Doing business in Germany

Germany desk

Germany has been the Netherlands’ most important trading partner for many years. Although both countries are members of the EU, there are still wide differences between the tax rules, registration requirements and other procedures in Germany and the Netherlands. If you are doing business in Germany, or plan to do so, it is very important to make the right preparations. You should therefore obtain full information before you start working in Germany!

Frequently asked questions about doing business in Germany

We encounter many practical questions, such as the following:

  • Which legal form(s) is/are best for me to run my business in Germany/the Netherlands?
  • In which country will I/my company/my employee have to pay tax? And from when? And what taxes will have to be paid?
  • Will my company be considered to have a permanent establishment when I set up new activities in another country?
  • What are the registration requirements in Germany?
  • What are the social security consequences for me and my employees? Can I keep my current health insurance?
  • Where do I pay tax if I receive my Dutch pension in Germany?
  • Where do I pay tax on redundancy pay if I have worked in different countries?
  • What is the most advantageous international structure for my business?
  • What are the VAT rules for international business?
  • What are the biggest differences between the Netherlands and Germany when it comes to running a successful business? What are the do’s and don’ts?
  • What are the practices and customs of doing business in Germany? What is the business culture like in Germany?

More information?

Thomas Drost LL.M.

Tax advisor
+31 6 21820503
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