Dmitri Mihhailov
Managing Partner
Founder of Prifinance. 15+ years structuring international companies, banking and licensing for founders worldwide.
Register a German GmbH
- a company built for Europe’s largest market.Company registration in Germany can now be handled remotely: online notarisation has been available since 2022, minimum capital is €25,000 with at least half paid in before registration, and the GmbH remains one of Europe’s most recognised corporate forms. The costs are equally clear: combined taxes are around 30%, administration is formal, and opening the capital account is often the slowest part of the process.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
6,000+
companies servedcompanies served
Updated
Germany (GMBH) · at a glance
Legal formGmbH · UG
Time to set up2-4 weeks
Combined tax~30% - by municipality
Minimum capital€25,000 - half paid
Market83M - the EU’s largest
Remote setupYes - online notary
4.7
★★★★★
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Germany in brief
A market that makes the paperwork worth it.
Germany is the EU’s largest economy and its industrial core: 83 million consumers, deep Mittelstand supply chains, Europe’s biggest e-commerce market and a B2B culture where “GmbH” on an invoice carries its own credibility. That reputation is backed by real capital - €25,000, with at least €12,500 paid before registration - and by a notarial process that has been available fully online by video since 2022. As a result, founders can now open a company in Germany without the traditional incorporation trip.
The costs come in layers. Federal corporate tax plus the solidarity surcharge totals 15.825%, after which municipal trade tax brings the combined burden to around 30%, depending on the Gemeinde. A genuine seat in the right municipality can therefore reduce the overall rate legitimately. Administration is German-language and a Steuerberater is effectively essential, while the capital account is often the slowest step for non-resident founders. This is why business setup services in Germany need to cover more than the registry alone: notarial work, tax setup and the banking route all matter.
Packages & pricing
German company registration - cost and packages.
01 - GMBH · GESELLSCHAFT MBH
Company
from€4,900EUR · all-in
Remote company formation in Germany through a GmbH includes the notarial deed, online or by POA, commercial-register filing, tax registrations and the first year of the registered address.
✓Articles drafted around your governance model✓Online notarisation or POA route✓Commercial-register (HRB) filing - fees included✓Registered address in Berlin - first year✓Tax number and VAT ID (USt-IdNr.) handled✓Free pre-incorporation consultation
Optional add-ons: UG structure - from €600 · trade-tax municipality planning - from €500 · accounting - from €350/month · annual renewal - from €2,800/year.
Start with Company →02 - GMBH · GESELLSCHAFT MBH
Most popularCompany + Bank Account
from€5,900EUR · all-in
A working GmbH with a German account: the capital account is arranged first, then converted into full corporate banking after registration, or supplemented by a suitable fintech account.
✓Everything in Company✓Capital account arranged✓Account with a German bank or fintech✓Account application and KYC file preparation✓Introduction to 2-3 suitable institutions✓Dedicated account manager
Start with Banking →These are starting prices; the final quote is confirmed before work begins. Notary, court and register fees are itemised separately, while the paid-in capital remains company money.
What you can do
Popular uses for a German company.
A GmbH can conduct almost any lawful business. Some trades require a Gewerbe permit, while financial services operate under BaFin supervision. A financial licence in Germany therefore follows a separate authorisation process depending on the regulated activity.
Market entry
Access to 83 million consumers and the companies serving the EU’s deepest domestic market.
Industrial & B2B supply
A GmbH provides the local corporate form expected across Mittelstand and OEM supply chains.
E-commerce
Europe’s largest online market, where marketplaces often prefer German entities and local VAT numbers.
Engineering & services
Consulting, IT and technical services sold into one of Europe’s strongest B2B markets.
Startups
Berlin remains one of the EU’s major venture hubs, with GmbH and UG structures widely used for startup cap tables.
Financial serviceslicensed
Payment institutions, investment firms and crypto custody operate under BaFin authorisation. For founders considering setting up a financial company in Europe or financial business registration in EU countries, Germany offers the regulated infrastructure of the EU’s largest economy, but licensing requirements depend on the exact activity.
Why Germany (GMBH)
Key advantages of the jurisdiction.
✓
The credential
The GmbH is an internationally recognised trust mark backed by real capital, notarial formation and a transparent commercial register.
✓
The market
The EU’s largest economy and largest e-commerce market are accessible through one domestic structure.
✓
Online notarisation
Since 2022, the deed can be signed by video, allowing founders to register a company in Germany remotely.
