Excellent
| 4.89 out of 5 (677 reviews)
Form a GmbH & Co. KG online instantly, simply and fast
Legally sound from the market leader: quality and experience since 2003.
In 24 hours. Directly from a lawyer. No middlemen. No hidden costs.
Documents in 24 hours
Directly from a lawyer
Fixed price €519 net, all inclusive
As seen in
Start a business
Form a GmbH & Co. KG at a fixed price
With Recht 24/7 you form your GmbH & Co. KG (a limited partnership whose general partner is a GmbH, the German limited liability company) quickly, simply and online. Directly from a lawyer: as a German law firm, we offer you the highest quality and legal certainty. With transparent prices and all services included (no packages, no middlemen and no hidden costs).
Full legal advice directly from a lawyer
All documents from a lawyer in 24 hours
Help scheduling your notary appointments near you
Why Recht 24/7
Formation with a lawyer.At a fixed price.
Documents from a lawyer
Lawyers on our staff prepare your documents individually, since 2003 and with liability for our advice.
All documents within 24 hours
After you order, we check the company name and prepare all formation documents within one business day.
Help with the notary appointment
We help you schedule your notary appointment near you. You are free to choose the notary.
What's included
What you get for €519
net plus VAT, notary and court fees, IHK and trade registration costs
Full legal advice directly from a lawyer.
Check of both company names by a lawyer
Check of both company names with the IHK
Individual drafting of all formation documents for GmbH and KG
General partner GmbH: articles of association, list of shareholders and commercial register application
Managing director's service agreement
KG: partnership agreement with coordinated roles
KG: commercial register application with liability amounts
Not included: Notary fees · Commercial register and court fees · IHK membership fees · Trade registration costs
How it works
It's that simple.
5 steps, all online. You visit the notary once at most, and we guide you through the entire formation process.
Order online(10 minutes)
You place your order online and send us the details of the shareholders, the limited partners and the contributions.
Documents from a lawyer(24 h)
We draft the agreements for the GmbH and the KG, coordinated with each other, and check both company names.
Notary appointments(1 to 2 weeks)
First the GmbH is notarized, then it joins the KG as general partner, and the KG is registered with the commercial register.
Account, deposit, registrations
You pay in the GmbH's share capital, and both companies are entered in the commercial register.
Result
Your GmbH & Co. KG is fully registered, without a natural person as fully liable partner.
Decision guide
Is a GmbH & Co. KG right for you?
A good fit if …
you want the flexible structure and transparent taxation of a partnership, but nobody should have unlimited liability. The GmbH takes on the role of general partner, so no natural person is on the line with their personal assets. A classic for family businesses, real estate and SMEs.
Not a good fit if …
you are looking for a simple structure with a single company. Two companies mean two sets of books and two annual financial statements.
Alternative
One company, full limitation of liability: form a GmbH for €319. A cheaper start with a UG as general partner: form a UG & Co. KG for €469.
Learn moreComparison
Legal forms compared
Share capital
Liability
Time to form
Ongoing effort
Share capital
Liability
Time to form
Ongoing effort
Our price
Why Recht 24/7
One law firm. No middlemen.
Our lawyers are employed by us, not brokered. Since 2003.
Lawyer Christina Schröder
founder and managing director of Recht 24/7
Formation by a lawyer
Articles of association, statutes and the register filing are drafted by a lawyer: no generator, no template.
Fixed price incl. advice
Formation advice on your order is included in the price, with no hourly rate.
Documents within 24 hours
You get all formation documents within 24 hours. We help you schedule your notary appointment near you.
Insured up to €2.5 million
Professional liability insurance with HDI. For every matter, without exception.
Clients since 2003
60,000+
supported on all legal matters.
Client rating
4.9/5
from 677 Trusted Shops reviews.
Insured amount
€2.5M
Professional liability cover for every matter.
Client stories
They worked with us. Here's what they say.
01 / 13
UG formation
Recht 24/7 helped us form a UG and working with them was excellent. Not only because they live up to their name, but also because they work through everything with you step by step. Questions were answered super quickly by a top-qualified lawyer, and the notary appointment was handled outstandingly fast.
Ahmed Sassi
Signum Label Marketing UG
Translated from German
Client reviews
What our clients say
4.89 out of 5 stars from 677 verified Trusted Shops reviews.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Our awards and reviews reflect the highest level of client satisfaction.
