Sick of working for other people? Fancy getting your hands on some of the money in what is still the world's third-largest economy? Ever thought about setting up a business in Germany and being your own boss?

Starting your own firm in Germany can be a satisfying career move as an expat

Opportunities for the ambitious

With German law making no distinction between Germans and foreigners in the establishment of companies and no restrictions on the repatriation of profits, nothing stands in the way of ambitious expatriate entrepreneurs with a little capital.

The basics of German company law have many similarities to those in English-speaking countries. It distinguishes between limited liability companies (equivalent to a British limited company), joint stock companies (equivalent of a British Public Limited Company), and various forms of partnerships. It is normally advisable to have a lawyer help you decide which is the most suitable for your needs and to go through the necessary official rigmarole.

Jumping the hurdles

Whatever form of company you choose, there are a number of bureaucratic hurdles to be jumped. The first important steps are to hire a notary and to register the business at the local court (Amtsgericht). Shortly after this the chamber of commerce should contact you, having received your details from the commercial register.

The next step is to organise two sets of tax registration, one for commercial tax at the so-called Gewerbesteueramt and one at the local tax office (Finanzamt). After this it is possible to obtain a certificate of registration (Gewerbeanmeldeschein) and to commence business.

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