Company formation & legal forms

Guides on choosing a legal form and setting up your company — from sole proprietorship to GmbH, UG and beyond.

Commercial register entry: costs, obligation and process
Company formation

Commercial register entry: costs, obligation and process

The German commercial register (Handelsregister) explained: who has to register, how the process works and what it costs. All the key facts in one place.

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When do you have to register a business in Germany?
Company formation

When do you have to register a business in Germany?

When do you have to register a business (Gewerbe) in Germany? Find out when an activity counts as a trade, who has to register and which deadlines, costs and exemptions apply.

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UG vs GmbH
Company formation

UG vs GmbH: a comparison of legal forms

Explore the main differences between UG and GmbH in Germany, including capital requirements, costs, and liability, to choose the best legal form for your startup.

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Sole proprietorship
Company formation

Sole proprietorship in Germany: what it is and how to start one

Learn what a sole proprietorship is, who it’s for, and how to start one step by step. Start your own business easily and quickly with our practical guide!

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UG
Company formation

Setting up UG – the mini-GmbH for founders

Discover how to set up a UG (entrepreneurial company with limited liability) online in Germany. Step-by-step guidance, current costs, legal requirements, and answers to the most common questions for founders in 2026.

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GmbH
Company formation

GmbH in Germany: requirements, process, benefits & costs 2026

Discover the step-by-step process for setting up a GmbH in Germany. Learn about legal requirements, share capital, advantages, responsibilities, and costs—everything founders need to know for 2026.

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Business structures in Germany
Company formation

Business structures in Germany: your guide to making the right choice

Compare all business structures in Germany: GmbH, UG, SE, sole proprietorship. Find information on legal forms, company formation, costs, freelancer registration & comparison table.

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