Types of companies in Germany
- Limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung – GmbH)
- Responsibility
- Minimum capital
- Min. number of shareholders
- Generally, recommended for
- Limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung – GmbH)
- Limited
- 25 000 €
1
SMEs
- ‘’Small’’ GmbH(Unternehmer
gesellschaft) - Limited
- 1 €
1
Small entreprises
- Public Limited Company (Aktiengesellschaft – AG)
- Limited
- 50 000 €
1
Big companies
- Limited partnership (Kommandit
gesellschat – KG) - Unlimited
- No
2
Very small companies
- Sole proprietorship (UG – haftungsbeschränk)
- Unlimited
- 1 €
1
Sole trader
- Partnership (Offene Handelsgesellschaft – OHG)
- Unlimited
- No
2
Very small companies
Corporate tax rate in Germany
In Germany, the corporate tax is divided in two parts:
- A federal part at the rate of 15%.
- A municipality part at a rate between 10 and 20% depending on the municipality.
Rates generally vary between 12.9% and 17.9%.
For example, the municipality of Monehin am Rhein in North Rhine-Westphalia has an average rate of 12, 9%.
Questions
Why should I incorporate my company in Germany?
- Germany is part of the Central and Eastern Europe production process.
- The industrial base is strong. 30% of GPD.
- There is little structural unemployment and the apprenticeship system is well developed.
- There are in Germany major ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Kiel.
- The institutional system allows a real representativeness.
- There are a lot of family-sized exporting SMEs.
Which difficulties can be encountered in Germany?
- Despite the immigration rate, the labour force will decrease from 2020.
- Banks are unprofitable.
- Automotive and engineering industries have a great influence on the German economy. 48% of GPD.
- Eastern Landers have a developmental gap, even if it is decreasing.
- There are not enough investments and risk capital. This situation restricts the productivity gain.
Which are the cultural specificities of the world of work in Germany?
- Punctuality and compliance to deadlines are very important.
- It is recommended during a conversation to be specific and brief.
- Decision-making is always the result of an agreement.
Which are the prerequisite to create a company in Germany?
To create a company in Germany, you have to open a bank account in a German bank.
What are more common types of companies in Germany?
99% of companies are very small enterprises or SMEs
If I already have a company in another country can I establish a business unit in Germany?
Of course, this is a common solution for foreign companies which are not sure to commit in Germany. The only thing you have to do is to register in The Chamber of Commerce and Trades. Don’t forget that the parent company have the full responsibility for the business unit in legal and fiscal area.
