Company Formation · Europe
Germany
We form German companies. The usual vehicle is a GmbH; a UG is used where lower share capital is appropriate. A notary is required. Formation can often proceed with a power of attorney. We also advise on business banking, payment gateways, and — where it applies — business immigration.
- Entity
- GmbH (or UG)
- Visit
- A visit may be required for identification or banking
- Timeframe
- Typically 2–6 weeks, including notary and the commercial register
- Typical cost
- Notary fees plus GmbH share capital of €12,500. A UG has lower capital; a notary is still required.
Country overview
About Germany
Germany is a federal republic in Central Europe. Berlin is the capital and the largest city. About 84 million people live here. It borders Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. German is the official language. The euro is the currency.
Germany is a founding member of the European Union, in the euro area, and in Schengen. It is the largest economy in the EU, with a deep industrial and services market and German as the language of business in the DACH region. Company registration is in the commercial register (Handelsregister).
Brikseka forms German companies. The usual vehicle is a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH); an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) is used where lower share capital is appropriate. A GmbH requires share capital of €12,500. A notary is required. Formation can often proceed with a power of attorney; a visit is still sometimes needed, particularly for banking.
We then advise on a business bank account and payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal. Approvals are decided by the providers. If your aim is to live in Germany, company formation is not a residence permit — that is a separate immigration file, which we also advise on.
Company formation
We form a GmbH or a UG with a German notary and the commercial register, then stay with the file through banking and payments.
European Union
A founding EU member, in Schengen and the euro area. A German company sits inside the single market.
Largest EU economy
German-speaking access to Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with Berlin as the capital and a substantial industrial base.
Tax setting
Corporate income tax is published at 15 percent, plus a solidarity surcharge and municipal trade tax. The combined burden is often around 30 percent. We confirm the live position before you proceed.
How we work
From briefing to a registered company
Briefing
We review your business, the right entity for this country, costs, and whether a visit is likely.
Company formation
Local counsel, notary where required, and the commercial register. We coordinate the documents through to a registered company.
Banking and payments
After the company exists, we prepare applications for a business account and payment gateways.
After incorporation
Statutory records, a named contact, and introductions to accounting so the company can operate.
Also available
Business immigration
Forming a company in Germany does not grant the right to live there. If you intend to relocate, we also advise on Germany business immigration — including Section 21 self-employment. Requirements, capital, and processing times are confirmed before any engagement.
After the company exists
Payment gateways
- Stripe, subject to Stripe’s approval
- PayPal Business, subject to PayPal’s approval
Operating stack
Business banking
- German banks typically expect presence or a German-speaking director
- Wise Business, opened in the company name, subject to Wise’s approval
Provider lists are indicative. We confirm current availability, government fees, and account-opening requirements during consultation.
Business Tools covers payment gateways, business accounts, email, websites, and related tools after the company exists.
Consultation
Start a confidential conversation
Tell us what you are building or where you need to move. We respond within one business day.