How to Buy a Company in Germany — Full 2025 Guide for International Entrepreneurs
Starting a Business in Germany Without Waiting Months
Germany is one of the most attractive business destinations in Europe — stable, reliable, and globally connected.
However, registering a new company from scratch can take several months, especially if you’re a foreign entrepreneur dealing with bureaucracy, tax numbers, and bank compliance.
That’s why more and more investors today choose a ready-made company — an already registered but unused legal entity (UG or GmbH) that can be purchased and transferred to a new owner within 2–4 weeks.
This approach allows you to start operating immediately, open bank accounts, apply for VAT, and conduct transactions legally inside the EU.
What Is a Ready-Made Company (Shelf Company)?
A ready-made or “shelf” company in Germany is a registered legal entity that has never conducted any business activity.
It exists purely as a legal shell, clean and compliant, waiting to be transferred to a new owner.
Typically, such companies:
- Are fully registered in the German Commercial Register (Handelsregister)
- Have a valid tax and VAT number
- Often have an active bank account
- Have no debts, contracts, or employees
After the sale, the new owner becomes the sole shareholder and director, and the company can start operations immediately.
Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose Ready-Made Companies
For entrepreneurs from outside Germany — especially from Eastern Europe, Asia, or the Middle East — the biggest advantage is speed and simplicity.
Instead of waiting for months for approvals and tax registrations, you get a company that’s ready to use within weeks.
Main advantages:
✅ Fast business launch — no waiting for registration or tax ID.
✅ Legal and transparent — notarized transfer ensures full compliance.
✅ Clean company — no debts or previous activity.
✅ Bank-ready — easier to open or maintain accounts.
✅ VAT registered — ideal for EU trade and invoicing.
✅ Recognized form — GmbH and UG are trusted structures in the EU.
For many international clients, buying a ready-made company is the easiest way to enter the EU market, register for cross-border trade, or manage logistics and e-commerce from within Germany.
Types of Companies You Can Buy in Germany
There are two most common types available for sale: UG (haftungsbeschränkt) and GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung).
Both are limited liability companies, but they differ in capital requirements and perception.
| Feature | UG (haftungsbeschränkt) | GmbH |
| Minimum Capital | From €1 | €25,000 (of which €12,500 paid-in) |
| Popular For | Startups, freelancers, small trade | Medium & large business |
| Reputation | Basic form of GmbH | Fully recognized legal entity |
| Setup Cost (Ready-made) | From €6,000 | From €8,000 |
| Transfer Time | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
💡 Note:
Buying a ready-made company does not mean you’re buying an active business — you’re acquiring a clean legal entity registered and ready for your future operations.
Step-by-Step Process of Buying a Company in Germany
Buying a ready-made company is a transparent and regulated process.
Here’s how it typically works:
1. Define your goals
Decide what kind of company you need: UG or GmbH, and for what purpose — trading, logistics, e-commerce, or representation.
2. Select a verified company
Consultants provide a list of clean, registered firms with all details — name, registration number, VAT, and bank status.
You choose the one that suits your needs.
3. Reservation and preparation
Once selected, the company is reserved for you.
Documents are prepared for the notary and new shareholder appointment.
4. Signing the sale agreement
The transaction takes place through a German notary — either in person or by Power of Attorney (POA).
During this step:
- Shares (100%) are transferred to the buyer,
- A new director is appointed,
- A new address may be registered.
5. Registration update
After signing, the notary submits the change to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register).
Within 2–4 weeks, you officially appear as the new owner and managing director.
6. Post-transfer support
Consultants help with additional steps: VAT activation, contact with tax authorities, or communication with the bank (if needed).
What’s Included in the Purchase
When buying a ready-made UG or GmbH, the package usually includes:
- 100% company shares
- Registration in the German Handelsregister
- VAT and tax ID number
- Option for a registered office address
- Notarial transfer and director change
- Assistance with communication during the process
These firms are clean and inactive, meaning you start with a legally sound foundation for your future business.
Timeline and Costs
The typical timeline from prepayment to completion is 2–4 weeks.
Prices vary depending on the company type and status:
| Type | Approx. Price | Duration |
| UG (haftungsbeschränkt) | €6,000–8,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| GmbH | €8,000–12,000 | 2–4 weeks |
Notary and translation fees are usually paid separately.
Compared to the cost and delay of registering a new entity (which may take up to 6 months for foreign applicants), this solution is significantly more efficient.
Important Legal Notes
These ready-made companies are inactive and free of liabilities.
However, they are not active businesses — they have no clients, turnover, or licenses.
The transfer is done legally through a notary, ensuring official registration and ownership.
Our consulting partners do not perform deep audits because there is nothing to audit — the companies have never operated.
Instead, we focus on document transparency, notarial confirmation, and fast, safe transfers.
Risks and How to Avoid Them
While the process is straightforward, it’s essential to work only with trusted intermediaries and registered notaries.
Avoid private individuals offering “cheap companies” without documentation — these may have hidden obligations.
Always ensure:
- The company is listed in the official Handelsregister
- The transfer happens through a notary
- The VAT number is valid
- The company has no existing contracts or debts
Professional consultants handle these checks and guide you through each step safely.
Post-Purchase: What Happens Next
After the transfer, you can immediately:
- Open or update the company’s bank account
- Apply for trade licenses (if required)
- Hire accountants or tax consultants
- Start issuing invoices and contracts
- Register with marketplaces or logistics providers
Many foreign clients also request help with brand creation, marketing, and website setup — services often provided by consulting partners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I buy a company in Germany remotely?
Yes. Most transactions can be completed by Power of Attorney and online verification. You don’t need to visit Germany personally.
2. Are these companies active or new?
They are registered but inactive — 100% clean and ready for use.
3. Can I change the company’s name or address?
Yes. Both can be updated during the transfer process or later through the notary.
4. Can foreigners be directors and shareholders?
Absolutely. Germany allows full foreign ownership of GmbH and UG companies.
5. How long does the whole process take?
Usually between 2 and 4 weeks from initial payment to registry update.
6. What guarantees are provided?
Transactions go through German notaries, ensuring legal safety and transparency.
Conclusion: A Fast Track to Doing Business in Germany
Buying a ready-made company in Germany is the most practical way to start operating inside the EU without waiting months for registration or tax approvals.
These firms are legally clean, inactive, and fully transferable.
With professional consulting assistance, the process is transparent, efficient, and compliant with all German legal standards.
For entrepreneurs from abroad — especially from Eastern Europe, CIS countries, or Asia — it’s the perfect entry point into the European market.
You get everything needed to start immediately: a legal entity, tax ID, VAT number, and banking access.
📞 Need assistance?
Our consultants help clients worldwide acquire and transfer clean German companies (UG and GmbH).
Contact us for up-to-date offers and personalized support.
