Founding a company in Germany: €9600, 152 days and I still can't send an invoice (paolino.me)

Article summary

The author of the article is having trouble founding a company in Germany, spending over €9,600 and 152 days without being able to send an invoice. The process involves multiple steps, including notarization, registration, and tax registration, with various fees and requirements. The author criticizes the complexity and slowness of the process, comparing it unfavorably to other countries like Estonia and the UK. The author also discusses the choice of company structure, opting for a UG & Co. KG for tax efficiency and limited liability.

Main themes

• Company founding process in Germany
• Limited liability and company structure
• Tax efficiency and optimization
• Bureaucracy and red tape
• Comparison to other countries

What commenters say

• The GmbH & Co. KG company structure is overly complicated and not necessary for limited liability, which can be achieved with a simpler GmbH or UG structure.
• The process of founding a company in Germany is slow and bureaucratic, but some commenters argue that it is not as complicated as the author makes it out to be.
• The choice of company structure depends on various factors, including tax optimization and liability protection, and the UG & Co. KG structure may be beneficial for some businesses.
• The notary requirement in Germany adds an extra layer of complexity and expense to the company founding process, but some argue that it is a necessary step for authenticity and security.
• The author's experience is not unique, and many commenters share similar frustrations with the company founding process in Germany, citing excessive bureaucracy and slow processing times.
• Some commenters argue that the GmbH & Co. KG structure is not necessary for small businesses or startups, and that a simpler structure would be more suitable.
• The tax implications of different company structures are complex and depend on various factors, and the author's choice of UG & Co. KG may not be the most tax-efficient option for all businesses.
• The comparison to other countries, such as the US or UK, highlights the differences in company founding processes and the need for reform in Germany to make it more business-friendly.