These are the advantages of traditional incorporation, online incorporation and shelf companies in comparison
Forming a GmbH or UG online means less bureaucracy / taking over an existing company is the quickest way
Starting your own business will be easier from August 1: founders will be able to set up a limited liability company (GmbH) or an entrepreneurial company (UG) online under certain circumstances.
The GmbH or its “little sister”, the UG, are still the most popular legal forms when it comes to founding a corporation. However, many founders shy away from the bureaucratic effort that a GmbH entails. With the option of online incorporation, the legislator is now aiming to make things easier. Online incorporation is possible if the required share capital of the company is paid in cash into a German bank account. In contrast to “traditional” formation with an appointment on site, online notarization via a video conferencing system with the notary is then sufficient. Nevertheless, all other formalities (commercial register, bank account, tax number) must be completed, which can take several weeks.
Fast start-ups made easy
Berlin law firm offers express incorporation within a few days
However, if the start-up entrepreneurs use the option of taking over an existing GmbH or UG, all formalities are completed within a few days: ideal for all founders who want to get started quickly. “Buying a shelf company is the quickest and easiest way to become self-employed with a GmbH or UG,” says Michaela Sieker, managing director of the SiBa business law firm in Berlin.
Shelf companies have already been founded in the past, have definitely not carried out any business activities and the share capital is fully available. Specialized law firms or management consultancies such as the SiBa business law firm hold such shelf companies that can be taken over by founders. Since the company has already been founded, a considerable part of the bureaucratic effort is eliminated, for example the lead time for opening the bank account, paying the share capital, registering and entering it in the commercial register and applying for the tax number. Individual adjustments, for example to the name or the business purpose, can still be made flexibly by the new shareholders.
Classic GmbH formation, online formation and takeover of a shelf company
Classic GmbH formation
- Notary appointment for formation and appointment of managing director
- Bank appointment to open an account and pay in share capital
- Obtain a bank statement and send it to the notary
- Registration in the commercial register by a notary
- Wait for the commercial register entry
- Application for the tax number
- Business registration
Time required: Usually several weeks to months
Online formation of a GmbH
- Online notary appointment for founding and appointing a managing director
- Bank appointment to open an account and pay in share capital
- Obtain a bank statement and send it to the notary
- Register with the commercial register through a notary
- Wait for the commercial register entry
- Apply for a tax number
- Register a business
Time required: Usually several weeks to months
Takeover of a shelf company
- Notary appointment for takeover and appointment of managing director
- Change in the commercial register
- Takeover of account access
- Online business registration
Time required: Usually a few days
The SiBa business law firm even has pre-booked notary appointments for clients, so that a long lead time is also eliminated here. The takeover of the business account by the new managing director is initiated online for the customer. A bank appointment is not necessary. The entry in the transparency register, which has recently been required by law, is carried out by the law firm at no additional cost. Important and decisive advantages for all founders who want to implement their business idea without a long wait.
“It couldn’t be quicker or easier to get your business started,” says Michaela Sieker: “We also see ourselves as a full-service agency. We accompany the aspiring entrepreneurs not only to the notary appointment, but throughout the entire handover phase.”
About SiBa Wirtschaftskanzlei GmbH:
SiBa Wirtschaftskanzlei GmbH in Berlin is a consulting company that, in addition to classic start-up support, specializes in company formation using shelf companies. The firm deals with the formation of all types of German and Austrian corporations (GmbH, UG and AG) and specializes in digital processes. In addition, SiBa Wirtschaftskanzlei offers founders a business location in Berlin.