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We are a B.V. from the Netherlands and we sell clothes online and in a physical shop. We would like to open another shop in Germany. Could you let me know what best legal structure would fit to us (Einzelunternehmen or a GmbH)?

Antwort

With regard to your inquiry we like to refer you to the services provided by Germany Trade & Invest: www.gtai.de

Germany Trade & Invest is the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The company helps create and secure extra employment opportunities, strengthening Germany as a business location. With more than 50 offices in Germany and abroad and its network of partners throughout the world, Germany Trade & Invest supports German companies setting up in foreign markets, promotes Germany as a business location and assists foreign companies setting up in Germany.

In specific cases our experts provide comprehensive project management and support services for foreign companies which usually include:

• assistance with finding the right site location for their business
• legal information on setting up a company
• tax information (national and international)
• information on government incentives for businesses
• information about key industries in Germany

All inquiries are kept confidential and our investment services are free of charge.

For further information and assistance please write an email to invest[at]gtai.com or use the following contact form: www.gtai.de

Source: Germany Trade and Invest
- Gesellschaft für Außenwirtschaft und Standortmarketing mbH

Notice from the editor:

• English version of the business start-up portal
  
• Legal structures to launch your new firm
• Checks and Overviews
• German Federal Central Tax Office: "Foreign Investors Help Desk"

With regard to the actual formation procedure, the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in the city of your choice is the first point of contact when intending to start your business. The IHK will be able to advise you on the required licenses and so-called welcome packages that are available in the area. For finding the responsible IHK and arranging a meeting, please click on the respective city on the map.

Lawyers and notaries provide assistance, for example, in matters related to legal structure and contract issues (legal structure, purchase contract etc.).

The addresses of lawyers and notaries can be found here:

• German Association of Lawyers
• Federal Chamber of Lawyers

Chamber representing the German civil law notaries (Bundesnotarkammer):

• www.deutsche-notarauskunft.de