The pros and cons of the gGmbH: Weighing up the non-profit limited liability company in Germany

Contents

• Advantages of the gGmbH
  • Huge tax savings of the gGmbH
  • Donations
  • Professional operations
  • Benefits of a GmbH
• Disadvantages of the gGmbH
  • Significant statutory share capital
  • Complicated formation
  • High regulatory burden
• Want to know more about the gGmbH?

Advantages of the gGmbH

The gGmbH offers several advantages over other legal forms, including the e.V. (eingetragene Verein or registered association). The liability of the gGmbH is limited to the assets of the company. The non-profit purpose of the company is immediately recognisable to consumers and business partners by the name, as the non-profit GmbH is allowed to bear the legal form suffix “gGmbH”. In practice, this leads to the marketplace placing higher trust in the company.

Huge tax savings of the gGmbH

The biggest advantage of the gGmbH over other legal forms is the tax savings it enjoys. The gGmbH is exempt from corporation and trade tax as well as the solidarity surcharge. Plus, the conditional issuing of invoices with no or reduced VAT is a possibility.

The gGmbH may also be exempt from inheritance or gift tax in the case of donations from gifts or inheritances.

Finally, real estate used for a gGmbH’s charitable purpose can also be real estate tax-free.

Can accept donations

The non-profit corporation is also entitled to receive donations and issue tax-effective donation receipts to the donor. This allows other market participants, consumers and entrepreneurs to transfer monetary donations to the gGmbH and thereby reduce their taxes. This makes it attractive for businesses and consumers to transfer monetary donations to the gGmbH.

The German government grants non-profit organisations many privileges for their operations, such as the discounted use of public resources or providing staff for events or consulting.

A more professional way to operate a non-profit in Germany

Social entrepreneurs can choose between the e.V. (registered association) and the gGmbH.

Compared to the association, the gGmbH offers professional structures and allows quick and uncomplicated decision-making processes. The gGmbH is an option to restructure associations and foundations and is also a recognised legal form for so-called “non-profit organisations”.

Boasts all the benefits of the GmbH

The regulations of the GmbH under company law are applicable to the gGmbH. For one, liability is limited to the assets of the company.

This also applies to the formation of a gGmbH. In contrast to the gUG, the gGmbH can also be founded through so-called “contributions in kind”, for example, by contributing land or property to the company instead of money.

In contrast to the e.V. (registered association), the company can set up with just one shareholder. In this context, this is effectively a “one-person GmbH”, in which the shareholder is also the managing director. This type of partner can work as an employee in their own company and a change of partners is possible at any time without complications. External persons can also work for the company and even take over the management.

Disadvantages of the gGmbH

Significant statutory share capital requirement

The minimum capital for the formation of a non-profit GmbH is €25,000, just as for the formation of a GmbH, at least half of which, i.e. €12,500, must be paid in at the time of formation. As with the GmbH, the gGmbH is a legal entity that owns its assets outright.

Complicated formation

The formation process is formal and requires notarisation. Founders must enter the gGmbH into the Handelsregister (commercial register). Anyone who runs a gGmbH must be familiar with the regulations governing limited liability companies: Bookkeeping and accounting are on the agenda.

The disadvantages often lie in the formation process. Likewise, the administration of the company is more costly.

Lots of bureaucracy to navigate

As a founder of a gGmbH, you have to pin down a non-profit and altruistic “purpose” so it’s acceptable to the Finanzamt (tax office). This is not easily changeable. Any changes to the company’s purpose require approval from the tax authorities.

As the gGmbH is a charitable organisation, there are strict rules around using its capital. Management can only use the funds of the gGmbH for the purposes set out in the articles of association, this includes any capital reserves. And, of course, any profit don’t go to its shareholders.

Want to know more about the gGmbH?

Our gGmbH essential reading:

What is the German non-profit limited liability company?
How to set up a gGmbH

Master list:

The Master list of all Company Formation articles

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