Set up a UG company in Germany


4 arguments why you should set up a UG company in Germany
1. Think Big and Start Small
The main difference between a GmbH and a UG is the amount of capital stock. For a GmbH establishment you will need a share capital of at least 25,000 EUR, a UG can be established with a founding capital of a token 1 EUR. However, to ensure that the UG is not already insolvent during its formation, it is advisable to choose a minimum share capital of 300-500 EUR.
2. Minimize your personal responsibility
With a UG – just as with the GmbH – your wealth is safe. In normal cases, the company is responsible only to the extent of its capital (§ 13 II GmbHG).
3. Save tax
If the annual profit is not withdrawn from the company, a UG will pay less tax than a sole proprietorship or a partnership (for example GbR, KG or OHG).
4. Establish a company in Germany successfully and quickly
We assist you during the entire process of establishment. You can establish a UG company in Germany faster and cost efficient with our assistance.
We help you to start your UG in just 4 easy steps
Preparation and Notarization
We typically complete the preparation of your UG formation in Germany within 1 working day. However, notary appointments may be subject to delays depending on the notary’s availability and the location where you prefer to sign.
You have the option to attend the notarization in person or sign the documents from abroad. Your choice will not affect our fee.
Bank Account Opening
After the notary appointment, you must open a new business account for your UG. We support you of course competently and quickly in this process as well.
Commercial and Business Registration
After paying in the share capital, you need to wait until the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) will register your newly established UG company. During this time you are not yet allowed to start any business activity with the company.
If you would rather get started immediately after the notary appointment, you can also purchase a ready-made UG from us.
Application for Tax, VAT & EORI numbers
Once your UG company is entered into the Commercial Registration, we will support you to apply for your company’s tax number, EU VAT number and import/export number (EORI).
Get our offer in 2 minutes on establishing a UG in Germany
Difference between UG and GmbH
Many of our clients ask the question, what exactly the differences between a GmbH and a UG are.
The most important facts are summarised below:
- Both company forms are limited liability companies under German law
- Both a GmbH and a UG have equal rights. There are no restrictions on the activities that the companies may carry out.
- A GmbH offers more prestige compared to a UG. This is due to the low share capital of the UG.
- A UG can be officially founded with as little as 1 EUR share capital, although around 300-800 EUR at least is recommended so that the company can cover the founding costs on its own at least.
We have summarised a detailed presentation of the differences between a UG and a GmbH in our video:

Let our Formation Experts answer your questions about setting up a company in Germany. 100% non-binding.
Arguments for the GmbH-UG.com and the process of the establishment
Instead of the slow and problematic company establishment, establish your German UG company easily with a professional team!
1. UG establishment with a corporate consulting office
Our corporate consulting office is pleased to assist you in planning the establishment of your enterprise and later, during the operation. Be it strategic planning or acquisition of permits; you can count on us!
2. Verification of your company name at the Chamber of Commerce (IHK)
In order for the chosen company name to be accepted by the commercial court, it is worth having the name checked at the local chamber of industry and commerce (in German: Industrie- und Handelskammer). We have it checked automatically within the scope of the order for you, greatly assisting the successful company establishment and preventing the Commercial Court from rejecting the registration due to its name or its range of activities.
3. Preparation of your company establishment
We prepare the documents required for the German company establishment and arrange an appointment at the local notary. The appointment with the notary can take place in Nurnberg (Bavaria) or in another city of your choice.
Tip: If you cannot or do not want to travel to Germany, you can also establish a UG from abroad.
4. One-time travel and company establishment under 3 hours
The German UG company establishment will begin at our office in the centre of Nurnberg, where we will discuss the tasks in a relaxed atmosphere. After this, we accompany you with a an interpreter to the notary where the deed of foundation of the company will be signed. Following the signing of the document, your German company comes into existence as a company before foundation (in German: Gründungsgesellschaft). After the notary appointment, we go with you to open the bank account of the newly founded German UG. Finally, we will recommend an accounting office (Steuerberater) for your German bookkeeping.
5. Registering the German UG at the Commercial Register and requesting tax numbers
Following the company establishment and the successful opening of the bank account, you can transfer or pay the founding capital of your German company to this bank account. Once it is done, your enterprise can be registered at the local commercial court. Following the commercial court registration, your accountant will request the corporate and EU VAT ID number of the German company and prepare its opening balance. Our office makes the other official notifications arising during the establishment.