Question 1

Does a company name change in Germany always require a notary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A company name change for a GmbH or UG always requires a notarial deed because it amends the articles of association. There is no online-only or signature-only shortcut.

Question 2

How much does a company name change for a GmbH cost?

Accepted Answer

Notary and Commercial Register fees for a GmbH name change typically range from approximately 400 EUR to 800 EUR in addition to the GmbH-UG.com service fee, depending on share capital and whether shareholders are individuals or corporate entities.

Question 3

How much does a company name change for a UG cost?

Accepted Answer

For a UG (haftungsbeschränkt) the official fees are lower, typically 250 EUR to 450 EUR, because they are calculated on the (lower) share capital of the UG.

Question 4

Can I change the company name from abroad without travelling to Germany?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shareholders abroad can grant a notarised and apostilled power of attorney to a representative in Germany (or to our staff), who then attends the notary appointment. GmbH-UG.com regularly organises this for international clients.

Question 5

How long does a company name change in Germany take?

Accepted Answer

Usually 2 to 6 weeks from instruction to Commercial Register entry. Cases with foreign corporate shareholders take longer, because of apostille and certified-translation lead times.

Question 6

Can I already use the new company name before the Commercial Register entry?

Accepted Answer

No. The new name becomes legally effective only with the entry in the Commercial Register. Until then, all invoices, contracts and the Impressum must continue to display the old name to remain compliant with § 35a GmbHG.

Question 7

Does a company name change affect the tax number or VAT-ID?

Accepted Answer

No and yes. The legal entity stays the same, so the VAT-ID remains unchanged. However, the regional tax number could be changed, depending on the first letter of the company name and on your tax office.

Question 8

Do I have to update the Transparency Register after a company name change?

Accepted Answer

The economic ownership does not change with a renaming, but the name field in the Transparency Register must reflect the new company name. GmbH-UG.com reviews and updates this for you on request.

Question 9

Can I combine a company name change with other changes to save money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Combining a name change with, for example, a change of business activity or director appointment in the same notary appointment significantly reduces the per-change cost.

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