The Most Important Points in 30 Seconds
- Forming a UG online: An Unternehmergesellschaft (UG, haftungsbeschränkt) can, in suitable cases, be formed entirely online through a notarial procedure. The legal basis includes Section 2 (3) GmbHG and the statutory online procedures under the German Notarization Act (Beurkundungsgesetz).
- A notary is still required: Even when forming a UG online, the articles of association must be notarized. The appointment can take place through the video communication system operated by the German Federal Chamber of Notaries (Bundesnotarkammer).
- Minimum capital: A UG can be established with share capital starting at €1. The agreed share capital must be paid in full before the application for registration in the Commercial Register.
- Technical requirements: The process requires suitable electronic identification, the necessary technical equipment and access to the official online notarial procedure.
- Costs: In addition to statutory notary and Commercial Register fees, costs may arise for a business bank account, business address and additional formation services.
- Duration: Preparation and notarization can be completed at short notice. Commercial Register registration depends on factors including opening the bank account, paying the share capital and processing by the registry court.
- Registration with authorities: Business registration, tax registration and notification to the Transparency Register must also be considered.
- beglaubigt.de: Through digital UG formation with beglaubigt.de, you can submit your formation information online, have the documents prepared and arrange an online or in-person notary appointment within 7 working days.
Is It Possible to Form a UG Online in Germany?
The possibility of forming an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) online became available through legislative changes in Germany. In particular, the Act Implementing the Digitalisation Directive (DiRUG), which entered into force in August 2022, played a central role.
Among other things, it amended Section 2 (1a) of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG), which now expressly permits the online formation of a UG, provided certain conditions are met.
These conditions primarily concern how the required notarization procedures are carried out:
- Digital document preparation: The articles of association can be prepared electronically and digitally signed by the founders.
- Notarization by video: Notarization can take place through a video conference, during which the notary must verify the identities of the founding parties.
With beglaubigt.de, you can form your UG online and prepare the required steps digitally.
Founders submit their company information, shareholder details, management structure, share capital and business address through a structured process.
beglaubigt.de organizes document preparation, personal support throughout the formation process and an online or in-person notary appointment within 7 working days.
Notarization is performed by an independent, duly authorized notary. The subsequent Commercial Register application is reviewed by the competent registry court.
Implementing these digital processes significantly simplifies company formation, particularly for founders with limited time.
Forming a UG digitally also offers the advantage of full legal recognition and can help founders complete Commercial Register registration more efficiently.
Can a GmbH Also Be Formed Online in Germany?
The possibility of forming a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) online was introduced alongside the online formation of an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) through the Act Implementing the Digitalisation Directive (DiRUG).
This legislation introduced the necessary amendments to the German Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG) to enable the digitalization of the company formation process.
Section 2 (1a) GmbHG now also expressly permits the online formation of a GmbH under conditions similar to those applying to a UG.
The essential steps for forming a GmbH online include:
- Preparation and signing of formation documents: The formation documents can be prepared digitally and signed electronically by the shareholders.
- Notarization via video conference: The articles of association and other relevant documents can be notarized through a secure video conference, during which the notary verifies the identities of the parties and ensures compliance with statutory requirements.
Legislative changes and technological advances in digital notarial practice have made online GmbH formation not only theoretically possible but also practical, efficient and legally compliant.
This represents significant progress in modernizing German company law and makes corporate legal structures more accessible to entrepreneurs.
Whether you want to form a GmbH or form a UG, beglaubigt.de is happy to support you and simplify the process through online notary appointments. We arrange an appointment with a suitable notary near you so that you can complete the formation process more quickly and conveniently.
Which Steps of UG Formation Can Be Completed Online?
Forming an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) online simplifies numerous steps that would otherwise require in-person meetings and manual procedures.
Thanks to the Act Implementing the Digitalisation Directive (DiRUG), several essential parts of the formation process can now be completed digitally, making company formation in Germany faster and more efficient.
The following steps can be completed online:
- Selecting a notary and scheduling an appointment: Through platforms such as beglaubigt.de, founders can quickly and conveniently arrange an appointment with a qualified notary specializing in online formations.
