Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Most company formations in Germany take between 1 and 3 weeks. The timeline depends on several factors including notary availability, the efficiency of bank account verification, and the processing time at the Handelsregister (Commercial Register). While the notary coordinates filings promptly, delays can occur if additional documentation is required or if there are multiple shareholders. Leadforce manages these steps to ensure your company registration proceeds as quickly as legally possible, keeping you informed throughout the process.

Question 2

Can foreigners register a company in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Germany allows full foreign ownership of GmbH, UG, and AG companies. Non-resident founders can establish a business as long as all KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements are satisfied. This includes providing valid identification, proof of address, and shareholder information. Leadforce guides foreign founders through these procedures, ensures compliance with German law, and coordinates notary and bank requirements so international entrepreneurs can establish their company remotely with minimal hassle.

Question 3

What is the minimum capital for a GmbH?

Accepted Answer

The minimum share capital required for a GmbH is €25,000. However, you can register a GmbH once €12,500 is deposited, provided the remaining portion is guaranteed. This allows founders to begin trading sooner while fulfilling legal capital requirements. Share capital can be in cash or, in some cases, contributions in kind. Leadforce advises on the optimal capital structure for your business, assists with bank deposits, and ensures compliance with the GmbHG, helping you meet all statutory obligations efficiently.

Question 4

What is the UG?

Accepted Answer

A UG is a low-capital, limited liability company in Germany that can be founded with as little as €1. It is ideal for lean startups and entrepreneurs looking to test a business concept without committing large capital. The UG follows simplified formation rules compared to a GmbH but still provides liability protection for shareholders. Leadforce helps draft the Articles, coordinate notary appointments, deposit capital, and register the UG with the Handelsregister, ensuring full compliance and rapid market entry.

Question 5

Is notarisation mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, notarisation is mandatory for German company formation. The Articles of Association and all formation documents must be notarised by a German notary, who certifies the documents and ensures legal validity. This process cannot be bypassed under German law. Leadforce coordinates the notary appointment, explains all required declarations, and ensures that the notarisation process is completed correctly. This guarantees that your GmbH, UG, or AG formation is legally binding and accepted by the Handelsregister without delays.

Question 6

Can I set up a company remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to set up a company in Germany remotely, though the exact procedure depends on your nationality and the bank or notary's policies. Many notaries accept video identification, and several banks provide remote account opening for non-residents. Leadforce specialises in supporting international founders, managing remote KYC, notarisation scheduling, and document submission, allowing you to incorporate a GmbH or UG without physically travelling to Germany, while still remaining fully compliant with German corporate and banking regulations.

Question 7

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

To form a company in Germany, you need a valid passport or EU ID, proof of residential address, details of the proposed business structure, shareholder information, and documents for AML compliance. Additional documents may be required depending on the company type, such as contributions in kind for GmbH capital. Leadforce provides a complete checklist, reviews all documents for accuracy, and coordinates submission to the notary, Handelsregister, and bank, ensuring your incorporation process is seamless and fully compliant with German law.

Question 8

Do I need a registered office in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every German company is required to maintain a local registered office. This is the official address for all legal correspondence, Handelsregister registration, and government communications. You can use a commercial registered office service if you do not have a physical location. Leadforce provides reliable registered office solutions, ensuring your address meets German legal requirements and provides a professional business presence, which is essential for tax registration, bank account opening, and regulatory compliance.

Question 9

What taxes apply to German companies?

Accepted Answer

German companies are subject to corporate income tax of 15% plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on the tax amount. Additionally, trade tax applies, ranging from 7% to 17% depending on the municipality. Companies may also need to register for VAT if they trade within the EU or exceed threshold revenues. Leadforce assists with all tax registrations, ensuring your corporate, trade, and VAT obligations are met, helping you understand effective rates, deductions, and compliance requirements to avoid penalties or delays in operations.

Question 10

Do I need VAT registration?

Accepted Answer

VAT registration is required for companies trading within the EU or exceeding annual revenue thresholds. Registration ensures you can charge VAT to customers and reclaim input tax on business expenses. Leadforce guides you through the VAT application process, helping secure a VAT ID, filing obligations, and reporting deadlines. We ensure your company meets German VAT law requirements, including invoicing rules, electronic reporting, and EU cross-border VAT compliance, so your business can trade confidently without risk of fines or operational delays.