✓
Municipality lever
Trade tax varies by Gemeinde, so a genuine seat in the right municipality can lawfully reduce the combined rate.
✓
Moderate employer on-costs
Employer contributions are around 21%, materially below neighbouring France.
✓
Industrial ecosystem
Suppliers, standards, trade fairs and engineering infrastructure support one of the world’s deepest manufacturing markets.
How it compares
Germany alongside the main European alternatives.
Austria offers comparable credibility with stronger CEE positioning; the Netherlands is lighter administratively and more international in everyday business; France matches Germany on market scale but has heavier payroll costs; Poland offers a lower operating-cost base. Germany’s strongest case remains the combination of domestic demand and the GmbH reputation. Figures current as of 2026.
| Country | Corporate tax | Employer on-costs | Signature edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | ~30% combined | ~21% | The market · the GmbH mark |
| Austria | 23% | ~30% | CEE headquarters |
| Netherlands | 25.8% | ~15% | English-first holdings |
| France | 25% · 15% SME | ~45% | Scale + CIR |
| Poland | 19% · 9% small | ~21% | Cost base + scale |
GermanyThe market · the GmbH mark
Corporate tax~30% combined
Employer on-costs~21%
AustriaCEE headquarters
Corporate tax23%
Employer on-costs~30%
NetherlandsEnglish-first holdings
Corporate tax25.8%
Employer on-costs~15%
FranceScale + CIR
Corporate tax25% · 15% SME
Employer on-costs~45%
PolandCost base + scale
Corporate tax19% · 9% small
Employer on-costs~21%
Requirements
What German law actually requires.
01
One shareholder - an individual or company of any nationality; 100% foreign ownership is permitted, so the structure is available to both German residents and non-residents.
02
Managing director - at least one Geschäftsführer; there is no formal residency requirement, although practical access to Germany may matter depending on the business.
03
Capital - €25,000 - at least €12,500 must be paid before registration; a UG can start from €1 but must retain part of its profits.
04
Notarial deed - mandatory; since 2022 it can be executed online by video in eligible cases or through an apostilled POA.
05
Registered address - a German business address for the commercial register and tax authorities is mandatory and included in the package.
06
Accounts & filings - double-entry accounting, published annual accounts and German-language filings are handled through a Steuerberater.
How it works
From application to an operating company in weeks.
The process of opening a company in Germany runs through our lawyers, a German notary and the commercial register, using online notarisation where available and POA where necessary.
01Same day
Free consultation
We confirm whether Germany fits the case and flag Austria or the Netherlands where either may serve the objective better.
022-4 days
KYC & drafting
Passports, proof of address, governance decisions and drafted articles.
033-7 days
Notarisation
The deed is signed online by video or by POA before a German notary.
041-2 weeks
Capital account
At least €12,500 is deposited; this stage starts early because it is often the slowest.
051-2 weeks
Register & tax
The GmbH enters the HRB and receives its tax number and VAT ID.
063-10 days
Banking
The capital account converts into a full operating account, or a fintech account goes live.
Quick facts
Legal formGmbH / UG
Shareholders1+, any nationality
Combined tax~30% - by municipality
Dividends (individuals)26.375%
Standard timeline2-4 weeks
Capital€25,000 - half paid
Renewal & accountingFrom €2,800/year
The capital account is often what determines the final timeline. For non-resident founders, it should be started with institutions that genuinely onboard such structures before the notary date rather than afterwards.
On the ground
On the ground in Germany.
Prifinance - Germany
Berlin
Berlin, Germany
01
DACH-desk specialists
Your setup is run by a team registering German and Austrian companies for international founders every month.
02
Notary & register handled
Online notarisation, HRB entry, tax numbers. Sequenced so the weeks don't stack.
03
Steuerberater included
German books and filings carried by our tax advisors, reported to you in English.
04
Also in Tallinn, London, Dubai & more
A network of offices across Europe, the Gulf and the Americas. One team for your whole international structure.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Väike-Paala tn 1
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
5/F, Yau Lee Centre, 45 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Türkiye
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Toronto
Canada
1110 Finch Avenue West, suite 406
Singapore
Singapore
3 Church Street, #29-68 Samsung Hub
Bangkok
Thailand
Unit P01, Penthouse, VASU1, 1 Sukhumvit 25 Alley
Foshan
China
A-Tower, Yuneng Digital Plaza, 46 Lishui Avenue South
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Republic Square 13
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
32 Razzakov Street
Taxation 2026
Layered taxation - with a municipal component that can be managed.
