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July 14, 2026
Short answer
Yes, non-residents and non-EU founders can start a German GmbH or UG. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to be a shareholder or managing director. What you need is a registered business address in Germany, a notarial deed, and share capital (from 1 Euro for a UG, 25,000 Euro for a GmbH). A virtual office provides the required German address.
What you will learn
- Whether non-EU founders can register a company in Germany
- What you need to set one up
- How a virtual office provides your registered address
- GmbH or UG: which fits non-resident founders
- How to form a company remotely
- Challenges to plan for
Germany is one of the most attractive markets in Europe, and you do not need to live there to run a company. Non-residents and non-EU founders can set up a German GmbH or UG remotely, as long as they have a proper registered address and follow the formation steps. Here is how it works.
Note: This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Company formation involves legal and tax steps. For your specific situation, consult a lawyer, notary, or tax advisor.
Can non-residents and non-EU founders start a company in Germany?
Yes. German company law does not require shareholders or managing directors to be German citizens or German residents. A founder from outside the EU can own and manage a German GmbH or UG.
What matters is not your passport, but that the company itself meets the formal requirements: a registered business address in Germany, a notarized formation, share capital, and an entry in the commercial register (Handelsregister).
What you need to register a company in Germany
✓A registered business address in Germany
✓Notarized articles of association
✓Share capital (UG from 1 Euro, GmbH 25,000 Euro)
✓Entry in the commercial register
✓A German business bank account
✓Tax registration with the Finanzamt
How a virtual office provides your registered address
Every German company needs an address that is ladungsfähig, meaning legal documents can be served there and the company has a real link to it. If you do not live in Germany, a virtual office solves this: you get a professional business address you can use for the commercial register, the imprint required under Paragraph 5 TMG, and your official mail.
A provider like Teeberg receives your mail at the address, scans it daily, and forwards it, so you stay informed no matter where you are. Learn more in our guide on what a virtual office is.
GmbH or UG: which fits non-resident founders?
Both are limited liability companies. The difference is mainly the share capital and how established each looks to partners and banks.
| Type | Share capital | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| UG | from 1 Euro | starting small, testing the market |
| GmbH | 25,000 Euro (at least 12,500 paid in) | established business, more credibility |
* General figures under German company law, without warranty.
How to set up a company remotely
1
Secure a registered address
Book a German business address with a virtual office provider.
2
Notarize the formation
Since 2022, cash-founded GmbHs and UGs can often be notarized online by video, which makes remote formation easier.
3
Deposit share capital and register
Open a business bank account, pay in the capital, and register with the commercial register.
4
Register for tax
Complete the tax registration with the Finanzamt to receive your tax number.
Challenges to plan for
✗
Bank account
Opening a German business bank account as a non-resident can take time. Some digital banks are more flexible than traditional ones.
✗
Notary and documents
You may need certified translations or a power of attorney if you cannot attend or use the online video procedure.
Your German business address, from anywhere.
A registered address in Berlin, ready for your commercial register entry.
A registered German address with Teeberg
Teeberg offers a registered business address in Kollwitzstraße 76 in Berlin, suitable as a company seat for the commercial register and the imprint, with a daily mail scan service.
Virtual Office
79 Euro / month
Registered business address and daily mail scan service, suitable for the commercial register and imprint.
Postal address
35 Euro / month
A business address with mail forwarding as an affordable entry point.
* Prices plus VAT, without warranty, as of July 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a non-EU citizen start a company in Germany?+
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to be a shareholder or managing director of a German GmbH or UG. You need a registered German address and must complete the formal formation steps.
Do I need a German address to register a company?+
Yes. Every German company needs a registered business address that is ladungsfähig. A virtual office can provide this address if you do not have your own premises in Germany.
Can I set up a GmbH remotely from abroad?+
Often yes. Since 2022, cash-founded GmbHs and UGs can be notarized online by video in many cases. A power of attorney is another option if you cannot attend in person.
What is the difference between a GmbH and a UG?+
A UG can be founded from 1 Euro of share capital, a GmbH requires 25,000 Euro (at least 12,500 paid in at registration). The UG is popular for starting small, the GmbH looks more established.
Does a virtual office count as a registered business address?+
Yes, as long as the address is ladungsfähig and has a real link to your company. Then it can be used for the commercial register and the imprint under Paragraph 5 TMG.