Question 11

What is the Handelsregister?

Accepted Answer

The Handelsregister is Germany's official Commercial Register. It records all GmbH, UG, AG, and partnerships, including company name, registered address, share capital, directors, and shareholders. Registration here makes your company legally recognised and publicly visible. Leadforce prepares all documentation for submission, liaises with notaries, and tracks the filing process, ensuring your company is officially registered and compliant with German corporate law, providing a legally valid foundation for all business operations.

Question 12

How long does Handel's register entry take?

Accepted Answer

Typically, entry into the Handelsregister takes 7–10 business days after notarisation and share capital deposit. Complex structures or delays in bank verification may extend this timeframe. Leadforce manages the entire process, coordinating with notaries, the Handelsregister, and your bank to ensure swift registration. We provide updates at each stage, so you know when your company is legally established, can begin trading, and is ready for tax and banking activities without unnecessary waiting periods.

Question 13

Do you help with bank account opening?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Leadforce supports opening corporate bank accounts with both traditional German banks and fintech providers. We guide you through documentation, share capital deposit requirements, and bank KYC processes. For non-resident founders, we advise banks that accept remote identification and provide access to accounts in euros with IBANs suitable for trading in Germany and the EU. Our service ensures your corporate account is operational promptly, allowing immediate access to funds and facilitating smooth company operations.

Question 14

Can you assist with EORI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For companies engaged in import/export within the EU, an EORI number is required for customs clearance. Leadforce assists with the EORI registration as part of the Comprehensive and Ultimate packages. We handle document preparation, liaise with German customs authorities, and ensure your company receives its EORI number efficiently. This ensures compliance with EU trade regulations, allowing your business to import, export, and operate across European markets without delays or penalties.

Question 15

Can I purchase a German shelf company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Leadforce offers ready-made GmbH and UG entities for immediate activation. **Shelf companies** have already been legally incorporated, registered with the Handelsregister, and meet statutory compliance requirements. This option allows entrepreneurs to start operations quickly, bypassing the typical formation waiting period. We provide full KYC/AML verification, transfer ownership, update directors and shareholders, and assist with bank accounts, VAT registration, and other post-formation requirements, enabling a fully functional German business immediately.

Question 16

Does Germany have strict accounting rules?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All German companies must maintain accounting records compliant with the German Commercial Code (HGB). This includes proper bookkeeping, preparation of annual financial statements, and submission to the Bundesanzeiger. Leadforce supports accounting compliance through partnerships with trusted providers, ensuring correct bookkeeping, reporting, and filings. We guide foreign and local founders on German accounting standards, document retention requirements, and auditing obligations, helping you avoid penalties and maintain transparency in all financial and statutory matters.

Question 17

Do I need a tax number to start trading?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a corporate tax number (Steuernummer) is required before issuing invoices or trading. Without it, you cannot legally invoice clients or claim tax deductions. Leadforce assists with tax number registration at the Finanzamt (tax office), ensuring all necessary documentation, including Articles, shareholder information, and KYC verification, is submitted. We also advise on VAT registration, local trade tax obligations, and compliance, so your company is fully operational from day one with all legal tax identifiers in place.

Question 18

Can you help with Gewerbeanmeldung?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gewerbeanmeldung is required for commercial businesses in Germany to legally operate a trade. Leadforce guides clients through the registration process at the local trade office (Gewerbeamt), ensuring proper documentation, business description, and filings are completed. Freelancers may be exempt, but for all commercial companies, this step is mandatory. We manage the process to avoid errors, help secure the Gewerbeschein, and ensure that your company is fully compliant with local business licensing requirements from day one.

Question 19

What is AG formation?

Accepted Answer

An Aktiengesellschaft (AG) is a public limited company in Germany, typically used by larger, investor-backed enterprises. It requires a minimum share capital of €50,000 and must adhere to stricter corporate governance rules, including supervisory boards and formal shareholder meetings. Leadforce advises on suitability, assists with drafting Articles of Association, notary filings, capital deposit, Handelsregister registration, and tax setup. AG formation is ideal for companies planning to raise significant investment, issue shares, or pursue a structured corporate framework.