German corporate taxation has two main layers: federal corporate tax plus the solidarity surcharge totals 15.825%, after which municipal trade tax adds around 7-17% depending on the Gemeinde. In major cities, the combined rate is typically around 30%, while a properly chosen genuine business location may reduce it. Dividends to individuals are taxed at 26.375%, while qualifying EU parent companies may receive them at 0%.
Federal layer - 15.825%
Corporate tax plus solidarity surcharge, identical nationwide.
Trade tax - 7-17%
Set by the municipality and therefore affecting the total rate.
Dividends - 26.375%
Abgeltungsteuer for individuals; qualifying EU parents at 0%.
VAT - 19%
Standard EU framework; exports and qualifying intra-EU supplies are zero-rated.
Levies in 2026
Corporate tax + solidarity surcharge15.825%
Trade tax (municipal)~7-17%
Typical combined rate~30%
Dividends (individuals)26.375%
VAT19%
Renewal & accountingFrom €2,800/year
Employer on-costs are around 21%. Owners remain responsible for personal taxation in their country of residence, so both the German company layer and the shareholder side should be modelled before incorporation.
Your team
The specialists who'll handle your case.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
International Business Consultant
Guides clients from the first consultation to a working setup - companies, accounts and substance in 60+ jurisdictions.
Alex Danila
Corporate Services Specialist
Handles incorporation paperwork, KYC and bank introductions so your German company launches without delays.
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Company Registration in Germany: Costs, Timeline & Requirements
The EU's biggest market behind three trusted letters: notary, capital, register and bank sequenced right. Full support, start to finish.
Talk to a specialist →FAQ
German company registration: common questions.
Can I open a German company without visiting?+
Yes. Since 2022, the notarial deed for a cash-formed GmbH can be signed online by video in eligible cases, while POA through a German notary covers other situations. Register, tax and fintech-banking steps can be handled remotely, although a traditional bank may still request an in-person meeting.
How much does it cost?+
Turnkey registration starts from €4,900, including notary, court and register fees and the first year of the registered address. Packages with the capital account and banking start from €5,900. The €12,500+ paid-in capital remains company money. Renewal with a Steuerberater starts from €2,800 per year.
What taxes will the company pay?+
The combined burden is typically around 30%: 15.825% at federal level plus municipal trade tax of roughly 7-17%, depending on the seat. Dividends to individuals are taxed at 26.375%, while qualifying EU parent companies may receive them at 0%. VAT is 19%.
Can the municipality really reduce my tax?+
Yes. Each Gemeinde sets its own trade-tax multiplier, so the difference between a major city and a suitable municipality can reduce the combined rate by several percentage points. The seat must reflect genuine activity and management rather than a purely artificial address.
GmbH or UG?+
A GmbH requires €25,000 of capital, with at least half paid in before registration, and carries stronger market recognition. A UG can start from €1 but must retain a quarter of its profits until conversion. If your goal is to open a limited liability company in Germany for serious B2B activity, the GmbH is generally the stronger credential.
Why is the capital account the hard part?+
Traditional German banks are cautious about blocked accounts for companies in formation with non-resident founders because of the additional compliance burden. The practical solution is to use institutions and fintechs that actually support these cases and begin the application before the notarial appointment.
How bad is the bureaucracy?+
It is formal rather than unpredictable: German-language filings, the tax-office questionnaire, published annual accounts and official correspondence are all part of the system. A competent Steuerberater is therefore a core part of operating a GmbH.
What does hiring cost?+
German gross salaries are high, but employer on-costs are around 21%, which can make total employment costs lower than in France at comparable salary levels. Labour regulation is protective but generally predictable when documentation and procedures are handled correctly.
Germany or Austria / the Netherlands?+
Austria offers comparable credibility, a 23% corporate rate and stronger CEE positioning. The Netherlands is easier for international administration and holding structures. Germany’s advantage is the combination of the EU’s largest market and the GmbH credential, especially where German customers and supply chains are central to the business.
How long does it take?+
Plan two to four weeks: several days for preparation, notarisation within roughly a week, one to two weeks for the capital account, followed by HRB entry and tax registrations. A fintech operating account can usually be added within days after registration.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
More from Prifinance
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