Business plan Germany
January 1, 2024
• A small business in Germany can provide the prerequisites for moving towards self-employment. This type of business is attractive for founders who want to start without worries, with low capital, or as a side business.
• Business registration and obtaining a license is essential for starting a small business in Germany. Entering the commercial register is not required. However, depending on the business, some documents may be required.
• Accounting for a small business in Germany is simple and is done using surplus income accounting. Also, there is no obligation to keep accounts and publish annual financial statements in the Federal Gazette.
• You can use the legal forms of sole proprietorship, UG, GbR, or GmbH to set up your small business in Germany as an individual or a group. However, you should pay attention to things such as liability, requirements related to double-entry bookkeeping, and entry into the commercial register.
June 25, 2024
The legal form of limited partnership with shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, KGaA) in Germany is a combination of the structure of both joint stock companies (AG) and limited partnership (Kommanditgesellschaft). A limited partnership with shares (KGaA) like stock companies in Germany must be commercially registered. Also, it should register its activity with the regional trade office.
July 17, 2024
An overview of start-up grants in Germany
If you dream of starting your own business in Germany, you must be very persistent and incur huge expenses. Most start-up entrepreneurs in Germany cannot provide enough capital to start a business alone. There are many options for financing businesses in Germany, especially in the start-up phase. The most important is the start-up grant awarded to young entrepreneurs by the German Employment Office. To apply for it, you must have a coherent business plan and obtain confirmation from specialized and reliable institutions in Germany indicating that your business idea is viable. You can also use a KfW start-up loan to finance your business or receive a grant from other development or guarantee banks in Germany.
September 16, 2024
A summary of the crucial points for self-employment through import or export in Germany
To answer your questions regarding import or export in Germany, you can get help from the following institutions and authorities:
Rules and regulations:
• German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA): It is possible to see the regulations related to import or export restriction of commercial goods here.
• German Federal Agriculture and Food Agency (BLE): This department is responsible for checking export or import restrictions of agricultural products.
• Customs: You should get complete information about customs rules and regulations. You can access this information through the Atlas electronic system and handle your customs affairs online.
Information on countries, markets, and a database for searching business partners
• Foreign chambers of commerce, as your contacts in the target country, can provide information in this field.
• German trade and investment also provide great information and support international businesses.
• You can also search for information and business partners on the iXPOS portal.
Export insurance
• Click here to enter the federal information portal related to export insurance in Germany.
Foreign trade statistics and data
• The Federal Bureau of Statistics provides foreign trade data.
• These data are presented graphically in the Foreign Trade Statistical Atlas.
September 26, 2024
An overview of the financial requirements for obtaining a self-employment residence permit in Germany
As an applicant for a self-employed residence permit in Germany, you must provide documents based on having sufficient financial resources to start a business and cover your expenses in Germany. Also, you need to prove that your business has a good chance of success in the German market and can be favorably profitable. Other financial requirements include:
• A document based on obtaining private or public health insurance in Germany
• Realistic predictions of how to make money in the first years after starting a business in Germany
• A document based on the ability to provide the minimum required initial capital and start-up costs
Evidence of the ability to cover other expenses in a business setting up procedure in Germany, including licensing fees, office space, and operational requirements.
March 10, 2025
A brief look at the steps to opening a café in Germany
1. The first step is to register your business with the local trade office. Then, you can obtain a business certificate and apply for tax registration. You will also need a restaurant license to serve alcoholic beverages.
2. Before starting your café in Germany, you must get approval from the health department. Then, attend food hygiene training sessions and comply with relevant regulations.
3. If you want to make changes to your café space in Germany, you must apply for a building permit. Then, you will also need to obtain a fire safety permit.
4. If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages or play music in your café in Germany, you will need to apply for the relevant permits.
March 19, 2025
Starting a kindergarten in Germany requires following strict regulations and obtaining specific permits. To do this, you must follow these steps:
1. Estimate the demand in the target area and prepare a solid business plan.
2. Choose the appropriate legal form for running your daycare and register your business.
3. Choose a location for the establishment that complies with German building standards and safety regulations.
4. Submit your application for approval of programs and obtaining an operating license to the Youth Welfare Department.
5. Hire certified trainers and qualified personnel for administrative, support, or cleaning tasks.
6. Create an educational program according to the standards and pay attention to the children's needs for growth in daily activities.
7. Decide how to finance the business and the cost structure for parents.
8. Obtain the required insurance and prepare contracts for employees and parents according to regulations.
9. Implement marketing measures and define a process for children's registration.
10. Establish an appropriate management structure for daily activities and create conditions for maximum parental participation.
11. Be prepared for regular inspections by the Youth Welfare Office and continuously focus on improving the quality of your daycare.
March 29, 2025
An overview of the requirements for investing in a bakery or café in Germany
The bakery and café market has boomed in recent years in Germany, providing lucrative business opportunities, especially for non-European entrepreneurs. To successfully obtain German residency by starting a bakery or café, you must:
1. Take steps such as preparing a strong business plan, choosing a suitable location, proving financial feasibility, and securing initial capital. Creating local employment opportunities can be a specific advantage for obtaining German residency.
2. Show that your business has a positive impact on the economy of the target region and that you have the financial stability and sufficient capital to launch it. Taking health and pension insurance is mandatory, and for greater credibility, it is better to choose the GmbH legal form for your company in Germany.
3. After consulting with experts, you can register your company in Germany and obtain the necessary licenses. Then, submit your application for German residency to the relevant authorities.
June 8, 2025
If you intend to do business in Germany, you should understand the characteristics of the country's business culture and act accordingly. This way, you will be able to gain the trust of German suppliers and partners and grow your business. Transparency, punctuality, preparation for submitting documents, conducting research and understanding production lines, certificates, and export policies, registering a company or having a local representative in Germany, having a long-term view in business relationships, and communicating, especially in German, are things that can be effective in gaining the trust of Germans.
