Company Formation

Contents What is a Gewerbeerlaubnis? Which businesses need a Gewerbeerlaubnis?  Registration obligation Gewerbeerlaubnis criteria Want to know more?    [BEGIN: Insert an Image between this tag] [END insert Image] Got questions about setting up a business in Germany? Startup expert 10+ years experience Hi, I’m Andreas and I’ve been advising businesses in Germany for over …

Contents What’s next after officially starting your business? Registrations, applications, insurance Tax number /VAT ID Establishment number Membership in the IHK or HWK Take out insurance Legal imprint Broadcasting Fee Google Maps EORI number Business accounting Do the bookkeeping in-house or outsource it? Opening balance sheet Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung (advance return for turnover tax) Create an invoice …

Summary The MD contract for a German GmbH is structured as a service agreement rather than an employment contract. The contract should clearly define duties, remuneration, duration, and termination terms in line with corporate and employment law boundaries. Under the separation principle, the director’s appointment and the service agreement remain legally independent. When a managing …

Contents Kleingewerbe: Definition Gewerbe and other important terms When is a business not a small business? Who is a Kleingewerbe ideal for? How to register a Kleingewerbe Advantages of the Kleingewerbe Disadvantages of the Kleingewerbe Kleingewerbetreibender vs. Kleinunternehmer Conclusion: Is it worthwhile? Want to know more?    What is the Kleingewerbe? A Kleingewerbe (small business/small …

Summary A sole proprietorship in Germany links the business directly to its owner, with no separation of assets and full personal liability for debts and obligations. It is quick to establish, with residency in Germany as the main requirement. In practice, sole proprietors are usually classified either as commercial traders or as liberal professionals, each …

Contents Who self-employed in Germany? What is a Freiberufler? Freiberufler vs. freelancer Legal and tax requirements Accounting Pros and cons Want to know more?    What does it mean to be self-employed in Germany? Freiberufler are “selbständiger Beruf“, which means “self-employed profession”. Self-employed professions have three main sub-groups in Germany: Freiberufler (Liberal professionals) Kleingewerbetreibende Einzelunternehmer …