Company incorporation in Germany

If you do business in Germany there may be a point that it makes sense to set up a local company. Then you need to know how to comply with local regulations and who can help you.

This article describes:

the most likely types of company to set up;
how you do this and who can help you;
a few important fiscal regulations.

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Your legal entity in Germany

Germany is one of Europe’s most attractive markets for foreign businesses, thanks to its strong economy, central location, and robust infrastructure.

Most Common Business Forms for Foreign Companies

The Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) is the most commonly used legal form for foreign businesses in Germany.

Comparable to a limited liability company (LLC) in other jurisdictions.
Requires a minimum share capital of €25,000, of which at least €12,500 must be paid upon incorporation.
Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their contributions.

For smaller ventures, the Unternehmergesellschaft (UG), also called a “mini-GmbH,” offers a lower share capital requirement (as little as €1). However, profits must be retained until the minimum €25,000 capital is reached.

Setting Up a GmbH and Directorship

Incorporating a GmbH involves the following steps:

Drafting and notarizing the Articles of Association.
Depositing the minimum share capital in a German bank account.
Registering the company with the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) and the local trade office (Gewerbeamt).

Foreign nationals can act as managing directors (Geschäftsführer) of a GmbH. While there are no nationality or residency restrictions, directors must comply with German business and tax regulations.

Taxation and Withholding Taxes

German GmbHs are subject to corporate income tax at a flat rate of 15%, plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on the tax amount. Additionally, businesses pay a local trade tax (Gewerbesteuer), which varies by municipality (usually 14–17%).

Regarding distributions:

Dividends are subject to a 25% withholding tax, plus the solidarity surcharge. However, tax treaties often reduce this rate for foreign shareholders.
Germany has a strong double taxation treaty network to prevent double taxation on international income.

Service Providers for Company Incorporation

These companies assist with legal, administrative, and taxation processes, ensuring a seamless incorporation experience for foreign entrepreneurs.

Travel to Germany for a better impression

The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.

With Trip.com you can compare flights and also book your hotel.

Hotellook compares different hotel sites so you always have the best rate.

Localrent connects you to national rental car providers per country.

Frequently asked questions

How to convince an importer in Germany to work with you?

As in any country, convincing an importer or wholesaler to put your product in his assortment is difficult. Also in Germany importers look at the rotation of the product, how easy and often they can sell it, and multiply this with the margin they can make on it. The result should be higher than they earn now from any competing product. Only if you have proper sales data, for example from other countries, they will engage in a discussion with you.