Business & Self-employment

Start, register, test and grow a business in Germany.

Decision workspace

Business & Self-employment

Start, register, test and grow a business in Germany.

Clear inputs · visible sources
  1. 1Input
  2. 2Review
  3. 3Result
  4. 4Next step
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Decision workspace

Your decision view

  • Current facts
  • Official sources
  • Result and risks
  • Recommended next step
Business at a glance
Setup paths4
Legal formsGmbH · UG · …
Tax checkpoints6+
Risk checks5
Germany · founder tools

You're in Start a Business. Use this to move from an idea to a legally registered business in Germany. Start with Rechtsform Finder if you're unsure whether Gewerbe, Freiberufler, UG or GmbH fits.

What this does: Compares cost, liability and tax of GmbH, UG and Einzelunternehmen side by side.
When to use it: When you've narrowed it to two or three forms and want the trade-offs.
What you need: Expected yearly profit and whether you'll have co-founders.
What to do next: Pick one, then run the Tax Simulator for that form.

Orientation only — not legal advice. Confirm with the Gewerbeamt, IHK or a lawyer.

Official German sourcesLast updated: Reviewed regularlyMethodology
Start a business in Germany — founding guide