Relocate a UK Company to Germany after Brexit
Due to the uncertainty and disruption caused by Brexit, relocating your business to Germany may provide it with the boost it needs. Germany is Europe’s strongest economy and has the infrastructure for companies of all sizes. Conveniently situated in the centre of Europe, businesses located in Germany can fully benefit from all that the European Single Market has to offer. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our corporate law team is ready to assist your company with all the legal necessities of relocating a UK company to Germany after Brexit.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we are a full-service law firm with offices and conference rooms across Germany. Whether you require expert corporate law assistance with a specific issue or an ongoing partnership, our law firm provides tailored solutions across legal areas. Contact us directly to find out more about our services, as we will be happy to give you an overview of your options as part of an initial assessment.
Our corporate lawyers advise on all issues when relocating a company to Germany.
As a full-service law firm, Schlun & Elseven will oversee all the legal requirements.
Our Services When Relocating a Company to Germany
Our full-service model means you can find support across all aspects of German corporate and commercial law at our firm. Here are some of the services our firm provides:
- Business Immigration services: Our dedicated team of business immigration experts will oversee the requirements in bringing the best talent to your company. The business immigration team at Schlun & Elseven has worked with companies of all sizes and has advised on applicable visas and residence permits for employees, managers and more.
- Corporate and commercial law insight: Relocating a company to another country often means coming into contact with new rules and regulations. Our dedicated corporate and commercial teams will provide the insight needed to ensure your company is ready for the German business environment.
- Establishment of business in Germany: Whether the aim is to open a branch or subsidiary office in Germany or relocate the company entirely to Germany, our lawyers will oversee the legal requirements. With our expert guidance and comprehensive legal support, your business can focus on other aspects of the move.
- In-house employment law support: With certified experts in German employment law, Schlun & Elseven are available to support your business with the critical requirements of German employment law. Our lawyers advise on best practice policies and regulations to be aware of when operating in the German market.
- Industry-specific Insight: Our lawyers provide specialist assistance for specific industries, such as those in the financial and banking sector, the insurance sector and the retail industry. With our service, your company can receive a competitive advantage.
- Tax law advice: Our German lawyers will ensure that your company knows its rights under German tax law. Our team will ensure that your company is aware of potential tax incentives available to the enterprise.
The above-listed are just some of the services offered by our law firm. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Corporate Structures in Germany
Determining the proper corporate structure to implement with your business will decide many factors about registering the company when relocating your business to Germany. The GmbH model is similar to the British limited company as it provides those involved with limited liability. The GmbH is Germany’s most prevalent limited liability business form and is used by many small to medium-sized enterprises. This model carries a certain amount of respect with investors due to its reputation for reliability. When establishing a GmbH, there is a requirement for a minimum of €25,000 in share capital and a minimum of €12,500 in cash. Other fees also need to be paid at the stage of incorporation.
The UG model is seen as the “mini-GmbH” approach, whereby the company receives many of the same benefits as a GmbH but has reduced establishment costs. The UG (“die Unternehmungsgesellschaft – or “entrepreneurial company”) model is most appropriate for “start-up companies“, and it does not carry the same respect as the GmbH model. It is provided for under § 5a Limited Liability Companies Act. It is common for successful UGs to become GmbHs upon establishing themselves.
The AG (“die Aktiengesellschaft”) is the stock corporation in Germany. This model allows companies to become truly global players. Establishing a stock corporation in Germany requires at least 50,000 euros of share capital, of which one quarter (12,500 euros) must be provided upon registration. The company must then be registered with the Tax Office, Commercial Register and the Trade Office. Forming an AG also involves drafting the Articles of Association as the company’s founding document. Like the GmbH model, the AG has a long and respected history in Germany and is, therefore, a suitable model for attracting outside investment and support.
Germany also offers a range of partnership options with varying degrees of liability.
Registering a Company in Germany
The registration process will depend on the model of business pursued. Limited liability companies such as the AG and the GmbH provide stronger protections for those involved in their establishment but also have a more complex registration system. New companies in Germany need to be filed and registered with the Trade Register, the Tax Office and the Commercial Register. The company also need to prepare its Articles of Association and ensure that the business plan is ready for investors and banks. Documents for registration will vary based on the company’s industry and whether it is a limited liability company, a company with unlimited liability or a partnership arrangement with elements of both – such as a GmbH & Co. KG.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our corporate law team is vastly experienced when dealing with German bureaucracy, and they are ready to oversee the registration of businesses. Our lawyers will advise your company on the necessary registration process and oversee its completion. Our lawyers will also advise regarding the required licences and standards applicable to operating a business in Germany.
Practice Group: German Corporate Law
Practice Group:
German Corporate Law
Contact a Corporate Lawyer for Relocating a UK Company to Germany
Please use the contact form to inform us about your concerns regarding relocating a UK company to Germany after Brexit. After receiving your request, we will make a short preliminary assessment on the basis of the information provided and give you a cost estimation. You are then free to decide whether you want to instruct our corporate lawyers.