At a glance
Form a GmbH & Co. KG: the essentials
GmbH & Co. KG: the classic of German SMEs
The GmbH & Co. KG is a limited partnership (KG) with a twist: the role of the general partner with unlimited liability is taken on not by a person but by a GmbH. The result is a partnership in which no natural person is on the line with their personal assets. For decades it has been the standard solution for family businesses, real estate companies and German SMEs (the Mittelstand).
The structure in detail
The structure consists of two companies with clear roles. The general partner GmbH manages the KG's business and bears full liability, limited to its own company assets of at least €25,000 in share capital. It usually has no share in the KG's assets or profits; it receives a liability fee. The limited partners (you and any other participants) hold the economic ownership: the KG's assets and profits belong to them, and their liability ends at the registered liability amount.
Why the effort? Four reasons
First, liability: as with the GmbH, no natural person has unlimited liability. Second, taxes: the KG is transparent, profits are taxed directly at the level of the partners, the GmbH's second level of taxation on distributions does not apply, and losses can, under certain conditions, be offset against other income. Third, flexibility: withdrawals, profit distribution and changes of partners can be arranged more freely than under GmbH law. Fourth, succession: limited partnership interests can be transferred step by step, a proven tool for business succession.
The costs of the structure
On the other side are ongoing costs: two companies, two sets of books, two annual financial statements, two IHK memberships. The GmbH & Co. KG is also subject to disclosure requirements like a corporation. As a rule of thumb, the structure pays off when the advantages in withdrawal flexibility, loss offsetting or succession are actually needed, not as an end in itself.
Order of formation
In practice the GmbH is notarized first. Then the GmbH and the limited partners conclude the KG agreement, and the KG is registered with the commercial register by means of a certified application. Both registrations must be in place before the KG starts doing business, otherwise the limited partners face full liability for early transactions. We draft the documents for both steps, coordinated with each other, and help you schedule your notary appointments near you.
The affordable sister: UG & Co. KG
If you want the structure but shy away from the €25,000 share capital of the general partner GmbH, you can appoint a UG (haftungsbeschränkt), the German mini-GmbH, as general partner. The UG & Co. KG works on the same principle but gets by with low share capital, with the UG's mandatory suffix in the name. For smaller ventures, it is the more economical way to start.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Not listed? Write to us using the contact form.
Our fee is a fixed price of €519 net for both companies. On top of that come notary fees of approx. €800 to €900 for the GmbH, approx. €150 for certifying the KG application, approx. €300 for the registry court and the fee for the trade registration, which varies by municipality.
The KG has two partner roles: the GmbH is the general partner and takes on management and full liability. You and any other participants are limited partners and are only liable up to the amount of your contribution. Since the GmbH itself has limited liability, as a result no natural person has unlimited liability.
We draft the documents within 24 h. After notarization, entry in the commercial register usually takes 5 to 16 days per company.
Yes. In the single-person version you are the sole shareholder and managing director of the GmbH and at the same time the only limited partner of the KG.
€25,000 share capital for the general partner GmbH, of which €12,500 must be paid in immediately. The limited partners' contributions are freely selectable. It is common not to give the GmbH a share in the KG's assets and to provide it only with a liability fee.
The GmbH & Co. KG combines liability protection with the advantages of a partnership: flexible withdrawals, transparent taxation without a second level on distributions, free design of profit distribution and planning options for inheritance tax. In return, you carry the effort of two companies. Which side outweighs the other depends on your case. Clarify the tax side with your tax advisor.
The KG is tax-transparent: profits are allocated to the limited partners and taxed personally. The KG pays trade tax (allowance €24,500). The general partner GmbH only pays tax on its liability fee, at 15% corporate income tax plus solidarity surcharge.
Both work. An existing GmbH can join as general partner. With a new formation, we coordinate both agreements with each other from the start, which is the cleaner route.
Personal names, descriptive names or invented names with the suffix "GmbH & Co. KG". We have both company names (GmbH and KG) checked by a lawyer and by the IHK.
For the limited partners from entry of the KG in the commercial register, for the GmbH from its own registration. The KG should not start doing business before the registrations.
Yes, through notarization by a notary abroad with an apostille or through a German embassy or consulate. We prepare the necessary documents and powers of attorney.
Yes. The GmbH and the KG are legally independent, each with its own account, its own bookkeeping and its own annual financial statements.
About 10 days after entry in the commercial register, the tax office will contact you, separately for each company. We advise you on filling in the tax questionnaire, and this is included in the price.
