Step-by-Step Guide:
Opening Your Company Account
Complete English instructions for founding your GmbH or UG and setting up your Commerzbank company account
Go directly to account opening →Complete Step-by-Step Instructions
The company founding and account opening process typically takes 3-7 weeks in total. Follow these 6 steps to set up your Commerzbank company account correctly from the start.
Determine Your Legal Entity
Determine Your Legal Entity
Choose the right company form for your business. GmbH (€25,000 Stammkapital, at least €12,500 at founding) is the standard choice for most businesses. UG haftungsbeschränkt (from €1 Stammkapital) is the budget-friendly alternative with the same limited liability. GbR (no minimum capital) is simplest but offers no liability protection. Consider factors like liability, tax implications, credibility with clients, and future investment plans.
Tip: Most expat founders choose a UG to start with low capital requirements, then convert to a GmbH once the business is profitable. Consult a Steuerberater or lawyer specializing in company formation (Gesellschaftsrecht) before deciding — this is one of the most consequential decisions for your business.
Prepare Founding Documents
Prepare Founding Documents
Draft your articles of association (Gesellschaftervertrag) defining the company purpose, share distribution, managing director(s), and governance rules. For a UG, a simplified template (Musterprotokoll) is available for single-shareholder companies. Prepare the list of shareholders (Gesellschafterliste) and managing director appointments. All documents must be notarized by a German Notar.
Tip: Book your Notar appointment in advance — popular notaries in major cities can be booked weeks ahead. All founders and managing directors must appear in person. If a founder cannot attend, they can grant a notarized power of attorney (Vollmacht). Bring valid passports for all parties.
Open a Founding Account and Deposit Stammkapital
Open a Founding Account and Deposit Stammkapital
Open a founding account (Gründungskonto) at Commerzbank. The account will be registered under your company name with the suffix "i.G." (in Gründung — meaning "in formation"). Deposit the required share capital: at least €12,500 for a GmbH (50% of €25,000) or the full amount for a UG. Commerzbank then issues a bank confirmation letter (Bankbestätigung über die Stammeinlage) required for the Handelsregister.
Tip: Bring the notarized Gesellschaftervertrag and a valid ID to the bank appointment. You can open the founding account at any Commerzbank branch. The bank confirmation letter is typically issued within 1-2 business days after the deposit clears.
Register with the Handelsregister
Register with the Handelsregister
Your Notar submits the registration application to the local Amtsgericht (district court) along with the notarized articles of association, bank confirmation letter, list of shareholders, and managing director appointments. The court reviews the documents and enters your company in the Handelsregister. You receive an HRB number (Handelsregisternummer) — your company now officially exists as a legal entity.
Tip: Registration time varies by location: 1-2 weeks in smaller cities, up to 4 weeks in Berlin or Munich. After registration, you must also register with the Finanzamt (tax office) for your Steuernummer and Umsatzsteuer-ID (VAT ID). Your Notar handles the Handelsregister submission, but Finanzamt registration is your responsibility.
Activate Your Business Account and Set Up EBICS
Activate Your Business Account and Set Up EBICS
Once your Handelsregister entry is confirmed, provide the HRB number and updated Handelsregisterauszug to Commerzbank. Your founding account converts to a full Geschäftskonto. Set up EBICS (Electronic Banking Internet Communication Standard) for multi-user access: request individual EBICS credentials for each managing director, financial controller, and your Steuerberater. Configure authorization rules including dual authorization (Vier-Augen-Prinzip) for high-value payments.
Tip: Set up EBICS dual authorization early — it is a best practice for corporate governance and helps prevent unauthorized transactions. Start with a simple setup: one user for day-to-day payments and a second for approval of transactions above a threshold you define (e.g., €5,000).
Set Up DATEV Integration
Set Up DATEV Integration
Connect your Commerzbank company account to DATEV Unternehmen online for automated bookkeeping. Your Steuerberater can set up the connection through DATEV Kanzlei-Rechnungswesen. Once configured, bank statements and transaction data flow automatically into your accounting system. This enables real-time financial reporting, simplified VAT returns, and streamlined Jahresabschluss (annual financial statements) preparation.
Tip: Ask your Steuerberater to set up the DATEV connection — they have the technical credentials and know the correct DATEV modules for your company type. If you do not yet have a Steuerberater, Commerzbank business advisors can recommend one experienced with expat-founded companies.
Open Your Company Account Now
Follow these 6 steps from choosing your legal entity to a fully operational company account with EBICS and DATEV integration.
Open Your Company Account Now →Helpful Tips for Expat Company Founders
Before You Start
Engage a Steuerberater and/or lawyer early in the process — they save time and prevent costly mistakes. Have all founders' passports and residence permits ready. Budget €1,000-3,000 for founding costs (Notar, Handelsregister fees, legal advice). Non-EU founders should verify their residence permit allows self-employment (§ 21 AufenthG).
Timeline Expectations
The entire process from first Notar meeting to a fully operational company account typically takes 3-7 weeks. The biggest variable is Handelsregister registration speed, which depends on your city. Berlin and Munich tend to be slower. Plan your business launch accordingly and consider using the "i.G." period to set up operations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use the Stammkapital for expenses before Handelsregister registration is complete. Do not forget to register with the Finanzamt separately after Handelsregister entry. Do not skip the Gewerbeanmeldung if your company engages in commercial activity. Ensure your company address (Geschäftsadresse) is a real address — virtual offices need to be carefully chosen to be accepted.