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How does company registration works in Germany?
Unlike France and the UK, company registration in Germany is more complex and decentralized. This article provides an overview of the registration process in Germany.
The requirements and process depend heavily on the legal form you choose for your business in Germany.
| Legal Form | Handelsregister? | Registration Office | Cost of Registration | Minimum Capital | Registration Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship (e.K.) | No | Tax Office | €10–60 (trade registration) | None | Immediate – few days |
| General & Limited Partnership (OHG & KG) | Yes | Commercial Register + Trade Office | ~€200–400 (notary), €20–60 (trade registration) | None | 1–3 weeks |
| Entrepreneurial Company (UG) | Yes | Commercial Register + Trade Office | <€200 (notary), €20–60 (trade registration) | ≥ €1 | 1–3 weeks |
| Civil-Law Partnership (GbR) | No (except eGbR) | Trade Office | €20–50 (trade registration) | None | Immediate – few days |
| Limited Liability Company (GmbH) | Yes | Commercial Register + Trade Office | ~€1,000 total on average | €25,000 share capital | 2–6+ weeks |
| Stock Company (AG) | Yes | Commercial Register + Trade Office | Several thousand € (notary), ~€50 (trade) | €50,000 share capital | 1–3 weeks |