Legal Services and Protection in Germany

Legal Protection for Businesses in Germany

Germany is the largest economy in the European Union and one of the most attractive markets for foreign investment. At the same time, German legislation is characterised by a high level of detail and regular updates: tax discipline requirements, reporting standards, and compliance obligations are continually tightening.

COREDO has been operating since 2016, providing comprehensive legal support to foreign companies in Germany — from GmbH registration to ongoing compliance advisory and representation before regulators.

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Cost of the services
from EUR 500

Doing Business in Germany

German rules are detailed and change often. Before you enter the market, it pays to know how profits are taxed, which activities need BaFin authorisation and what a company must publish each year. BaFin supervises banking, investment, insurance, payment and crypto services, and a non-resident needs a German entity to obtain its authorisation. Financial statements are published through the Bundesanzeiger and the Unternehmensregister, and late filing may be penalised.

COREDO provides comprehensive legal protection for companies operating in Germany. We support foreign companies setting up a GmbH or branch, non-residents, EMI, PSP and CASP entities and companies facing BaFin inspections, Finanzamt enquiries or court disputes. Our lawyers draft documents under German law and deal with BaFin, the Finanzamt and the Handelsregister for you.

Describe your situation in a request: we will get back to you within 1 business day.

Business Environment in Germany

Taxation

Germany’s total corporate tax burden is around 30%. It includes 15% corporate tax, a 5.5% solidarity surcharge on corporate tax, and trade tax of approximately 14–17% depending on the municipality. VAT is 19% (7% reduced rate). A GmbH requires share capital of EUR 25,000, with at least EUR 12,500 paid before registration. Non-resident taxation depends on applicable DTA treaties.

Licensing

BaFin is the financial regulator. Banking, investment, insurance, and payment services require authorisation under the KWG. Non-residents must establish a German entity. Since 2024, MiCA applies and crypto service providers must also be licensed by BaFin. CRD VI requirements for third countries tighten from 2025. AML/CFT and GDPR compliance are mandatory.

Reporting and Compliance

Companies must publish financial statements through Bundesanzeiger and Unternehmensregister. GoB or IFRS standards apply (IFRS for listed companies). Late filing may result in penalties. Financial institutions are subject to additional BaFin requirements.

Our Services for Businesses in Germany

Company registration and legal form selection

GmbH, UG (haftungsbeschränkt), AG, Zweigniederlassung; notarial support and registration in the Handelsregister. Shareholders and managing directors may have any nationality and residence, subject to KYC/AML checks. Notarisation can take place abroad or at a German embassy or consulate, and we help obtain a virtual office address as the registered address. Third-party costs, such as notary and Commercial Register fees, are paid on top of COREDO’s fee.

Drafting and review of legal documentation

Gesellschaftsvertrag, commercial contracts, NDA, GDPR and AML/CFT policies adapted to German law

Contract legal review

review of contracts under German law, identification and mitigation of legal risks

Transaction and negotiation support

M&A, investment agreements, cross-border transactions with German counterparties

Representation before authorities

interaction with BaFin, Finanzamt, Handelsregister; support during inspections and regulatory enquiries

Tax and regulatory advisory

tax burden analysis, transfer pricing, application of double taxation treaties

Support for regulated entities

BaFin authorisation for EMI, PSP, CASP; MiCA compliance; preparation for regulatory audits

Legislative monitoring

tracking BaFin updates, tax reforms, CRD VI, and AMLR developments

Who Turns to Us

Our services are sought by:

  • Foreign companies establishing a GmbH, branch, or subsidiary in Germany
  • Non-residents conducting business in the German market without local legal support
  • Regulated entities — EMI, PSP, CASP — holding active licences or planning to obtain BaFin authorisation
  • Crypto and fintech companies adapting their operations to MiCA and BaFin requirements
  • Companies with cross-border transactions structured under German law
  • Companies under regulatory pressure — facing BaFin inspections, Finanzamt enquiries, or court disputes

How We Work

Initial consultation

we analyse the company’s current situation: jurisdiction of incorporation, type of activity, licensing status, and legal risks in Germany.

