Deposit share capital online with Qonto

The minimum share capital for a GmbH is €25,000. At the moment you create a GmbH, you must deposit half of the minimum GmbH share capital – at least €12,500. This is transferred to the business account of the GmbH in formation and guarantees its solvency.

The exact amount of share capital is defined in the articles of association. It can be higher (but never lower) than the legally required minimum of €25,000.

For a UG in formation, theoretically just €1 of share capital is enough at the time of creation. If multiple shareholders join together, each must contribute the minimum capital of €1 as their initial deposit. Higher contributions – or contributions of varying amounts – are freely allowed when forming a UG and are recorded in the articles of association.

In total, a UG in formation can be established with amounts up to €24,999. For higher amounts, the GmbH in formation – or the stock corporation (AG) – remains the formation option for a limited company.

Please note: If the total share capital isn't fully contributed by the formation date, the remaining amount must be paid in later. Until full payment is made, GmbH shareholders are personally liable with their personal assets. Unlike a GmbH, when forming a UG, the share capital must be fully paid in cash.

First, you'll need a business account for your UG or GmbH in formation, into which you'll deposit your share capital.

With Qonto, you can open your founder account online quickly and easily – within just a few minutes. Then you make your initial share capital contribution. Here's how the share capital deposit works with Qonto:

After we've verified the details of the company you're creating, and those of any shareholders, you'll receive an email invitation to deposit the initial capital contribution(s). Each shareholder receives a temporary IBAN, which you can use to deposit your share capital easily via SEPA transfer to your Qonto account.

Once the full share capital has been deposited correctly, it's transferred to a final IBAN and a deposit confirmation is issued for submission to the notary.

Next, you complete the commercial register (Handelsregister) application with your notary and upload the notarized proof in the Qonto app.

After that, we'll activate your account immediately after a quick review – you don't have to wait for the final commercial register entry!

You must deposit the share capital during the formation of your UG or the formation of your GmbH. You'll need proof of the capital deposit in your business account for registration in the commercial register.

You must complete the following creation steps before making your initial capital contribution:

- Create your UG or GmbH articles of association

- Approval of the articles of association and shareholder list

- Open a business account

Next, you deposit your share capital – for example, via transfer – into the account of your GmbH or UG in formation.

Additional steps follow to complete the business formation:

- Registration of the GmbH or UG in the commercial register

- Trade registration

- Registration with the tax office

Good to know: Open a business account with Qonto and receive free, legally reviewed templates and guides to make your company formation easier.

If you'd like, our partner Recht 24/7 can support you with all legal steps – 100% digital, secure, and hassle-free.

The share capital amount for a GmbH in formation is at least €25,000.

For a cash formation, at least 50 percent of this amount (€12,500) must be available on the formation date. A contribution in kind, however, must always be contributed in full.

When the full amount specified in the articles of association must be contributed depends on the GmbH articles of association: The remaining contribution must be paid in at the time specified in the articles of association or decided by the shareholders' meeting.

One exception is company insolvency: if a GmbH becomes insolvent, the insolvency administrator can demand the outstanding amount immediately. Shareholders are personally liable for this amount with their personal assets (but not beyond that).

The share capital for a GmbH is at least €25,000, with at least €12,500 required up front at the creation stage.

It's paid in proportionally by the shareholders: each shareholder must contribute at least 25 percent of their business shares.

Don't have the €12,500 needed to form a GmbH, but want to enjoy the benefits of a GmbH? Then consider forming a limited liability UG instead: The UG share capital can be as low as €1. The exact amount is specified in the UG articles of association.

A UG shares many characteristics with a GmbH. Most importantly, the UG also has limited liability. Because of this and its low startup capital requirement, it's also called a 1-Euro-GmbH or Mini-GmbH.

Unlike a GmbH, with a UG you must retain 25 percent of your annual profit in the company to steadily increase your share capital. Once you reach €25,000, the UG converts to a GmbH and the annual capital increase requirement ends.