Germany | European Company Formation

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British Virgin Islands Offshore Company Formation

GERMANY

INTRODUCTION

If you’re a foreign investor and you want to open a German company, you have a broad spectrum of options. You could take a cautious view and start with a one-person sales office. Or you can easily withdraw without having invested very much capital.

REQUIREMENTS

The minimum share capital for a GmbH is €25,000.
It is the most common form of business enterprise in Germany.
A simple structure designed for private companies only.
The minimum number of shareholders is one.
A physical office is required (a virtual office in unacceptable here).
The establishment of a new GmbH requires the notarisation of the articles plus appointment of the first managing director(s), the application to the commercial register and the registration. The shareholder (or its representative, based on a notarial power of attorney with a certification of authority and, if signed in England, the Apostille affixed thereon) has to sign before a German notary a (short) deed on the incorporation, including the articles of association and the appointment of one or several managing director(s). The new managing director(s) has/have to sign an application with the commercial register (including several statements, e.g. the confirmation that the stated capital has been paid to a bank account of the new company, that an instruction by a German notary has taken place, etc.; the signature(s) require certification from the Notary). A bank account will then be opened, the money be paid to that account and finally, the notary will send the documents to the commercial register.

FEES