Germany

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and one of the most powerful in the world. Its high standard of living, well-developed infrastructure, strong legal system and attractive business climate make it an ideal location for international entrepreneurship. Germany is one of the most popular destinations for doing business.

Why Germany for business?

Stable economy

one of the largest in the world

Access to the European market

the opportunity to work with clients and partners across the EU

Developed infrastructure

efficient logistics, modern technologies and high quality communications

Low credit risks

stable banking system

State support for business

availability of financing programs for startups and innovative projects

High level of legal protection

transparent rules of the game for entrepreneurs

Content

Who is this jurisdiction suitable for?

IT companies and start-ups

Germany is a center of technological innovation, in particular, Berlin has an active start-up ecosystem

Fintech and cryptocurrency projects

The country has a clear legal framework for financial technologies

Financial institutions and investment companies

High regulatory standards make it attractive for this sector

Manufacturing companies

Germany is a leader in mechanical engineering and industrial production

Companies with international

Thanks to its convenient geographical location and a wide network of international agreements

Learn about other countries for your business and life

Not sure which country is right for you? Get a free guide – “How to choose a jurisdiction for your business?”

The main criteria for choosing a country
Comparative analysis of 5 countries
Step-by-step plan for setting up a business in a new country
5 risks to consider before registering

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What do you need to know about Germany’s business requirements?

01
Local presence requirements
- The need for a legal address in Germany
- Appointment of a managing director (may be non-resident)
- Some activities require licenses or additional permits
02
Tax conditions
- Income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) – basic rate of 15% + solidarity tax of 5.5% of the tax amount
- Trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) – varies from municipality to municipality, on average ranging from 7% to 17%
- Value added tax (VAT, Umsatzsteuer): standard rate – 19%, reduced rate – 7% (for food, books, cultural events, etc.)
03
Legal forms of companies
- GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) is the most popular option, an analog of LLC. The minimum authorized capital is 25,000 euros
- UG (Unternehmergesellschaft) is a simplified form of GmbH with a minimum capital of 1 euro, ideal for startups
- AG (Aktiengesellschaft) is a joint-stock company, suitable for large enterprises
- GbR (Gesellschaft bürgerlichen Rechts) is a partnership without limited liability
- OHG (Offene Handelsgesellschaft) is an open trading company
04
Financial reporting and audit
- All companies are required to submit annual financial statements to the Trade Register
- Small businesses can have a simplified reporting system
- Audit for companies with annual turnover of more than EUR 12 million, assets of more than EUR 6 million, or more than 50 employees

Client Reviews

Our clients are not just customers, but partners with whom we build successful projects and achieve ambitious goals. We value everyone’s trust and are proud of the results of our joint work.

FAQ

Is it possible to register a company remotely, without a personal visit?

Yes, registration takes place completely remotely.

How long does it take to register a company in Germany?

Company registration takes up to 3 weeks from the date of receipt of the full set of documents.

What documents are required to register a company in Germany?

The list of required documents includes:

3 preferred company names;
description of the areas of work of the future company;
national and foreign passports of each beneficiary, founder and director;
identification code of each beneficiary, founder and director;
confirmation of the registration address of each beneficiary, founder and director (e.g., a utility bill).

Can a citizen of another country open a company in Germany?

Yes. A person of any nationality can start a business in Germany. No citizenship, residency, or residence in the country is required to register a company.

Do I have to file reports if the company does not conduct any business?

Thus, even if a company does not conduct business, it must file zero reports.

Do I need a legal address when registering a company in Germany?

Yes, a legal address is required; it can be either a physical address or a virtual address.

Will I be able to get a VAT number after registering my business?

Yes, of course, after registering a company, you can start the procedure for obtaining a VAT number.

Germany

What do you need to know about Germany’s business requirements?

Local presence requirements

Tax conditions

Legal forms of companies

Financial reporting and audit

FAQ