- Preparing the articles of association: Formation documents can be prepared digitally. During the legally prescribed online notarial procedure, the articles of association are notarized with the involvement of a notary. The required electronic signatures are provided within the authorized procedure. An ordinary electronic signature on a privately prepared PDF does not replace legally required notarization.
- Notarization: The articles of association are notarized via video conference, during which the notary verifies the identities of the parties and ensures compliance with statutory requirements. This is expressly permitted under Section 2 (1a) GmbHG.
- Submitting documents to the Commercial Register: Following notarization, all required documents, including the articles of association and the application for registration in the Commercial Register, can be submitted digitally to the competent local court (Amtsgericht).
Example: Forming a UG Online with Two Shareholders
Anna lives in Hamburg and Ben lives in Munich. They want to establish a UG together without having to travel to the same city for notarization. They choose a legally authorized online procedure and prepare their formation information digitally.
Both founders need suitable identification documents and the necessary technical equipment. During the online appointment, the notary verifies the identities of the parties and notarizes the articles of association using the legally prescribed procedure. The business bank account is then opened, and the agreed share capital is paid in full.
Only once the statutory requirements have been met can the Commercial Register application be completed.
This example demonstrates how online formation can eliminate the need to travel to an in-person notary appointment.
If you would like to benefit from a partially online company formation process, please send us an inquiry describing your plans or contact our support team if you have any questions about our services.
What Are the Technical Requirements for Online Company Formation?
Several technical requirements must be met to complete an online notarization procedure securely and in compliance with German law.
These requirements are particularly important for verifying the identities of the parties and ensuring that the necessary legal documents are validly signed.
The basic technical requirements include:
Registration and Technical Equipment
- Participants must register on the portal operated by the German Federal Chamber of Notaries.
- A stable internet connection (DSL, cable or LTE) is required to prevent interruptions during the video conference.
- A standard desktop or laptop computer with a camera and microphone is required to participate in the video conference.
Identification and Document Management
- A smartphone with NFC functionality and a free app provided by the German Federal Chamber of Notaries are required to read the identification photograph and verify identity through the eID function.
- Various forms of electronic identification are accepted, including the German identity card, the eID card for EU/EEA citizens and electronic residence permits for third-country nationals, provided they meet the applicable security standards.
Electronic Signature
- A qualified electronic signature generated during the online notarization procedure through the video communication system replaces the handwritten signatures of the participants. A separate signature card or additional software or hardware is not required for this purpose.
Two-Stage Verification
- The first stage of identification takes place through electronic identity verification using eID.
- In the second stage, the notary compares each participant's appearance with the electronically transmitted identification photograph. This ensures that the individuals participating in the video conference match their documented identities.
These technical requirements provide the necessary security and reliability for the online formation process by clearly verifying the identities of the parties and protecting the integrity of legal documents.
You can find more information about online company formation in this article: The Digital Notary in Germany – Online Formation of a GmbH or UG.
Do All Notaries Offer Online Appointments?
Not all notaries offer online appointments.
The availability of online notarial services may vary depending on the country, region, technical infrastructure and the individual notary's willingness to use these technologies.
In Germany, for example, the Act Implementing the Digitalisation Directive (DiRUG) allows notaries to conduct online notarizations, but it does not require every notary to offer these services.
Notaries offering online appointments must have the necessary technical infrastructure, including secure video communication technology that complies with legal requirements.
They must also ensure that identity verification and document-handling procedures meet statutory standards.
Anyone interested in online notarization should contact local notary offices directly or use specialized platforms such as beglaubigt.de, which are designed to connect users with notaries offering online services.
These platforms often provide a convenient way to check availability and book appointments, particularly where nearby traditional notary offices do not offer online services.
beglaubigt.de handles the search for a notary and arranges an online appointment for you. This allows you to focus on more important matters while we find a suitable notary. We work with notaries throughout Germany to connect you with a notary near you.
What Do I Need to Do to Form a UG?
Forming an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) requires careful compliance with specific steps and statutory requirements.
The process can be significantly simplified through digital procedures and services such as beglaubigt.de.
The basic steps involved in forming a UG range from initial planning to legal registration.
