Economic Activity in Germany
Registering a business in Germany can be a complex process, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be done without major problems. Here are the steps to take to register a business in Germany:
1. Choose the legal form of your business: In Germany, there are various forms of business law, including sole proprietorships (e.g., general partnership, limited liability company) and corporations (e.g., private limited company, public limited company). Before registering, you should carefully consider which form of business will be best for your business.
2. Choose a name for your company: The name of the company must be original and cannot already be used by another company. You can use online tools to check the availability of the chosen name.
3. Prepare required documents: To register your business, you will need the following documents: registration forms, partnership agreement (if applicable), and identification documents for the owners.
4. Register your business: Registration can be done online or in person at a local registry office. The owner of the company must complete the registration forms and submit the required documents. You will also need to pay the registration fee.
5. Register with the tax office: After registering your company, you must register it with the tax office. The owner of the company will receive a tax identification number and will be required to regularly file tax returns.
6. Register with other institutions: Depending on the type of business activity, you may need to register with other institutions, such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, social security or health insurance.
7. Start your business: After registering your company and registering with the relevant institutions, you can start doing business in Germany.
Types of Business Activities in Germany
There are various types of business activities that can be established in Germany. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Einzelunternehmen (Sole Proprietorship) – This is the simplest form of business activity in Germany, where one person runs a business on their own behalf. The owner bears full responsibility for their actions and financial liabilities.
2. GmbH (Limited Liability Company) – A limited liability company, where owners are only liable up to the amount of their investment. The minimum capital required to establish a GmbH is €25,000.
3. UG (Limited Liability Partnership) – Similar to a GmbH, but with a lower minimum capital requirement of just €1.
4. OHG (General Partnership) – A general partnership where at least two people run a business together. Partners bear full responsibility for their actions and financial liabilities.
5. KG (Limited Partnership) – A limited partnership where one person is responsible for managing the business, while another partner is only liable up to the amount of their investment.
6. AG (Public Limited Company) – A public limited company that issues publicly traded shares. Shareholders are only liable up to the value of their shares.
7. Partnerschaftsgesellschaft (Partnership)
Numer Ust-Idnr and Unijny Numer VAT
The Ust-Idnr is a unique 11-digit number assigned by the German tax office (Finanzamt) for identification purposes. It’s often confused with the Unijny Numer VAT (VAT ID), but they’re not the same.
The Unijny Numer VAT is an identifier assigned to businesses operating in multiple EU countries, while the Ust-Idnr is specific to Germany.
Gewerbe and Registration
In Germany, ‘gewerbe’ refers to engaging in a commercial activity or running a business. To start a business in Germany, you must register your ‘gewerbe’ at the Gewerbeamt (Trade Office).
Registration with the Gewerbeamt is mandatory for most types of businesses, including trade, services, crafts, and manufacturing.
Website and Online Shop Regulations
Germany has laws governing websites and online shops, including the Telemediengesetz (TMG) and Verbraucherschutzgesetz (VSG).
As a website or online shop owner, you’re responsible for the content on your site, including links. You must also adhere to data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (RODO), and inform users about your privacy policy and cookie use.
You’ll also need to comply with consumer protection laws, including those related to returns, refunds, and product information.
If you’re looking for a website or online shop developer in Germany, you can fill out the following form:
