Search

When setting up business in Germany, the residence title depends on the person's country of origin, the length of the intended stay and planned business activity in Germany.

Germany offers numerous incentives for international investors. A variety of funding programs - designed to fit companies business activity financing needs – is available.

Real estate is subject to different taxes: the annual real estate tax on ownership and a one time real estate transfer tax, when purchasing real estate.

Non-EU entrepreneurs and shareholders of German companies who manage a company on-site in Germany may require a residence permit for self-employment purposes.

Companies must submit a tax return to the tax authority once a year. The tax office at the location in which the corresponding company has its (German) head office is responsible.

The German tax system offers companies tax deduction possibilities to lower their annual tax burden - subject to certain preconditions being met.

The German private limited liability company (GmbH) is the most widely used legal form for corporations. It combines a high degree of flexibility with relatively few obligations.

Grants for investments are a central funding instrument that help significantly reduce investment costs under specific conditions.

All corporations are liable to corporate income tax. This is levied at a flat nationwide rate of 15 percent on the taxable profits of the company.

Social insurance contributions in Germany are roughly shared equally by employer and employee. The employer withholds and distributes them to the social insurance institutions.