The essential steps include:
- Business plan and capital contributions: First, a detailed business plan should be prepared, covering the business idea, market analysis, financial planning and capital-raising strategy. Forming a UG requires minimum share capital of €1.
- Choosing the company name and registered office: The company name must be distinctive and include the legal form designation “UG (haftungsbeschränkt).” The company's registered office must be located in Germany.
- Preparing the articles of association: The articles of association define the rights and obligations of shareholders, management arrangements and rules governing representation. They must contain the required information under Section 5a GmbHG and can be prepared and signed through the legally prescribed online procedure.
- Notarization by a notary: The articles of association must be notarized. This can take place online through a video conference, during which the notary verifies the identities of the founding parties.
- Commercial Register application: Following notarization, the UG must be registered with the competent Commercial Register. The application can be submitted digitally and must include various documents, such as the notarized articles of association, shareholder list and the managing directors' declaration concerning payment of the share capital.
These steps form the foundation of UG formation and have been significantly simplified by the possibility of completing many procedures online.
Platforms such as beglaubigt.de further simplify the process by providing efficient access to qualified notaries and supporting compliance with legal requirements.
You can find a more detailed explanation of the UG formation process in the following article: Steps to Form a UG.
How Much Does It Cost to Form a UG in Germany?
The costs of forming an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) vary depending on the scope of the formation process and the additional services used.
A basic cost breakdown provides transparency for prospective entrepreneurs and helps with planning.
The main costs include:
- Notary fees: Statutory notary fees are governed by the German Court and Notary Costs Act (Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz, GNotKG). The relevant factors include the formation structure, applicable transaction value and required notarial services. For a simple single-shareholder UG using the standard formation protocol (Musterprotokoll), the German Federal Chamber of Notaries gives an example of €105 in notary fees, plus expenses, flat-rate charges and VAT. Different fees may apply to a UG with several shareholders or individually drafted articles of association. Additional statutory fees may also apply to online notarization.
- Commercial Register fees: Registering the UG in the Commercial Register involves additional costs. These amount to approximately €150 for UG registration, depending on the applicable fee provisions.
- Additional services: Separate legal or tax advice is not mandatory for every simple UG formation. However, it may be advisable for formations involving multiple shareholders, individual ownership arrangements or international circumstances. Additional costs may arise for business registration, a business bank account, business address and other services. Anyone who does not want to organize business registration, tax registration and Transparency Register notification themselves can use the Authorities Package from beglaubigt.de for €199 plus VAT. These services are already included in certain company formation packages.
How Much Does UG Formation Through beglaubigt.de Cost?
Founders who do not want to coordinate the entire process themselves between the notary, document preparation and public authorities can organize the formation through beglaubigt.de.
The platform offers different formation packages, which vary primarily according to the number of shareholders, the contractual structure and the subsequent registrations included.
The Basic Package costs €249 plus VAT and is suitable for simple formations using the standard formation protocol.
It includes digital collection of formation information, personal support during formation, document preparation and coordination of an online or in-person notary appointment within 7 working days.
With this package, subsequent registrations with public authorities are generally handled by the founders themselves.
The Standard Package costs €399 plus VAT and is intended for formations involving multiple participants and standardized articles of association.
It additionally includes business registration, tax registration including a VAT identification number, and Transparency Register notification.
For more complex ownership structures, beglaubigt.de offers the Priority Package for €899 plus VAT, including individually drafted agreements prepared by a lawyer.
This may be relevant, for example, where special shareholder rights, vesting provisions or planned investor participation are involved.
Statutory notary and register fees are charged separately.
The agreed share capital must also be provided separately. However, this is not a fee but an asset belonging to the newly formed company.
Founders wishing to compare the costs in more detail can find additional examples in the guide “Forming a UG: Costs in 2026 – Notary, Commercial Register and Additional Fees”.
How Long Does Commercial Register Registration Take for a UG?
The duration of the Commercial Register application for an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) can vary depending on factors such as the competent local court and the authority's current workload.
In general, online services and digital procedures can help accelerate registration.
The typical timeframes for the individual steps are as follows:
- Notarization and submission of documents: Following notarization, a typical cash formation requires opening a business bank account and paying the agreed share capital in full. The necessary declarations and evidence for completing the Commercial Register application can then be prepared. The application is submitted electronically to the competent registry court through the notary's office. It is therefore not always possible to submit all documents immediately after notarization.
