Company formation & legal forms

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

How to set up a GbR in Germany
Company formation

How to Set Up a GbR in Germany: The Complete 2026 Guide

Planning to set up a GbR? Learn everything about requirements, costs, taxes, registration and the advantages of the German civil law partnership.

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Setting up a German stock corporation (AG)
Company formation

Setting up a German stock corporation (AG)

Setting up an AG: requirements, starting capital, liability and the formation process of the stock corporation, plus its key advantages and tips for founders.

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Registering a side business (Nebengewerbe) in Germany
Company formation

How to register a side business (Nebengewerbe) in Germany

Want to register a side business (Nebengewerbe) in Germany? Our guide covers the costs, taxes, the registration with the trade and tax office, and tips for your business account.

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Register a small business online in Germany – form on a laptop
Company formation

Registering a Small Business in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

How do you register a small business (Kleingewerbe) in Germany? A step-by-step guide to trade registration with costs, requirements, the small-business VAT rule and a checklist.

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How to start a company in Germany
Company formation

How to Start a Company in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do you start a company in Germany? A step-by-step guide to company formation, with requirements, costs, a checklist and tips for your own business.

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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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How to write a business plan
Company formation

How to write a business plan: the ultimate guide for founders in Germany

Want to write a business plan? From market analysis to the financial plan – our guide shows you step by step how to win banks over. Templates included!

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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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