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05/11/2025

German Limited Liability Company: Why the Shift Makes Sense

Introduction:

Starting a German Limited Liability Company (GmbH) used to be a popular choice for business owners. But today, many people are looking for easier and better ways to start a company. Germany has made it harder with lots of paperwork, high taxes, and slow processes. This is why more business owners are now choosing to open a Swiss Stock Corporation (AG) instead. In this post, we explain why this change is happening and what it means for you.


Key Insights on German Limited Liability Company:

The German Limited Liability Company (GmbH) has long been seen as a reliable structure for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, recent developments have made it less appealing for new businesses, especially foreign founders or agile entrepreneurs.

Why Entrepreneurs Are Avoiding the GmbH:

  • Excessive Bureaucracy: Germany’s complex administrative and judicial systems can severely slow down business operations.
  • High Tax Burden: Entrepreneurs often find themselves working more for the welfare state than for business growth or personal wealth.
  • Rigid Legal Framework: Changing company structures, roles, or ownership requires navigating a dense thicket of legal requirements.
  • Lack of Flexibility: Expanding internationally or adjusting corporate strategy is far easier under other jurisdictions.


Exploring Swiss Stock Corporation as a Strategic Alternative:

In contrast, Swiss Stock Corporations (Aktiengesellschaft, or AG) offer a streamlined and entrepreneur-friendly legal framework. Many European business owners are transitioning to this model due to Switzerland’s pro-business environment.

Key Benefits of the Swiss Stock Corporation:

  • Fair Legal Environment: Swiss law respects individual entrepreneurship and treats business owners as citizens, not subjects.
  • Efficient Administration: Company formation and operational tasks are faster and less obstructive.
  • Attractive Tax System: Competitive corporate tax rates and clear tax laws make Switzerland more appealing to founders.
  • Global Prestige: A Swiss AG is internationally recognized and often viewed as more credible in global markets.
  • Expert Assistance Available: Services like LAN A AP.MA International Legal Services and DR. EBNER can act as your Swiss board of directors, ensuring compliant and strategic operations.


Conclusion:

Starting a German Limited Liability Company used to be a good idea, but things have changed. Today, the process is slow, complicated, and expensive. Many business owners now choose to set up a Swiss Stock Corporation instead. In Switzerland, the rules are clearer, taxes are fairer, and you are treated with more respect as an entrepreneur. If you want a better, easier way to run your business in Europe, the Swiss option could be the right move.

Author

Dr. Stephan Ebner

Dr Stephan Ebner, LL. B, Mag. Jur. M, LL. M, Attorney-at-Law (NYS, USA), EU Attorney-at-Law (Switzerland, Advokatenliste, Canton Basel-Stadt), Foreign Legal Affairs Attorney (Taiwan, R.O.C.), Attorney-at-Law (Germany) and Notary Public (NYS, USA), is a legal and business consultant, as well as the founder of LANA AP.MA International Legal Services AG, which is based in Basel-Stadt, Switzerland. He specialises in advising on international legal issues, particularly market entry in the USA and Asia, as well as corporate acquisitions and sales. His clients are primarily companies and corporations from the DACH region, the United States of America and Asia.

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