How to found a GmbH in Germany, step by step
From notary appointment to Handelsregister entry and tax number — the practical sequence for forming a GmbH.
Founding a GmbH
1. Draft the Gesellschaftsvertrag (or use the Musterprotokoll for simple setups). 2. Notarize the formation with a Notar — all shareholders and managing directors sign. 3. Open a business bank account and deposit at least €12,500 of the €25,000 share capital. 4. Register in the Handelsregister — the notary files this; the company legally exists once entered. 5. Register with the Gewerbeamt (trade office) and the Finanzamt for your tax number and VAT ID. 6. Set up bookkeeping and, in most cases, engage a Steuerberater.
Budget two to six weeks end-to-end, mostly waiting on the Handelsregister and Finanzamt. Notary and registration costs typically run €600–€1,000 for a straightforward formation.