- Processing time at the Commercial Register: Processing generally takes between one and four weeks. This period may vary during times of high demand or because of regional differences in processing speed.
Can I Form a UG Online Without My Own Office?
Under German company law, a UG requires a registered office in Germany and a suitable domestic business address.
However, having dedicated office premises is not generally mandatory.
Freelancers, digital agencies and remote founders often prefer to avoid long-term office leases or having their private residential address publicly listed in the Commercial Register.
An external business address can be a practical alternative, provided it satisfies the legal requirements for the intended purpose.
It is particularly important that the company is authorized to use the address and that legally required correspondence can be delivered there.
beglaubigt.de offers serviceable business addresses with a digital mailbox in Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, starting at €99 per month.
Incoming business mail is received, digitized and made available through the customer portal.
Physical originals can be forwarded when required.
Founders who determine their business address before the notary appointment can include it directly when preparing the formation documents.
This helps avoid having to register a new business address immediately after incorporation.
We explain the requirements imposed by tax offices, registry courts and banks on external addresses in our guide “Business Address: What Tax Offices, Registry Courts and Banks Accept – and What They Don't”.
Further Guides on UG and GmbH Formation
Any forming a UG online must consider not only notarization but also capital contributions, the business address, Commercial Register registration and registration with public authorities.
The following articles are particularly helpful:
- Forming a UG Online: Process and Notary Appointment: Which steps can be completed online and how the notarial procedure works.
- Forming a GmbH or UG: Differences, Costs and Decision Guide 2026: When a UG makes sense and when a GmbH with higher share capital may be more suitable.
- Defining the Corporate Purpose of a GmbH: Examples and Common Mistakes: How to describe your business activities precisely in the formation documents.
- Transparency Register 2026: Registration, Beneficial Owners, Costs and Deadlines: Which reporting obligations apply after incorporation.
If you would prefer to form a GmbH directly instead of a UG, you can find the appropriate digital formation option under Form a GmbH Online with beglaubigt.de.
Conclusion
Forming an Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) online offers significant advantages for founders who want to register a company in Germany efficiently and flexibly.
Thanks to the introduction of statutory frameworks such as the Act Implementing the Digitalisation Directive (DiRUG), it is now possible to complete the UG formation process through digital channels, from preparing the articles of association and notarization to registration in the Commercial Register.
The technical requirements for online formation include a stable internet connection, suitable hardware and specialized software and applications that enable secure, verified communication.
Qualified electronic signatures and eID-based identification help ensure legal certainty and protect the founders' personal data.
Although not all notaries offer online appointments, an increasing number are using digital technologies to simplify the formation process.
Platforms such as beglaubigt.de play an important role by making it easier to arrange appointments with qualified notaries specializing in online company formations.
Overall, online UG formation provides a practical and time-efficient option for entrepreneurs who want to enter the market quickly and conveniently.
It reflects the progress made in digitizing legal procedures in Germany and makes company formation more accessible and straightforward.
FAQ: Forming a UG Online in Germany
Can I Form a UG Entirely Online?
Yes. In suitable cases, a UG can be formed through the legally prescribed online notarial procedure.
The identities of the participants are verified, and the required signatures are created or checked within the authorized procedure.
Notarization remains mandatory.
Do I Need a Notary to Form a UG Online?
Yes. Even when forming a UG online, the articles of association must be notarized.
Subject to the statutory requirements, the appointment can take place through the video communication system operated by the German Federal Chamber of Notaries.
How Much Share Capital Does a UG Need?
A UG can be formed with share capital starting at €1.
The agreed share capital must be paid in full before the Commercial Register application is submitted.
From a business perspective, the amount of capital should be appropriate for the company's actual financing requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Form a UG Online?
The total costs primarily consist of statutory notary and register fees, together with any additional service costs.
According to the package information provided, digital UG formation through beglaubigt.de starts at €249 plus VAT.
Statutory fees are charged separately.
Is Online Formation Cheaper Than an In-Person Notary Appointment?
