Plain-English guides to
founding in Germany.
No fluff, no law-firm jargon. Practical guides written for international founders who just want to get started.
Is It Difficult to Start a Business in Germany?
Starting a business in Germany can look complicated—especially if you are unfamiliar with terms such as Gewerbeamt, Finanzamt, and ELSTER.
Can You Start a Business While Employed in Germany?
YES! However, “side business” does not mean “no rules.” Before accepting your first customer, check your employment contract, registration obligations, residence status and social-insurance position.
Which Legal Form Is Best for a Side Business in Germany?
A concise guide to choosing between an Einzelunternehmen, GbR, UG and GmbH for a side business in Germany.
Freiberufler vs. Gewerbe: the question that shapes everything
The most common — and costly — mistake expat founders make is misclassifying their activity. Here's how the Finanzamt decides, and what you can do if you're on the border.
GmbH vs. UG: which limited company should you start?
Both offer the same limited liability. The real difference is €25,000 and a mandatory profit reserve. Here's when to start small and when to go straight to GmbH.
How to do your Anmeldung — the step everything else depends on
You can't get your tax ID, open a bank account or register a business without registering your address first. Here's the complete, current guide.
The §21 AufenthG self-employment permit, explained
Germany's main route for non-EU founders is §21 AufenthG. Here are both variants, the typical rejection reasons, and what a strong application looks like.
ELSTER and the Fragebogen: registering with the German tax office
Every freelancer and business owner must register with the Finanzamt through ELSTER. Here's how to do it without losing two weeks to a postal code.
Opening a German business bank account as a foreigner
German banks are cautious about non-residents and fresh formations — and for a UG or GmbH, the account is the usual bottleneck. Here's how to do it without stalling your incorporation.
More guides published regularly.
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