Buy a Company in Europe from the UAE: Ready-Made GmbH & Shelf Companies
If you want to buy a company in Germany from the UAE, the fastest route is a ready-made shelf company: a clean German limited liability company (GmbH) that already exists in the commercial register and is waiting for a new owner. You take it over remotely from Dubai or Abu Dhabi through a notarised share transfer and can start trading within days, instead of waiting weeks to form a company from scratch. Müller Konsult handles the whole acquisition for UAE-based founders, across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
To be clear from the outset, this is not a marketplace of trading businesses for sale, it is not a mega-cap M&A deal, and it is not a Dubai offshore shell. A European company for UAE residents, in the sense most investors mean, is a clean, onshore EU entity, sold precisely because it has never traded and is ready to use.
What “buy a company in Europe from the UAE” really means
The phrase covers a specific product: a pre-registered European shelf company, most often a German GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung), also known as a Vorratsgesellschaft or ready-made company. It was incorporated, had its share capital paid in, and was entered in the Handelsregister, but it has never traded. It carries no debts, no contracts, and no history. It sits “on the shelf” until a buyer takes it over.
Because the entity already exists in law, you are not founding anything; you buy the shares of a company that is ready to operate. Under the German Limited Liability Companies Act, a GmbH only comes into existence once it is entered in the commercial register (GmbHG §11), and a shelf company has already crossed that line.
This matters most for UAE buyers because the search results for “company for sale Germany” mix four very different things: operating businesses on marketplaces, large corporate M&A, Dubai offshore shells, and even Germans setting up in the UAE. We deal in none of those. We transfer clean, onshore European companies to clients based in the Emirates.
Who buys a European shelf company from the UAE?
Buying onshore in Europe suits UAE-based founders who need credibility and speed at the same time:
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi entrepreneurs trading with EU suppliers or customers who want a European-registered counterparty.
- Free-zone and mainland company owners adding an EU arm without dismantling their UAE structure.
- GCC investors and family offices seeking a compliant, onshore holding or trading vehicle in the DACH region.
- Founders who want to stay in the UAE and complete the purchase remotely, by power of attorney, rather than relocating.
If your priority is a recognised European entity that can sign contracts, invoice, and open a bank account quickly, a ready-made company is usually the most practical option.
Which European country should a UAE investor choose?
Germany is the default for size and credibility, but it is not the only onshore option, and the right choice depends on your purpose. The table below shows the headline minimum capital for each entity, drawn from the governing statutes.
| Jurisdiction & entity | Minimum share capital | Often chosen by UAE buyers for |
|---|---|---|
| Germany — GmbH | €25,000 (GmbHG §5) | Largest EU market, strong banking, brand credibility |
| Germany — UG | From below €25,000 (GmbHG §5a) | A lower-capital entry into Germany |
| Switzerland — GmbH | CHF 20,000 | Finance, trading, neutral reputation |
| Switzerland — AG | CHF 100,000 | Larger ventures, investor-facing structures |
| Austria — GmbH | €10,000 (≥ €5,000 cash) | Lower-capital EU entry; German-speaking market |
| Liechtenstein — AG | CHF 50,000 | Holding and asset-protection structures |
Each route has its own tax and reporting profile. We can match you to a shelf company in Germany, a Swiss AG, a Swiss GmbH, an Austrian GmbH, or a Liechtenstein AG or holding, depending on where you want to operate.
GmbH, UG or GmbH & Co. KG: the German options
Within Germany, “buy a company” usually means the standard GmbH, but there are alternatives:
- GmbH — the standard limited liability company, minimum share capital €25,000.
- UG (haftungsbeschränkt) — the “mini-GmbH”, which can start with less capital but must build a statutory reserve until it reaches €25,000 (GmbHG §5a). See buy a UG in Germany.
- GmbH & Co. KG — a limited partnership with a GmbH as general partner, useful for certain tax and liability setups. See buy a GmbH & Co. KG.
We recommend the structure that fits your business purpose rather than selling a single fixed package.
- 1. Consultation — We propose the right company and structure for your goals.
- 2. Due diligence — We confirm the company is clean, debt-free and compliant.
- 3. Notarial transfer — Ownership passes to you — remotely if needed (GmbHG §15).
- 4. Setup — Banking, tax, registered address and director are put in place.
