Online law firm since 2003

Available 24/7

Satisfaction guarantee

Trusted by over 60,000 clients

Recht 24/7
Back to overview
Start-ups & Formation

Founding a UG - how much capital you should have

Apr 2, 20222 min read

With the UG (haftungsbeschränkt), the legislator has created an attractive and comparatively inexpensive alternative to the GmbH for founders. Theoretically, one euro is enough as a contribution, but you should still think carefully about how much share capital you need to have available for company formation.

The company formation of a UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is particularly interesting for new entrepreneurs on a tight budget. You can easily set up a UG online, using the model articles of association and €5,000 share capital, the fees for the notary are relatively low at €190 for one shareholder and €260 for two or three shareholders. A further €152 is incurred for the costs of the registry court. In addition, unlike a GmbH, you do not have to raise share capital of €25,000 from the outset. Theoretically, you can set up a UG (haftungsbeschränkt) with just one euro of share capital - hence the name "1-Euro-GmbH". However, what sounds tempting is almost impossible to implement in practice.

Ensure solvency

Too little share capital can quickly lead to major problems. For example, if a company only has one euro of share capital at company formation, only one euro is available to settle the first liabilities. In mathematical terms, the company would therefore already be insolvent if it bought a pack of printer paper. And this can also have legal consequences for the managing director, who would have to initiate insolvency proceedings in this case. It is therefore strongly recommended that the share capital is selected in line with the anticipated needs of the company.

How much share capital makes sense?

Notaries generally require a share capital of at least 500 euros. How high the share capital should really be cannot be generalized and depends heavily on the type of company. If you have to make expensive advance payments from the very first order, you also need correspondingly high company assets. Less capital-intensive sectors can calculate a little more tightly in terms of the capital contribution.

In any case, possible start-up difficulties and cyclical fluctuations should be considered, and buffers for unforeseen events should also be planned for.

Conclusion: If the share capital is too low, the company runs the risk of slipping into insolvency at a very early stage.

 Fixed price package 219.00 EURO - processing within 24 hours

Found a UG

including advice on your company formation

Do you have a specific legal question?

Our lawyers advise you online at a fixed price: fast, clear and without an office appointment.

Get started

Your case starts here.

Personal advice
Directly from a lawyer

Transparent fixed prices
with no surprises.

Response within
24 hours

Securely insured
up to €2.5 million

No legal jargon, just clear answers.

The Recht 24/7 newsletter: deadlines, rulings and tips for founders and clients. Once a month.

I have read the privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Trusted Shops
Trusted Shops

4.89/5

| 677 reviews

Verified client · Contract check · April 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!

Verified client · Contract review, apartment purchase · February 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.

Verified client · Legal advice · June 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.

Verified client · GmbH liquidation · January 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.