Set Up a Company in Germany from the UAE

For UAE companies and Dubai-based investors, a German GmbH is the direct door into the European Union market — your own EU company for sales, logistics and hiring, owned 100% by you. Germany Business Development sets up your German company remotely from the UAE: notary, commercial register, bank account and tax registration, coordinated by one English-speaking team.

Can UAE residents and companies own a German company?

Yes. German law places no limit on foreign ownership. A UAE citizen, a UAE resident of any nationality, or a UAE company (mainland or free zone) can hold all shares of a German GmbH. The managing director does not have to live in Germany. You keep full control while your German company trades across the whole EU.

Which company type is right for you?

GmbH — the standard German limited company. Share capital €25,000, at least €12,500 paid in before registration. The trusted form for trading companies, distributors and holding structures.

UG (haftungsbeschränkt) — the “mini-GmbH”, starting from €1 capital, converting to a GmbH once reserves reach €25,000. Useful for a lean market test.

Branch office — an extension of your UAE company. Quick to open, but the UAE parent is liable for everything the branch does.

Our Business Establishment service helps you pick the structure that fits your trade, holding or expansion plan.

The one big difference: legalisation instead of apostille

The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so UAE documents cannot simply be apostilled. They go through a legalisation chain instead:

1. Notarisation in the UAE (e.g. Dubai Courts notary)
2. Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
3. Legalisation by the German embassy or consulate in the UAE
4. Sworn translation into German

This applies to the power of attorney and, if a UAE company is the shareholder, to its trade licence and board resolution. The chain takes longer than an apostille, so we start it first — it decides your timeline more than anything on the German side.

How it works — step by step

1. Structure and name check — we confirm your company name and form with the Chamber of Commerce and commercial register.
2. Document legalisation in the UAE — power of attorney and company documents through the chain above; we give you the exact checklist for Dubai or your emirate/free zone.
3. Notary appointment in Germany — our team represents you under the legalised power of attorney; no flight to Germany needed.
4. Bank account and capital — the company account is opened and the share capital paid in; the bank confirms it to the notary.
5. Handelsregister registration — your GmbH is entered in the commercial register and legally exists.
6. Tax number, VAT ID and address — tax registration handled by us; a compliant German business address is available immediately through our Virtual Office.

Realistic timeline from the UAE: 5 to 9 weeks, driven mainly by the legalisation chain and bank checks.

Costs

Share capital for a GmbH is €25,000 (at least €12,500 paid in — your company’s own funds, not a fee), plus notary, register, legalisation and translation costs and our formation package. You get a fixed itemised quote before anything starts: request your quote.

Good to know for UAE founders

• Tax treaty: Germany and the UAE have a double taxation agreement, and it also supports the common structure of a UAE holding owning a German operating company.
• Both directions covered: Looking at opportunities in Dubai itself? See our Dubai Investment page — this page covers the reverse direction, UAE → Germany.
• Moving yourself: If you plan to relocate and run the company from Germany, a residence permit is required — our Immigration team advises on the options.

Why Germany Business Development?

Based in Bruchsal, Germany, we work exclusively with foreign founders and investors entering Germany and Europe. Formation, legal support and ongoing company services from one source — in English, with one fixed contact person.

Frequently asked questions

Can I set up a German company from Dubai without travelling?

Yes. With a power of attorney legalised in the UAE, our team represents you at the German notary and completes the whole formation remotely.

Why can’t my UAE documents be apostilled?

The UAE is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. UAE documents are legalised instead: UAE notary, MOFA attestation, then legalisation by the German embassy or consulate, plus a sworn German translation.

How much capital does a GmbH need?

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

Can my UAE free zone company own the German GmbH?

Yes. A UAE mainland or free zone company can be the shareholder; its trade licence and board resolution go through the legalisation chain.

How long does it take from the UAE?

Typically 5 to 9 weeks — the legalisation chain and the German bank’s checks are the long poles.