Taking the first step towards success: Setting up a company

Certain rules need to be observed when setting up a company in Germany. We have listed the common steps for setting up and registering a company below. Explanations of the individual terminology can be found in the glossary.

  • We recommend commissioning an experienced consultant, accountant or legal counsel. Involving local professionals from an early stage invariably saves considerable time and money.
  • Prepare the necessary articles of association of the company, the powers of representation, resolutions and associated declarations.
  • Check with a notary public or the local Chamber of Commerce that the name of the company is allowable. Click here to learn more about what to observe when choosing a company name.
  • Notarization of the articles of incorporation. The allowable corporate legal forms in Germany are single-person companies, partnerships (e.g. OHG, KG and GbR) and incorporated companies (e.g. GmbH and AG).
  • Open a business account.
  • Pay the registered capital of the company into the business account.
  • Register the company in the trade register of the appropriate local district court.
  • Register the company with the appropriate trade office (registered office of the company) and obtain the trade license. Depending on the sector of industry (e.g. bars/restaurants, passenger or freight transportation, realtors, craftsmen, food/beverages, medicinal drugs) an official permit may be required to obtain a trade license.
  • Register with the appropriate trade tax and IRS office.
  • Join the relevant Chamber of Commerce (IHK) (dependent on the registered office of the company). In Germany, all companies must be members of their IHK.

Roadmap for setting up a company
Download the practical roadmap for setting up a company here, which offers a structured approach from the business idea to setting up the company.

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