01

Legal audit

we review documentation, assess compliance with BaFin requirements, tax legislation, and reporting standards.

02

Strategy development

we determine the optimal legal protection format: one-off consultations, packaged outsourcing, or ongoing advisory.

03

Legal support

document preparation and review, interaction with BaFin and other German authorities, contract structuring, negotiations with counterparties.

04

Ongoing support and monitoring

regular monitoring of changes in German legislation, the BaFin Handbook, and EU regulations.

05

For a GmbH or UG, we start with a standard KYC/AML check of the client. An individual shareholder provides an identity card or passport, proof of address and online identification of all shareholders, beneficial owners and managing directors. A corporate shareholder adds proof of existence and representation and a shareholder list with a certified German translation. Document preparation and notarisation take 1–2 weeks once all documents are in and the KYC/AML checks are complete. The Commercial Register entry usually follows within 1–3 weeks, and tax and VAT numbers about 2–4 weeks after that.

Timelines

Legal Opinion:

10 working days after payment and receipt of the full set of documents

One-off consultation (up to 5 hours):

1–2 business days

Legal Outsourcing start:

3–5 business days from agreement on terms

Contract documentation:

5–10 business days depending on complexity

Pricing

Service Cost
Legal Opinion from EUR 1,500 + VAT
Legal Outsourcing — 5 hours EUR 550
Legal Outsourcing — 10 hours EUR 1,000
Legal Outsourcing — 20 hours EUR 1,800
Legal Outsourcing — 40 hours EUR 3,200
Legal Outsourcing — 80 hours EUR 5,600
Legal Outsourcing — 160 hours EUR 9,600
One-off consultation Basic (up to 5 h) EUR 130/hour
One-off consultation Standard (from 20 h) EUR 100/hour
One-off consultation Premium (from 80 h) EUR 80/hour

Pricing depends on the complexity and scope of work. Submit a request for a tailored estimate.
All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Our Experts

Pavel Kos
Pavel Kos
At COREDO since June 2017. Has led the legal team since 2020. Specialises in licensing, corporate law, M&A, and advisory for regulated entities across European jurisdictions.
Alena Mach
Alena Mach
Executive Director
Nikita Veremeev
Nikita Veremeev
Founder & NED
Johann Schneider
Johann Schneider
Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does legal protection for businesses in Germany include?

GmbH registration and other legal forms, contract drafting and review under German law, BaFin compliance for regulated entities, tax advisory, and representation before BaFin and other German authorities.

Is personal presence in Germany required?

In most cases — no. GmbH registration can be completed remotely through a notary with a power of attorney.

How much does legal support in Germany cost?

Legal Opinion — from EUR 1,500 + VAT. Legal outsourcing packages range from EUR 550 (5 hours) to EUR 9,600 (160 hours). One-off consultations: EUR 80–130/hour.

Can COREDO represent a company before BaFin?

Yes. COREDO supports the full cycle of BaFin interaction: preparing authorisation documents, responding to regulatory enquiries, and providing support during both scheduled and unscheduled inspections.

Does COREDO work with crypto and fintech companies in Germany?

Yes. COREDO provides legal support for MiCA compliance and BaFin authorisation for crypto companies, EMI, and PSP operating with German clients.

Contact Us — Legal Support in Germany

Our experts are ready to help. Submit a request — we will get back to you within 1 business day.

Phone: +420 228 886 867 Email: info@coredo.eu Office: K Cervenemu dvoru 3269/25a, Prague, 130 00, Czech Republic

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    COREDO – EU Legal & Compliance Services Expert legal consulting, financial licensing (EMI, PSP, CASP under MiCA), and AML/CFT compliance across the European Union. Headquartered in Prague, we provide seamless regulatory solutions in Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and all 27 EU member states.