Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Regensburg

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.


Founded in 1952
English
Graml & Kollegen Rechtsanwälte, established in 1952 in Regensburg, Germany, has been providing comprehensive legal services for over 70 years. The firm specializes in various areas, including administrative law, business law, estate planning, medical law, and real estate law. Their team of...
AS SEEN ON

1. About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Regensburg, Germany

Investment and business structuring in Regensburg is governed by a framework of German civil and commercial law, EU law, and national tax rules. The local business environment in Regensburg is driven by a strong SME base, engineering, manufacturing and software sectors, and active cross-border trade with nearby Austria and the Czech Republic. Core activities include choosing a legal form, corporate governance, cross-border structuring, and regulatory compliance for local operations.

Key players in Regensburg include local law firms, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), and the Bavarian regional courts that administer Handelsregister registrations. Notaries coordinate the formation of companies and the execution of essential documents for registration in the Handelsregister. A clear understanding of the local regulatory landscape helps prevent delays in formation, licensing, and compliance processes.

For practical guidance tailored to Regensburg, you should consult a lawyer who understands Bavarian administrative procedures, the Handelsregister portal, and local tax office expectations. This ensures that your corporate structure, finance plan, and employment arrangements align with both national and regional requirements.

Sources for broader context on Germany as a business environment include international and European perspectives: IMF and OECD provide country-level data and analysis, while the European Commission offers guidance on doing business in Germany and cross-border regulations.

Germany remains Europe’s largest economy with a diversified export base and a high SME concentration, influencing investment and structuring decisions across Bavaria.

Source: IMF Germany page - IMF

Germany's regulatory environment for business is summarized in OECD country profiles and benchmarking resources for investors and firms.

Source: OECD Germany page - OECD

EU guidance on doing business in Germany provides cross-border and compliance considerations for investors operating in Bavaria and Regensburg.

Source: EU Commission Doing Business in Germany - EU Commission

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

A Regensburg lawyer can help you navigate complex corporate structuring and regulatory requirements. Below are concrete, location-specific scenarios where legal counsel is essential.

  • Setting up a GmbH in Regensburg and coordinating the notary, Handelsregister filing, and share capital requirements for a local tech startup. A lawyer ensures the articles of association comply with GmbH rules and coordinates with the notary and register court to avoid registration delays.
  • Structuring a joint venture with a Bavarian manufacturer to supply Regensburg-based automotive components. Legal counsel helps draft the joint venture agreement, allocation of liability, and governance rights while ensuring tax efficiency and compliance with commercial law.
  • Cross-border investment into Regensburg from a Czech supplier or Austrian partner. Counsel assists with foreign investment screening obligations, cross-border contract provisions, and transfer pricing compliance under German and EU law.
  • Real estate investment through a corporate vehicle in Regensburg, including due diligence, lease negotiations, and corporate structuring (for example, GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) to manage liability and tax implications.
  • Mergers, acquisitions or exits of Regensburg-based businesses requiring due diligence, antitrust considerations, and integration planning under HGB and Aktienrecht frameworks.
  • Regulatory licensing and ongoing compliance for Gewerbe opportunities in Regensburg, including license requirements under GewO and sector-specific regulations for manufacturing or software services.
  • Employment and workforce transformations involving works councils (Betriebsrat) and employee data protection during restructurings in Bavaria, with careful drafting of transfer agreements and employment contracts.

3. Local Laws Overview

Regensburg entrepreneurs must operate under several core statutes that govern corporate structuring and commercial activity. The following laws are foundational for investment and business structuring in Regensburg and Bavaria:

  • Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH-Gesetz, GmbHG) - Governs formation, liability, managing directors, and shareholder rights for GmbHs formed in Regensburg and elsewhere in Germany.
  • Handelsgesetzbuch (HGB) - The Commercial Code that regulates merchant status, commercial accounting, and business transactions for Regensburg-based enterprises and commercial partnerships.
  • Gewerbeordnung (GewO) - The Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act that outlines required trade licenses, registration, and general operating rules for local businesses in Regensburg.
  • Außenwirtschaftsgesetz (AWG) and Außenwirtschaftsverordnung (AWV) - Foreign trade and payments law governing cross-border investments and transactions, with screening provisions for certain foreign investments.
  • Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Civil Code governing contracts, liability, and relationships with customers and suppliers; important for shareholder and supplier agreements.

