Register a Company in Germany from India

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the natural base for Indian companies that want to sell, hire and grow inside the European Union. With Germany Business Development, Indian founders and Indian parent companies can set up a German GmbH or UG without relocating — we coordinate the notary, the commercial register, the bank account and the tax registration for you.

Can Indians own a company in Germany?

Yes. German law allows 100% foreign ownership — there is no requirement for a German or EU partner, shareholder or director. An Indian citizen or an Indian company can be the sole shareholder of a German GmbH, and the managing director can live and work from India. Your German company gets full access to the EU single market of around 450 million customers.

Which company type is right for you?

GmbH (limited liability company) — the standard and most trusted form. Share capital is €25,000, of which at least €12,500 must be paid into the company bank account before registration. Best for trading, IT and service companies that want maximum credibility with German customers and banks.

UG (haftungsbeschränkt) — the “mini-GmbH”. You can start from €1 of share capital; 25% of yearly profits are kept as a reserve until €25,000 is reached and the UG converts into a GmbH. A good low-capital start for testing the market.

Branch office — an extension of your Indian company. Faster to set up, but the Indian parent stays fully liable for the branch. Often used as a first sales office.

Not sure which fits? Our Business Establishment service starts with exactly this decision.

How it works — step by step

1. Choose the structure and name — we check your company name with the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) and the commercial register.
2. Prepare the documents in India — passport copies and, if an Indian company is the shareholder, its incorporation documents. Documents are notarised in India and get a Hague apostille (India is a member of the Apostille Convention), plus sworn German translations where required.
3. Sign by power of attorney — you do not need to fly to Germany. With a notarised and apostilled power of attorney, our team represents you at the German notary appointment.
4. Open the bank account and pay in the capital — the share capital is deposited and the bank confirms it to the notary.
5. Registration in the Handelsregister — after notarisation the company is filed with the commercial register. Once entered, your GmbH legally exists.
6. Tax registration and VAT number — we handle the tax office questionnaire, tax number and VAT ID, and your registered business address — our Virtual Office gives you a compliant German address from day one.

The full process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending mainly on document preparation in India and the bank’s checks.

What does it cost?

Plan for the share capital (€25,000 for a GmbH, at least €12,500 paid in — this is your company’s money, not a fee) plus notary, register and translation costs and our formation package. You receive a fixed, itemised quote before we start — request your quote and we calculate your exact case, including the apostille and translation steps from India.

Good to know for Indian founders

• Tax treaty: India and Germany have a double taxation agreement, so profits are not taxed twice in both countries.
• Investing from an Indian company: Indian overseas-investment rules (RBI/FEMA) apply when an Indian company buys shares abroad. We flag the paperwork early so your Indian CA and our German team work from the same checklist.
• Working in Germany yourself: Owning the company does not require a visa. If you want to move to Germany and work as managing director, you need a residence permit — our Immigration team handles self-employment and Blue Card cases.

Why Germany Business Development?

We are based in Bruchsal, Germany, and specialise in exactly one thing: helping foreign founders and companies establish themselves in Germany and Europe. One fixed contact person, English-speaking throughout, and everything from formation to legal and ongoing support from a single source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register a German company from India without travelling?

Yes. With a notarised and apostilled power of attorney, our team can represent you at the notary and complete the formation while you stay in India.

How much capital do I need for a GmbH?

€25,000 share capital, with at least €12,500 paid into the company bank account before registration. A UG can start from €1.

Do I need a German partner or director?

No. Foreigners can own 100% of a German company, and the managing director does not have to live in Germany.

How long does the formation take from India?

Typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on apostille and translation times in India and the bank’s identity checks.

Which documents need an apostille?

The power of attorney and, if an Indian company is the shareholder, its incorporation documents. India issues Hague apostilles through its notary and MEA process; we give you an exact checklist for your case.