How to Register a Company in Germany: Options and Timeline

Foreign founders often ask how to register a company in Germany. The short answer is that you choose a legal structure, register it with the official registry, and then complete your tax registration and any licences your activity needs. Below are the registration routes ORBIZLY lists for Germany, with their typical timeline.

How do you register a company in Germany?

GmbH / UG Company Registration (Handelsregister). Typical time: About 1 to 2 weeks for the register entry, several weeks in busy courts. Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Add time for the notary appointment and the share capital deposit. Official page: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/working/business-startups/company-founders

Eingetragener Verein (e.V.) Non-Profit Registration. Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: https://www.bmi.bund.de/

Pick the route that matches what you plan to do. If you are unsure which structure suits a business that will hire staff, sell abroad or take investment, ask an expert before you file.

What do you need after the company is registered?

A registered company usually still has to complete tax registration and, in some industries, extra permits. In Germany these are handled by the following bodies.

Tax and goods and services registration: the local tax office (Finanzamt) for your tax number and VAT ID. Official source: bzst.de

Sector-specific permits: the sector regulator and the local trade office. Official source: make-it-in-germany.com

Importing goods: German Customs (Zoll). Official source: zoll.de

Exporting controlled goods: the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Official source: bafa.de

Should you protect your brand when you register?

Registering a company does not protect your brand name. A trademark does. Filing early stops someone else from taking your name in Germany.

Trademark Filing (DPMA). Typical time: About 4 to 8 months if uncontested. Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Accelerated examination is available for a higher fee. Official page: https://www.dpma.de/

What is the next step?

Take the free ORBIZLY eligibility assessment to see which countries and programs fit your business, or book a consulting session to talk through company registration in Germany with an expert.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Timelines change and depend on your business. Ask for a quote for your case. Confirm the details with the official source linked above or with an expert before you apply.