Question 20

Can UGs convert into GmbHs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A UG can be converted into a GmbH once reserves reach the required €25,000 minimum share capital. This process involves amending the Articles of Association, notarisation, and updating the Handelsregister entry. Leadforce guides founders through capital accumulation strategies, legal documentation, and registration procedures to ensure a seamless conversion. This allows a small startup UG to grow into a full GmbH with increased credibility and capacity to raise capital or expand operations within Germany and internationally.

Question 21

Are directors required to live in Germany?

Accepted Answer

No. German law allows company directors to reside anywhere, including outside Germany. However, all directors must meet KYC requirements and be reachable for corporate compliance purposes. Leadforce advises on managing responsibilities remotely, coordinating notary and bank communication, and ensuring all legal obligations are met. This flexibility makes Germany attractive for international founders who want to run their business from abroad while remaining fully compliant with local corporate governance and reporting rules.

Question 22

Do I need employees to form a company?

Accepted Answer

No. A single-person GmbH or UG is permitted under German law. You can start a company without hiring employees immediately. Leadforce assists solo founders with legal setup, share capital requirements, notary filings, and tax registration. If you plan to hire staff later, we can provide guidance on German employment regulations, payroll setup, social security registration, and HR compliance to ensure smooth scaling while keeping your company fully compliant with labor and corporate law.

Question 23

Can Leadforce assist after incorporation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leadforce provides ongoing support beyond formation, including compliance monitoring, accounting, VAT filings, payroll and HR assistance, and regulatory guidance. Our team ensures your company remains audit-ready, meets tax obligations, and adheres to all reporting deadlines. We act as a trusted partner for non-resident and international founders, helping manage corporate governance, annual filings, and expansions into EU markets, making it easier to operate efficiently while remaining fully compliant with German corporate law.

Question 24

Are annual filings required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. German companies must submit annual financial statements to the Bundesanzeiger and maintain statutory books according to the HGB. These filings ensure transparency for shareholders, authorities, and creditors. Leadforce supports preparation, submission, and compliance checks, helping foreign founders meet reporting obligations. We guide on deadlines, accounting standards, document retention requirements, and auditing obligations to avoid penalties and maintain transparency in all financial and statutory matters.

Package	Key Features	Ideal For	Price
Basic	Preparation of Articles of Association (Satzung) Company name availability check Notary appointment coordination Handelsregister filing Digital incorporation documents Standard KYC/AML review	First-time founders needing essential incorporation assistance	Starting from £899
Standard	Everything in Basic 12-month German registered office address Bank account opening support Application monitoring Communication handling with notary and authorities	Non-resident founders needing reliable, end-to-end incorporation	Starting from £1,450
Comprehensive	Everything in Standard Tax number and VAT registration EORI number application Compliance review 24-hour document turnaround Assistance preparing Gewerbeanmeldung (trade licence registration if required)	SMEs and foreign entrepreneurs needing full compliance and tax activation	Starting from £2,350
Ultimate (Best Value)Best Value	Everything in Comprehensive 24-month registered office Payroll and HR setup support Accounting integration assistance Annual compliance reminders Priority access to advisors Extended post-formation support	Scale-ready businesses wanting complete ongoing support and compliance	Starting from £3,900

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FAQs — Germany Company Formation

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

2. Can foreigners register a company in Germany?

3. What is the minimum capital for a GmbH?

4. What is the UG?

5. Is notarisation mandatory?

6. Can I set up a company remotely?

7. What documents do I need?

8. Do I need a registered office in Germany?

9. What taxes apply to German companies?

10. Do I need VAT registration?

11. What is the Handelsregister?

12. How long does Handel's register entry take?

13. Do you help with bank account opening?

14. Can you assist with EORI?

15. Can I purchase a German shelf company?

16. Does Germany have strict accounting rules?

17. Do I need a tax number to start trading?

18. Can you help with Gewerbeanmeldung?

19. What is AG formation?

20. Can UGs convert into GmbHs?

21. Are directors required to live in Germany?

22. Do I need employees to form a company?

23. Can Leadforce assist after incorporation?

24. Are annual filings required?

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