Not automatically.
Statutory notary fees are governed by the GNotKG.
Additional statutory fees may apply to online procedures.
The main practical advantage is that founders may avoid traveling to the notary's office and can prepare the formation documents digitally.
How Long Does It Take to Form a UG?
The duration depends on factors including the notary appointment, opening the business bank account, paying the share capital and processing by the registry court.
beglaubigt.de organizes a notary appointment within 7 working days.
However, complete Commercial Register registration may take longer.
What Technical Requirements Do I Need?
For the online notarial procedure, you need suitable identification documents, a stable internet connection and the required technical equipment.
The specific requirements are determined by the official procedure operated by the German Federal Chamber of Notaries.
Can I Form a UG Without a Business Bank Account?
Notarization can take place before the business bank account is opened.
However, in a typical cash formation, the agreed share capital must be paid in full before the Commercial Register application.
In practice, a business bank account for the company in formation is generally used for this purpose.
Can I Form a UG Without My Own Office Premises?
Yes.
A UG requires a suitable domestic business address in Germany but does not necessarily need dedicated office premises.
beglaubigt.de offers serviceable business addresses with a digital mailbox for this purpose.
Can I Form a UG Online with Multiple Shareholders?
Yes.
A UG can be formed with several shareholders.
Whether the simplified standard formation protocol (Musterprotokoll) is suitable or individually drafted articles of association are required depends on the ownership structure and the provisions the shareholders want to include.
Do I Need to Register with the Tax Office After Forming a UG?
The company must complete tax registration.
The tax registration questionnaire is generally submitted electronically through ELSTER, the German tax administration's online portal.
With certain beglaubigt.de formation packages, this registration can be organized as part of the service.
Does a UG Have to Register with the Transparency Register?
Yes.
A UG must generally identify its beneficial owners and report the required information to the German Transparency Register.
Registration in the Commercial Register does not automatically replace this reporting obligation.
Can I Convert My UG into a GmbH Later?
Yes.
A UG can increase its share capital to at least €25,000 and subsequently operate as a GmbH, provided the statutory requirements are satisfied.
However, accumulating reserves does not automatically convert a UG into a GmbH.
What Does beglaubigt.de Handle During UG Formation?
beglaubigt.de offers digital collection of formation information, preparation of formation documents, personal support throughout the process and coordination of the notary appointment.
Depending on the selected package, business registration, tax registration and Transparency Register notification may also be included.
Start Your UG Formation Digitally
With beglaubigt.de, you can form your UG online without having to handle all document preparation and appointment scheduling yourself.
The formation information is collected digitally, and the required documents are prepared for the notarial procedure.
The notary appointment is organized within 7 working days.
Additional formation packages are available for founders who want to combine subsequent registrations with public authorities.
In addition to UG formation, beglaubigt.de offers digital GmbH formation, holding company formation and serviceable business addresses.
This allows founders to organize several stages of company formation through a single platform.
Sources
Section 2 GmbHG – Form of the Articles of Association and Online Formation
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__2.html
Section 5 GmbHG – Share Capital and Shares
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__5.html
Section 5a GmbHG – Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__5a.html
Section 7 GmbHG – Requirements for Registration
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__7.html
Section 8 GmbHG – Content of the Commercial Register Application
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__8.html
Section 12 HGB – Commercial Register Applications
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/__12.html
German Notarization Act (Beurkundungsgesetz) – Online Notarial Procedures
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/beurkg/
German Court and Notary Costs Act (GNotKG)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gnotkg/
German Federal Chamber of Notaries – Forming a GmbH and UG
https://gmbh-gruenden.notar.de/
German Federal Chamber of Notaries – Online Notarial Procedures
German Federal Chamber of Notaries – Notary Fees
https://www.notar.de/themen/notarkosten
Section 20 GwG – Transparency Register Obligations
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gwg_2017/__20.html
beglaubigt.de – Form a UG Online
https://beglaubigt.de/ug-gruenden
beglaubigt.de – Form a GmbH
https://beglaubigt.de/gmbh-gruenden
beglaubigt.de – Authorities Package
https://beglaubigt.de/behoerdenpaket
beglaubigt.de – Business Address
