Setting up in Germany
Germany is Europe's biggest industrial market and one of India's most important partners. Setting up a company is structured and predictable.
Company forms
- GmbH (limited liability company): the standard choice. Minimum share capital €25,000, of which at least half must be paid in before registration.
- UG (haftungsbeschränkt): a mini-GmbH with as little as €1 capital, but profits must be partly retained until €25,000 is reached. Less credible with some customers.
- Branch (Zweigniederlassung): registered extension of the Indian company.
- Representative office: for preparatory activities only.
The steps for a GmbH
- Prepare the articles of association and appoint managing directors.
- Sign the articles before a German notary. Remote online notarisation is available in many cases.
- Open a business bank account and pay in the capital.
- The notary files for registration in the commercial register (Handelsregister).
- Register with the trade office and tax office; get a VAT number.
- Set up payroll and register employees for social security.
Expect a few weeks if documents are ready. Foreign documents usually need apostille and certified translation.
Support available
- Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) is the federal investment agency. It provides market data, guidance on setting up, and contacts with regional agencies.
- State and city development agencies help with locations, permits and recruitment.
People
- Managers and specialists from India commonly use the EU Blue Card or intra-company transfer permits.
- Germany's accelerated skilled worker procedure can speed up permits.
- German labour law and works councils matter for larger teams; get local advice.
Customers
German buyers value reliability, documentation, quality certifications and long-term relationships. Plan for longer sales cycles and invest in German-language materials.