The purchase process step by step
The acquisition is built to stay safe and predictable from first call to handover, even when you never leave the UAE:
- Consultation. You tell us your goals and preferred jurisdiction; we propose a clean company that is debt-free, litigation-free, and current on tax.
- Due diligence. We review the company’s legal, financial, and tax position so you know exactly what you are buying.
- Share purchase agreement. We draft and sign the SPA covering the share transfer and all corporate documents.
- Notarial share transfer. Ownership passes by notarial act, mandatory under GmbHG §15. Remote and power-of-attorney options are available for buyers in the UAE.
- Commercial register update. The new managing director, shareholders, and registered office are filed with the Handelsregister, and an updated shareholder list (Gesellschafterliste) is submitted.
- Bank account. We help you open or transfer a business bank account in Germany and update the signatories and beneficial owners.
- Tax and ongoing support. We confirm the tax number, complete tax-office registrations, and support ongoing compliance.
Why a German notary is required
German law does not allow a GmbH to change hands by private contract. The transfer of the shares, and even the agreement obliging someone to transfer them, must be recorded in notarial form (GmbHG §15). That requirement exists to give certainty and to deter fraud, which is why every legitimate GmbH purchase runs through a notary.
Completing the purchase remotely from Dubai
You do not have to fly to Germany. Most UAE clients complete the purchase by granting a power of attorney to a representative who attends the notary on their behalf, or through a remote notarisation route where available. We prepare the documents for signature in the UAE, arrange any required legalisation or apostille of your Emirates identification and corporate papers, and coordinate the appointment so the deal closes without you travelling.
What you provide: KYC, UBO and source of funds
German anti-money-laundering rules (the Geldwäschegesetz, GwG) apply to every company purchase, and source-of-funds checks are commonly scrutinised for Gulf-based buyers. We will ask you to:
- Identify the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) with passport or Emirates ID.
- Provide details of the incoming managing director(s) and shareholders.
- Confirm the planned business activity and company purpose.
- Supply proof of your UAE address, plus corporate documents and the ownership chain if the buyer is a UAE or free-zone entity.
- Evidence the source of funds where the notary or bank requires it.
Our team coordinates the KYC checks and authority communication so the file is complete before the notary appointment.
- €25,000 — Germany — GmbH
- €10,000 — Austria — GmbH
- CHF 20,000 — Switzerland — GmbH
- CHF 50,000 — Liechtenstein — AG
Bar length is scaled to an approximate EUR equivalent; capital is stated in each country’s statutory currency. Sources: GmbHG §5, Austrian GesRÄG 2023, Swiss CO, Liechtenstein PGR.
Share capital and German legal requirements
The numbers behind a German GmbH come straight from the GmbHG, and it helps to know them before you buy:
- Minimum share capital is €25,000 (GmbHG §5). Each share must have a nominal value in full euros.
- Before registration, at least one quarter of each share’s nominal value must be paid in, and the total must be at least €12,500 (GmbHG §7).
- The company exists only once entered in the commercial register (GmbHG §11). With a shelf company, that is already done.
- Liability is limited: the company’s assets alone discharge its obligations to creditors (GmbHG §13), so shareholders’ personal assets are protected.
- A managing director is required — every GmbH must have at least one Geschäftsführer (GmbHG §6).
With a ready-made GmbH, the capital is already paid in and verified, so you are not arranging a fresh deposit from the UAE during the purchase.
What it costs: included vs extra
Many providers either hide their prices or quote a single “from” figure with no breakdown. We prefer to show the logic. Think of the price in two parts: what is built into every purchase, and the optional extras you choose.
| Always included | Optional extras |
|---|---|
| The statutory share capital (e.g. €25,000 for a German GmbH) | A business bank account |
| Notarial fees for the share transfer | A VAT number (USt-IdNr) |
| Commercial register fees | A virtual office / registered address |
| The full set of company documents and transfer costs | A nominee or local managing director |
| An aged company (older registration date) | |
| Legalisation / apostille of UAE documents | |
| Ongoing tax, accounting, and compliance |
A key point: the share capital is not a fee. It belongs to the company and can be used in its business once you own it. So a large part of any honest price is simply the capital that ends up working for you; the service element is modest by comparison. Contact us for a transparent, all-inclusive quote tailored to your jurisdiction.
