Setting up a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung — Germany’s limited company) is a process that, properly planned, takes between 6 and 10 weeks. Whether it ends up taking twice as long depends almost entirely on the order of the steps and the quality of the documents you bring.
Here’s the sequence I see most often on the ground for Turkish-based founders.
1. Preparation and structural decision (1-3 weeks)
GmbH, UG, or a German branch office? The choice depends on your investment budget, risk profile, and long-term plan.
- GmbH: € 25,000 share capital (at least half, € 12,500, must be blocked in the bank account).
- UG: can be founded with € 1 — but you need to accumulate profits to grow capital.
- Branch (Niederlassung): the parent company stays in Turkey, a branch opens in Germany.
For most Turkish companies, the GmbH is the right call — both for trust and operational flexibility.
2. Notary appointment (1-2 weeks)
A GmbH is incorporated before a German notary (Notar). All shareholders must be present in person or represented by an apostilled power of attorney. The notary:
- Certifies the articles of association (Gesellschaftsvertrag)
- Records the appointment of the managing director
- Files the trade-register application
3. Bank account and capital deposit
After the notary, an interim “i.G.” (in Gründung — in formation) bank account is opened and the capital is deposited. For Turkish-citizen founders, opening this account can still take 6+ weeks at some banks — this is where professional support makes a real difference.
4. Trade register entry
The notary’s filing is processed by the competent Amtsgericht (local court). From this point on, the company legally exists.
5. Tax number (Steuernummer)
Issued by the local Finanzamt. Can take 6-12 weeks — which is why this must run in parallel with everything else.
6. Start of operations
Once the tax number arrives, the company can issue invoices, employ staff, and begin real commercial activity.
Walk through our interactive guide to see your personalised timeline based on your specific situation, and then book a free 30-minute call.