Company formation in Germany, explained against the commercial register (Handelsregister), entered through a notary: which entity type fits, the documents
Registering a company in Germany means working through one register and its filing rules end to end.
A GmbH is formed before a notary and licensed tax advice is reserved to a Steuerberater. A company here is recorded in the commercial register (Handelsregister), entered through a notary.
The guides below walk through which entity type fits, the documents the registrar wants, share capital and director requirements, and how long approval takes for Germany specifically.
Germany's GmbH is Europe's most respected private company structure but also its most bureaucratic to form. Our 2026 guide covers GmbH vs UG, the notary process, banking for foreign shareholders, trade tax by city, and the full formation timeline and cost for non-resident founders.
Detailed cost breakdown for starting a business in Germany in 2026, including fees for registration, capital requirements, and office expenses.
Learn about GmbH, UG, and branch registrations in Germany for Indian citizens in 2026.
Comparison of GmbH, UG, and AG structures in Germany covering capital needs, governance, liability, costs, and when to choose each option.
Comprehensive guide on registering a company in Germany, including formation process, required documents, costs, and timelines for 2026.
