Excellent
| 4.89 out of 5 (677 reviews)
Start a sole proprietorship quickly and online
We check your company name, draft all documents and advise you on your trade registration. No notary needed, only the trade office fee is extra.
Documents in 24 hours
Directly from a lawyer
Fixed price €259 net, all inclusive
As seen in
Start a business
Start a sole proprietorship at a fixed price
We check your company name, draft all documents and advise you on your trade registration. No notary needed, only the trade office fee is extra.
€259 fixed price
ready to go in 1 to 3 days for activities that need no permit
no minimum capital
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 €259
net plus VAT and trade registration costs
Company name checked
By a lawyer and with the IHK.
All documents individually from a lawyer
Drafted individually for your sole proprietorship.
Not included: The fee for the trade registration with your municipality. · Freelancers (Freiberufler) do not need a trade registration, only registration with the tax office, and we advise you on that too. · Optional: if you want to be entered in the commercial register as a registered merchant (e.K.), notary and register fees apply.
How it works
It's that simple.
4 steps, all online. We guide you through the entire formation process.
Order online(10 minutes)
You place your order online and fill in our form. You can send us your questions right along with it.
Documents from a lawyer(24 h)
We check your company name and draft all formation documents.
Register your business(1 day)
You register your business with your municipality, and we advise you on it. Freelancers register with the tax office instead.
Result
In 1 to 3 days you are ready to go (for activities that need no permit) and can issue invoices.
Decision guide
Is a sole proprietorship right for you?
A good fit if …
you are starting alone, want to get going quickly without minimum capital and your liability risk is manageable. The sole proprietorship is the simplest legal form: no notary required, no balance sheet required up to €800,000 revenue or €80,000 profit per year.
Not a good fit if …
you work with larger orders, inventory or loans. As a sole proprietor you have unlimited liability, including with your personal assets.
Alternative
Limited liability with low share capital: form a UG (haftungsbeschränkt), the German mini-GmbH, for €259.
Learn moreComparison
Legal forms compared
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
Start a sole proprietorship: the essentials
Starting a sole proprietorship: the fastest way to self-employment
The sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen) is by far the most common legal form in Germany, and the simplest. It comes into existence without a notary, without minimum capital and without entry in the commercial register. As soon as you have registered your business or are registered with the tax office as a freelancer, you can issue invoices.
Trade or freelancer?
The first fork in the road is the nature of your work. Freelancers under § 18 EStG (including doctors, lawyers, tax advisors, engineers, architects, journalists, translators and artistic or teaching professions) only register with the tax office, pay no trade tax and are not required to join the IHK. All other activities are a trade: registration with the municipality, trade tax from €24,500 annual profit, IHK membership. The line is not always clear: with mixed activities a legal review is worthwhile, because an incorrect classification can trigger back payments.
Liability: the price of simplicity
As a sole proprietor, you are the company. There is no separation between business and personal assets: you have unlimited liability for debts, including with your savings, car or property. For advisory and digital work with low damage potential this is often acceptable, and professional liability insurance covers a lot. With inventory, loans or projects with high order values, you should take the liability question seriously and consider a UG or GmbH.
Name and branding
Without the commercial register, you trade under your legal name, for example "Max Beispiel IT-Services". You may use an established business designation, but a purely made-up name as a company name is only possible with e.K. registration. More important than the form: the name must not infringe existing trademarks or company names. That is exactly what we check before you start, by a lawyer and with the IHK.
Taxes and bookkeeping
Your profit is taxed through income tax at your personal tax rate. Up to €800,000 revenue or €80,000 profit, simple cash-basis accounting (EÜR) is enough: no balance sheet, no double-entry bookkeeping. As a small business under § 19 UStG, you are also exempt from VAT as long as your revenue does not exceed the limits of €25,000 (previous year) and €100,000 (current year).
Growth built in
The sole proprietorship is a good starting point, not an end point. As their business grows, many founders switch to a GmbH, because of liability and, at higher profits, for tax reasons too. The switch can be done in an orderly way, but contracts and accounts do not transfer automatically. If you plan for the switch early, you save effort later.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Not listed? Write to us using the contact form.
Our fee is a fixed price of €259 net. The only extra is the fee for the trade registration (the trade office fee varies by municipality). There is no notary and no share capital. If you register as a registered merchant (e.K.), notary and register fees total approx. €300.
Your documents are ready in 24 h. After the trade registration you are usually ready to go within 1 to 3 days, provided your activity does not require a permit. If it does, you have to wait for the permit; in München, for example, this takes around one month. Entry in the commercial register is not required.
No. A sole proprietorship comes into existence without notarization. Only if you voluntarily have yourself entered in the commercial register as a registered merchant (e.K.) is a notary needed for the application.
No. There is no minimum capital. You start with what you have.
Unlimited: with all your business and personal assets. So check whether professional or business liability insurance covers your risk, and switch to a legal form with limited liability as your risk grows.
Listed professions such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists or designers are freelance professions: no trade registration, no trade tax, registration directly with the tax office. Trading, crafts and most services count as a trade. We check the classification for you.
Without an entry in the commercial register, you operate under your first and last name, plus a business designation. A purely made-up company name is only possible as an e.K. We check what is legally permissible and does not infringe third-party trademarks.
If your revenue stayed below €25,000 in the previous year and is expected to stay below €100,000 in the current year, you can opt out of charging VAT (§ 19 UStG). We explain the rule to you in the formation consultation; whether it pays off for you is something your tax advisor will determine.
Income tax on your profit at your personal tax rate, plus trade tax from €24,500 in profit (credited against income tax) and VAT where applicable. For bookkeeping, simple cash-basis accounting (EÜR) is sufficient up to €800,000 revenue or €80,000 profit.
Yes, the sole proprietorship is the most common form for a side business. Inform your employer if your employment contract requires it, and check your health insurance for contribution consequences.
Yes. Many start as a sole proprietorship and switch as their business grows. Important: existing contracts do not transfer automatically, they must be assigned. Convert a sole proprietorship into a GmbH for €1,069.
For the trade registration you need a place of business in Germany. We can handle the documents with you completely online, so no travel is needed for the preparation.
After the trade registration, the tax office will contact you and send you the tax questionnaire. We advise you on filling in the tax questionnaire, and this is included in the price.
