Europe · GmbH
Germany Company Formation 2026
Filing $850 · Annual $350 · Corp tax 30% · Banking 9/10
The numbers
| Entity type | GmbH |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $850 |
| Annual government fee | $350 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | Not required |
| Headline corporate tax | 30% |
| Effective tax notes | 15% corporate tax + 5.5% solidarity surcharge + 14-17% trade tax = ~30%. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 19% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | $13,500 |
| Processing time | 14 business days |
| Remote formation | In-person typically required |
| UBO public | No (private register) |
| Banking accessibility | 9/10 |
| Privacy score | 4/10 |
| Stripe | ✅ Available |
| PayPal Business | ✅ |
| Wise Business | ✅ |
Why people choose Germany
- Largest EU economy
- Strong banking
Trade-offs to know
- Min capital €25k (€12.5k paid)
- Notary required
- High effective tax
- UG mini-GmbH as cheaper alternative
Who Germany is best for
- DACH market
- Industrial businesses
Mini-GmbH (Unternehmergesellschaft, UG) requires only €1 capital but must accumulate to €25k.
Authoritative sources
Germany official business registry / authorityFees last verified against the source: 2026-05-15
Other commonly compared Europe jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in Germany?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $850. Annual maintenance is approximately $350.
What is the corporate tax rate in Germany?
Germany's headline corporate income tax rate is 30%. 15% corporate tax + 5.5% solidarity surcharge + 14-17% trade tax = ~30%.
Can a non-resident form a company in Germany?
Remote formation in Germany is typically limited; in-person presence or a local representative is usually required.
Is Stripe available for Germany companies?
Yes, Stripe supports businesses incorporated in Germany.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Approximately $13,500.