Recent trends in Regensburg reflect national efforts to digitize business registrations and speed up electronic filings in the Handelsregister process. Companies benefit from electronic communications and standardized documentation when establishing new entities or modifying ownership structures.

For additional context on cross-border and investment-friendly approaches, see international and European resources listed in the Additional Resources section.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical process to form a GmbH in Regensburg?

The process starts with drafting the articles of association and selecting managing directors. A notary then verifies signatures and files the formation with the Handelsregister. Expect 2-6 weeks from signature to registration, depending on completeness of documents.

How long does it take to register a company in Regensburg?

Registration generally takes 2-4 weeks after submitting all documents to the Handelsregister. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or require clarification by the local court.

Do I need a local Bavarian address to incorporate in Regensburg?

Yes. A registered office or business address in Regensburg is typically required for corporate formation and ongoing compliance. A local address helps with tax and regulatory correspondence.

What are typical upfront costs to form a GmbH in Regensburg?

Costs include notary fees, court filing, and initial share capital of 12 500 euros for a GmbH, of which at least 1 euro must be paid upfront. Additional costs include legal counsel and possible consultant fees for structuring and tax planning.

Is a notary required for GmbH formation in Regensburg?

A notary is required to certify the articles of incorporation and execute the deed of formation. The notary coordinates with the Handelsregister for registration and notarizes key documents.

What is the difference between a GmbH and a UG for a small startup?

A UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is a form with lower minimum capital and a restricted distribution regime. A GmbH offers full liability protection with greater capitalization and more flexible governance. Tax and reporting obligations are similar, but financing options differ.

What are the main tax considerations for a GmbH in Regensburg?

Key taxes include corporate income tax, trade tax, and value-added tax. Proper transfer pricing and expense allocations are important for cross-border operations and for Bavarian manufacturing activities.

How can a lawyer help with cross-border investment into Regensburg?

A lawyer coordinates compliance with AWG/AWV, drafts cross-border contracts, and advises on tax-efficient structuring for EU investor relationships and local employment arrangements.

Do I need a Gewerbeanmeldung in Regensburg for a new business?

Yes. Most commercial activities require Gewerbeanmeldung with the local trade office. Your attorney can help determine licensing requirements and expedite the filing process.

How long does a cross-border M&A due diligence take in Regensburg?

Due diligence typically ranges from 2-8 weeks depending on target complexity, data availability, and the scope of audits, including financial, legal, and tax reviews.

What is the difference between a partnership and a GmbH for investment in Regensburg?

A partnership (eg, KG or OHG) may offer tax and flexibility advantages but often carries higher liability for partners. A GmbH limits liability to the company’s assets but requires formal governance and capital commitments.

5. Additional Resources

The following official and reputable sources provide guidance on investment and business structuring in Germany and Europe. They offer practical information that complements local legal advice.

6. Next Steps

  1. Define your objectives and determine the legal form that best fits Regensburg operations and growth plans within Bavaria.
  2. Consult a Regensburg-area attorney who specializes in corporate law, tax structuring, and cross-border transactions to review your business model and documents.
  3. Prepare a document package including draft articles of association, shareholder agreements, and preliminary contracts, to expedite formation and due diligence.
  4. Coordinate with the notary and Handelsregister to schedule formation filings, ensuring all signatures and resolutions are properly executed.
  5. Address regulatory and licensing requirements under GewO and sector-specific rules to avoid delays in opening and operating in Regensburg.
  6. Plan tax and employment considerations with Bavarian counsel to align with local tax authorities and labor regulations, including transfer pricing for cross-border activity.
  7. Review ongoing compliance and governance by setting up accounting, annual filings, and shareholder meetings in line with HGB and BGB requirements.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Regensburg through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Investment & Business Structuring, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Regensburg, Germany — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.