Setting Up A GmbH In Germany - The Essential Checklist

Are you considering setting up a GmbH in Germany? Have you fulfilled all the necessary requirements? Forming a GmbH in Germany requires completion of a number of legal formalities. To save hours of yours from researching what all to compile, here is your neat checklist:

Choose The Right Company Form

The company type should be dependent upon the line of business the company will be dealing in. Thus, before incorporation, ensure that the said company form is right in terms of the purpose of your company. Check if you are having sufficient amount of capital to invest in the GmbH. The minimum capital requirement for a GmbH company is € 25,000, half of which is required to be deposited immediately.

Company Name

You may already be having a name in your mind, but to check its availability, you need to check in the commercial register. If the name is already taken, you need to think of something else.

Company’s Objective

As per the German law, the individual should be quite specific when it comes to the purpose for which the company has been formed. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry checks the company’s name and its objective for the purpose of compliance.

Company Formation

Take appointment of a notary for the purpose of company formation

Articles Of Association

Articles of Association are essential for the internal functioning of the company. You may take the standard registration statement or draft a customized version.

Open A Business Bank Account

Once the company is formed, take the formation documents provided by notary and start with your search for an appropriate bank for opening a business account. You can open a bank account through online mode, thanks to the digital banking facilities available. Once the account is opened, make sure to deposit the share capital in the company’s account and promptly send the deposit slip to the notary.

Beware Of Legal Scams

Once your company is registered, you will be receiving fake invoices. Before paying the invoices of notary, ensure that it is from the legitimate source.

Tax Adviser

Find an individual who can act as a tax adviser and help you in completing the questionnaire issued by the tax office. The tax advisor can advise you on different tax implications for your company. He/she will also help in getting the company’s Tax Id from Tax office.

Submission Of Trade Registration Certificate

You need to submit the trade registration certificate to the local trade office. If you set up your company in Hessen or Berlin, the submission may be done online.

Insurance For Business

You should get an independent advice on choosing the right insurance plan suiting the business requirements.

You can skip this entire process by hiring the services of a payroll service company which can help you incorporate your GmbH company in the shortest possible time.