Procedure for Company Registration in Germany

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Registering a company in Germany involves several structured legal steps to ensure compliance with national regulations. Here is an overview of the procedure:

1. Choose the Legal Form: Select a suitable business structure, most commonly a GmbH (limited liability company), UG (haftungsbeschränkt) (entrepreneurial company), or AG (public limited company).
2. Company Name Approval: Choose a unique company name and have it checked and approved by the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) to ensure no conflict with existing businesses.
3. Draft Articles of Association: Prepare the company's Articles of Association, outlining its structure, shareholding, management, and objectives.
4. Notarization: Sign the Articles of Association in the presence of a German notary, who will formally notarize the incorporation documents.
5. Open a Business Bank Account: Open a company bank account and deposit the required minimum share capital (€25,000 for a GmbH, with at least €12,500 paid in before registration).
6. Commercial Register Entry: The notary submits your documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register). The company officially exists only after this step.
7. Register with Tax Authorities: Apply for a tax number and VAT ID from the local tax office (Finanzamt).
8. Trade Office Registration: Register with the local Gewerbeamt (Trade Office).

Once these steps are completed, your company can legally operate in Germany.