Germany is one of the best places in Europe to start a business, offering a strong economy, skilled workforce, and access to the EU market. The registration process is structured but straightforward if you follow the right steps.
1. Choose Your Company Type
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GmbH – Limited liability company, min. capital €25,000.
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UG – Mini-GmbH, from €1 capital.
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AG – Public limited company, min. capital €50,000.
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Branch Office – For foreign companies expanding into Germany.
2. Steps to Register
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Prepare Documents – Draft Articles of Association and have them notarized.
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Open a Bank Account – Deposit the share capital.
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Register with Trade Office (Gewerbeamt) – Pay €20–€60.
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Register with Commercial Register (Handelsregister) – Submit documents and capital proof.
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Tax Registration – Get your tax ID from the Tax Office.
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Other Registrations – Social security and Chamber of Commerce (IHK).
3. Costs & Timeline
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Notary: €300–€800
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Registration fees: €170–€360
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Share capital: From €1 (UG) to €25,000 (GmbH)
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Time: 4–8 weeks
4. Tips
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Hire a local consultant to avoid delays.
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Keep all documents in German or officially translated.
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Plan your taxes early.
In short: With the right guidance, registering a company in Germany is efficient and opens the door to a powerful European market.