Based in the UAE and not sure which structure fits? Request a free, no-obligation callback with our lawyers. Talk to our team.
A bank account, VAT number and tax number
A company can only trade once it can move money and invoice, and for UAE-based owners these registrations are often the slowest part:
- Bank account. Opening a European business account is usually the biggest bottleneck for non-resident owners, so many buyers choose a shelf company with a bank account already in place. A nominee or local director can help satisfy the bank’s requirements. We are honest that bank approval depends on the bank’s own checks and is never guaranteed.
- VAT number. A company with a VAT number (USt-IdNr) lets you invoice and trade across the EU immediately, rather than waiting for a fresh registration.
- Tax number. Where the shelf company already holds a tax number, you avoid the wait a brand-new company faces. We confirm the registrations carry over to you.
Tax for UAE owners: treaty, residency and the 183-day rule
Tax is the question UAE founders ask most, and it is genuinely complex. A German company is taxed in Germany on its German profits, at an effective rate of roughly 30% (corporation tax of 15% plus the 5.5% solidarity surcharge, plus municipal trade tax), with VAT at 19%. That liability applies regardless of the favourable tax environment in the UAE, where corporate tax was only introduced in 2023.
The relationship between German and UAE taxation, and personal tax-residency tests such as the 183-day rule, depend on the double-taxation treaty position and your individual circumstances, which change over time. We do not state treaty terms here, because getting them wrong would be worse than useless. Check the German Federal Ministry of Finance double-taxation portal and take qualified advice; we coordinate with your tax adviser so the structure is sound on both sides.
This section is general information, not tax advice. Tax treaties, residency tests, and rates change. Always confirm your position with a qualified German and UAE tax adviser before acting.
Do you need to move to Germany?
No. Owning a German or European company has no residency requirement, so you can hold and run it from the UAE. Living or working in Germany is a separate matter governed by immigration law, not company law. If you do want to relocate or obtain a residence permit alongside the company, that is a distinct process; our guide on how to buy a company in Germany as a foreigner explains how ownership and residence fit together.
What “clean” means: due diligence
“Clean” and “debt-free” are easy claims to make, so it is worth knowing what stands behind them. Before any purchase we run due diligence on the company’s legal, financial, and tax position to confirm there are no debts, no litigation, no tax arrears, and no hidden obligations. A genuine shelf company has never traded, so there is nothing to inherit, but we verify rather than assume, and we tell you exactly what the record shows. That is the difference between a company described as clean and one proven to be.
Ongoing compliance and after-sale support
Buying the company is the start, not the finish, and a German GmbH carries real ongoing obligations that most sellers never mention. We stay with you for them:
- Bookkeeping and accounting in line with German requirements.
- Annual financial statements and their filing.
- Tax returns (corporate income tax, trade tax, VAT) and tax-office correspondence.
- Register and transparency-register upkeep when ownership or management changes.
- Amendments to the articles of association, company name, registered office, or business activities.
Our goal is to keep your company in good standing long after handover, which matters more when you are managing it from another time zone.
Why buy from a lawyer-led onshore provider, not an offshore shop
The UAE-facing search results are full of offshore sellers and anonymous checkout pages. A European company is a real legal entity carrying real obligations, so who you buy it from matters. With Müller Konsult you get:
- Onshore sourcing. Genuine EU-registered companies, not offshore shells, grounded in the actual law (the GmbHG sections cited throughout this page).
- Genuine due diligence. Every company is verified clean before transfer.
- Transparent pricing. A clear, all-inclusive quote, not a vague “from” number or a hidden price.
- Cross-border experience. Remote completion for UAE buyers, with UAE-document legalisation handled.
- A named, accountable adviser. A corporate lawyer with a real office and contact details, not a form.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UAE resident buy a company in Germany?
Yes. There is no nationality or residency requirement to own a German GmbH or other European company. UAE nationals and expatriate residents can both own and direct a German entity, subject to standard KYC and anti-money-laundering checks.
Can I buy from Dubai without travelling?
Yes. Most UAE clients complete the purchase remotely, by granting a power of attorney or using a remote notarisation route. We prepare and legalise the documents for signature in the Emirates and coordinate the notary appointment on your behalf.
Is it a clean shelf company or a trading business?
A clean, never-traded shelf company. It is not an operating business from a marketplace, a large M&A target, or a Dubai offshore shell. It carries no debts, contracts, or trading history, which is exactly why it can be transferred to you quickly.
