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
Company
formation,
bank account
set up,
notary fees,
government
related
fees and
VAT registration:
£3,298.90
ex. VAT.
TIMESCALES
The company
can be set
up in 4
weeks upon
receipt
of all documentation.
ACCOUNTANCY
Quote
based upon
approximate
number of
monthly
invoices
and projected
annual turnover.
OFFICES
Quote
as per requirement.
A small
shared office
arrangement
can be sufficient
if required.
HOW DO I PROCEED?
In
order to commence
the formation
procedure, we
will require
the following
:
A
completed
application
form.
A
certified
copy of
each director/shareholders
passport.
Two
utility
bills that
are less
than three
months old.
