Start Your
Company in Germany
In just 4 weeks start your business in Germany.
Get the full benefits of establishing your business in the most stable economy of the world.
Germany offers major advantages to localize your business
Made in Germany
World’s best quality perception and implementation strongly supported by first class infrastructure and innovation power
Stability
Germany has proven itself during all major crisis as the most stable as well as most reliable economy and business ecosystem in the world.
Financial resources and Incentives
Germany offers strong financial resources and major incentives to any size and type of local companies that seed, expand or internationalise their activities.
Residence & Work Permit
Germany grants residence and work permit to the founders of german companies that easens business interactions across Europe and beyond.
Company Forms
Germany offers wide range of company legal forms. Limited Liability Company (GmbH) is the mostly chosen model due to its advantages as well as flexibility. There are four major forms of corporations under German law:
Limited Liability Company (GmbH)
Limited Liability Entrepreneurial Company (“Mini GmbH”)
Stock Corporation (AG)
Partnership Limited by Shares (KGaA)
Establishment and Taxation of the Corporations
As per the form of the corporation, the number of partners and minimum share capital is different. The share capital can be contributed in cash, real estate or patents. The establishment must be specified in the articles of association and certified by a notary. Additional establishment steps are necessary for certain forms of corporations.
Germany has a transparent tax system for the corporations, corporate income tax, trade tax and solidarity surcharge. At federal level, each state has varying tax levels between %23 to %30.
Forms of Corporations: Overview
| Legal/Establishment Form |
Minimum Number Of Partners |
Minimum Share Capital |
Legal Liability |
Establishing Formalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company (GmbH) |
One Partner | EUR 25,000 | Liability limited to share capital |
Moderate |
| Limited Liability Entrepreneurial Company ("Mini GmbH") |
One Partner | EUR 1.00 | Liability limited to share capital |
Low-moderate |
| Stock Corporation (AG) | One Partner | EUR 50,00 | Liability limited to share capital |
Moderate-high |
| Partnership Limited By Shares (KGaA) |
Two partners: general partner and limited shareholder |
EUR 50,000 | General partner: personal unlimited liability Limited shareholder: limited share liability |
Moderate-high |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I start a business in Germany as a foreign citizen?
Yes you can.
Besides being able to start a business as a foreign citizen, you can get the full benefits of the business environment regardless of your nationality. Germany is strongly supporting and welcoming foreign direct investments into the country. Both for new start-ups as well as investment into the existing companies, the country is highly engaged in providing best legal, financial and commercial assistance.
- What makes Germany so attractive?
Germany is world’s the largest most stable economy over the last 50 years. Its established institutions, reliable legal structure as well as convenient economical ecosystem ensures a successful and competitive business environment for both local and global activities out of the country. The ability to serve to full economic area of European Union without any trade barriers and many biletaral agreements with the world’s most extensive trade network gives opportunity to grow the businesses.
- What is the incentives for foreign entrepreneurs who are thinking of start a business in Germany?
Germany offers numerous incentives to foreign investors.
The most significant ones are the cash incentive programs, the public
loan programs, the public guarantee programs, employment incentive programs, research, and development incentives.
Germany has three levels of financial support structure, at the state level, at federal level and at European Union level. Established organizations and businesses in Germany gather the maximum benefit as per their active business line and the location they select to initiate their activities.
- What are the types of companies and business forms I can register in Germany?
Germany provides the commercial frame for many company types and business forms.
With its hundreds years of commercial practices, Germany provides any type of business structure to ensure strong, effective as well as dynamic market entrance and growth.
Some examples of the company types are Limited Liability Company (GmbH), Limited Liability Entrepreneurial Company (Mini GmbH), Stock Corporation (AG), Partnership, Limited by Shares (KGaA), Sole proprietorship, the Branch and several other business forms.
To select the right form of business from the very beginning ensures a cost effective as well as smooth business operations.
- How much is professional fees of company establishment in Germany?
It depends on the company form you choose to establish.
The investors shall consider life-time cost assumptions instead of focusing initial costs of the establishment of a company. Over very short course of time, the correct establishment structure of the company provides appropriate financial and commercial terms for business operations.
- Can I apply for work permit being director of a company?
Yes, you can apply for a residence and working visa.
All one need is to have the business plan, correct business form and right partner to guide you through the whole process.