What is the difference between an onshore EU company and a Dubai offshore shell?
An onshore European company is registered in an EU (or DACH) commercial register, can build real substance, and is eligible for EU banking and VAT. An offshore shell is a different product with different reputational and banking implications. We deal only in onshore entities.
Which European country should a UAE investor choose?
Germany suits those wanting the largest EU market and strong banking; Switzerland suits finance and trading; Austria offers lower entry capital (€10,000); Liechtenstein suits holding structures. The comparison table above sets out the minimum capital for each.
What is the minimum share capital of a German GmbH?
€25,000 under GmbHG §5, with at least €12,500 paid in before registration under §7. In a shelf company the capital is already paid in and verified, so you do not arrange a fresh deposit during the purchase.
Is a notary required?
Yes. Under GmbHG §15, a German share transfer must be recorded in notarial form, so every GmbH purchase involves a notarial act. For UAE buyers this is usually handled by power of attorney.
Are the companies debt-free?
Yes. We offer clean shelf companies that are debt-free and litigation-free, with taxes and legal obligations up to date, all confirmed during due diligence before the transfer.
How long does the purchase take?
Once KYC is cleared and documents are signed, most shelf companies can be transferred quickly and made ready to operate within a few days. Remote completion from the UAE depends on how fast identity and corporate documents are reviewed and legalised.
Can I get a bank account as a UAE owner?
Often the company already includes a bank account; otherwise we help you open one. A nominee or local director can help meet a bank’s requirements. Bank approval depends on the bank’s own checks and is never guaranteed.
Can it come with a VAT number?
Yes. A VAT-registered company (USt-IdNr) lets you invoice and trade across the EU immediately, instead of waiting for a fresh VAT registration after formation.
Do I need to move to or live in Germany?
No. Owning a German company has no residency requirement. Living or working in Germany is governed separately by immigration law. You can own and run the company from the UAE.
What KYC and source-of-funds do I provide?
Identification of the beneficial owners (passport or Emirates ID), details of the incoming director and shareholders, the planned business activity, proof of address, and evidence of the source of funds where the notary or bank requires it.
Is there a tax treaty between Germany and the UAE?
Treaty status is tax-sensitive and changes over time, so we do not state terms here. Check the German Federal Ministry of Finance double-taxation portal and take qualified advice. We coordinate with your tax adviser to keep the structure sound on both sides.
What is the 183-day rule?
It is a residency and tax-presence test used to determine where an individual is taxed. Company ownership is separate from personal tax residency, so owning a German entity does not by itself make you German-tax-resident. Confirm your personal position with an adviser.
Is the UAE 100% tax-free?
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax in 2023, so it is no longer entirely tax-free for businesses. Regardless, a German company is taxed in Germany on its German profits at an effective rate of around 30%. Personal and cross-border treatment needs professional advice.
What does the price include, and what costs extra?
Always included: the statutory share capital, notarial and register fees, and all company documents. Optional extras: a bank account, VAT number, virtual office, nominee director, an aged company, UAE-document legalisation, and ongoing tax support.
Why buy from a lawyer rather than an offshore shop?
Because a European company carries real legal obligations. A lawyer-led onshore provider gives you genuine EU-registered entities, real due diligence, statutory grounding, transparent pricing, and a named, accountable adviser, rather than an anonymous offshore checkout.
Official sources
- German Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG), official English text — gesetze-im-internet.de
- German Commercial Register (Handelsregister) — handelsregister.de
- Transparency register (Transparenzregister) — transparenzregister.de
- Federal Ministry of Finance, double-taxation agreements — bundesfinanzministerium.de
Ready to buy a European company from the UAE?
Contact Müller Konsult for a fully compliant, ready-made German or European company, completed remotely from the Emirates. We assess your goals, propose the right jurisdiction, and guide you through every step. Müller Konsult · Königsallee 27, 40212 Düsseldorf · +49 211 5403 8800 · info@gmbhforsale.com · Request a callback
Reviewed by Stefan Stelthove, Corporate & Commercial Lawyer, Müller Konsult. Last updated 7 June 2026.
Related: Shelf company Germany · GmbH for sale · Swiss AG for sale · Austrian GmbH · How to buy a company in Germany as a foreigner
