germany ranks 10th out of 180 countries on the Environmental Performance Index, reflecting the government’s commitment to implementing environmentally friendly laws while achieving robust economic growth.

Understanding these facets of Germany’s political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental landscape is essential for informed decision-making when venturing into the German market.

Accounting and Tax Considerations:

In Germany, it is mandatory for all businesses to submit an annual tax return, and any delays may result in fines. Additionally, businesses are subject to various taxes, including a corporate income tax of 15% and a municipal trade tax ranging from 7% to 17%. Furthermore, VAT and withholding taxes are also applicable, leading to a relatively higher tax burden for companies operating in the country.

Germany has entered into more than 90 Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with other nations. These agreements serve to minimize the tax obligations of businesses by preventing double taxation.

For comprehensive information on how to establish a company in Germany and navigate its tax regulations, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you in every step of the process.

FAQ

Can a foreigner register a company in Germany?

Yes, foreigners can register a company in Germany. In fact, foreigners can have complete ownership of the business. If you wish to set up your business in Germany, it may be compulsory for you to travel to Germany, and hence, you may require a visa.

You can refer to our website for more information on how to open company in Germany for non-resident or contact us and our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours.

How do I verify a company in Germany?

In order to verify a company, you can check the company name at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Germany.

How much does company registration cost in Germany?

The total engagement fee depends on the services you require from us. Our service package includes planning and strategizing, incorporation of the company, the opening of bank account, registration for tax, and more.

This total fee includes the government fee needed to complete the incorporation process.

What is a good business to start in Germany?

An individual can start any business they wish and there is a wide range of opportunities available. If you choose to set up a company that makes use of renewable energy such as solar energy, hydro energy, and more, you will receive multiple benefits and compensations from the government. You can also choose to enter the Biotechnology industry. This is because the government is developing infrastructures, funding research, and more. However, entering this industry may require high capital.

Is Germany a good place to start a business?

Yes, Germany is a good place to start a business. This is because of the stable political and economic environment maintained by the government. Moreover, there are business-friendly policies implemented that can be extremely advantageous. Besides this, according to the Ease of Doing Business, Germany had a rank of 22^nd out of 180 countries in 2020.

Is it easy to register a company in Germany?

The process to register the business is straightforward if you know the steps. However, it is slightly cumbersome to set up a business. As per the “Ease of Starting Business, 2020” by the World Bank, Germany had a rank of 125^th which shows that the current system is not as easy as other countries.

However, we at Fionza Consultants can support you through the incorporation process so that you can better focus on operating your business. Our team of experts is highly skilled in this field and will help you complete this process in up to three weeks.

What does HRB mean in German?

HRB is an abbreviation of Handelsregisternummer. This is the registration number given to all businesses listed in the Trade Register of Germany.

Is there a German equivalent of Companies House?

Companies House in the United Kingdom primarily checks and maintains all the relevant information on Limited Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships.

Yes, there is a German equivalent of Companies House. It is the Bundesanzeiger Verlagsgesellschaft mbH which is the European Business Register (EBR) member of Germany. This contains all the relevant German company register information.

What does a German company registration number look like?

The Germany company registration number has the format of HR_12345, which is followed by the district court where the company was set up. You may be wondering how to find company registration number in Germany. This number is located on the company’s Certificate of Incorporation. This number can also be found on the company website in a link called “Impressum” or “Imprint”, which companies are compulsory to have.

What is GmbH in Germany?

GmbH is an abbreviation of “Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung”. This term means “limited liability company”. Like a standard LLC, the shareholders of this company have limited liability restricted to the amount they have invested in the company as paid-up capital. They are not liable to cover the company’s debts and liabilities. This is the most common form of legal entity used in Germany.

How to open GmbH company in Germany?

To open a GmbH company in Germany, you must first reserve your preferred trade name. Then you must check to see if you meet all the requirements for such a company:

One director and one shareholder of any nationality.

The minimum share capital of €25,000.

Registered local office address.

Once, all these requirements are met, you must prepare all the relevant documents such as Memorandum and Articles of Association and get them notarised. The minimum share capital amount should also be deposited in your bank account. Once all the formalities are completed, you will obtain the Certificate of Incorporation.

Register Company in Germany

Germany Company registration

How long to register a German company and open a corporate bank account?

How to register company in Germany?

Why start a business in Germany?

Types of companies in Germany

Why start a business in Germany?

Accounting and Tax Considerations:

FAQ

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