Set up your German OHG with expert legal and administrative support.
At Open A German Company, we assist entrepreneurs and business partners in establishing an Offene Handelsgesellschaft (OHG), the German equivalent of a general partnership. This business form is ideal for small to medium-sized ventures operated by two or more individuals who wish to share management responsibilities and profits directly.
What is an OHG?
An OHG is a partnership where all partners are jointly and severally liable for the company’s obligations. It is governed by the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB) and requires partners to register the business in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister).
The OHG is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and direct profit distribution.
Key Features of an OHG
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Minimum Partners: At least two individuals or corporate entities
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Capital Requirement: No statutory minimum capital
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Liability: Unlimited, joint, and several liability for all partners
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Management: All partners have equal rights to manage the business unless otherwise agreed
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Taxation: Profits are taxed at the individual partner level (personal income tax)
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Registration: Must be entered into the Commercial Register
Advantages of an OHG
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Simple structure with minimal formalities for setup
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No mandatory minimum capital investment
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Direct control and involvement in management for all partners
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Profits go directly to the partners without corporate tax at the company level
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Flexible decision-making and operational structure
Our OHG Formation Services
We provide complete support for OHG company registration in Germany, including:
1. Partnership Agreement Drafting
Preparation of a legally sound agreement outlining partner roles, profit sharing, and management duties.
2. Business Name Registration
Assistance in selecting and registering your OHG’s trade name.
3. Commercial Register Filing
Handling all filings with the Handelsregister.
4. Tax & Trade Registration
Registering with the local trade office (Gewerbeamt) and tax authorities.
5. Bank Account Setup
Opening a dedicated German business bank account for the partnership.
6. Ongoing Compliance Support
Bookkeeping, VAT registration, and tax return assistance.
Who Should Choose an OHG?
An OHG is best suited for:
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Family-owned businesses
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Small partnerships with active management by all partners
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Ventures that prioritise quick setup and direct profit distribution
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Businesses are comfortable with shared liability between partners
Why Choose Us
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20+ years of experience in German company formation
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English-speaking legal and tax professionals
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Transparent, fixed-fee services
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End-to-end support from setup to ongoing compliance
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Strong network of notaries, accountants, and advisors in Germany
Considering Moving or Doing Business in the USA?
If you are planning to immigrate or expand your business into America, our sister company, Immigration into America, provides professional immigration advice, visa application support, and business setup services, helping you make your American dream a reality.