Cooperative (eG) Registration

Overview: Cooperative`s (Eingetragene Genossenschaft – eG) main aim is to satisfy certain material needs of its members pursuant to their “membership rights”. The basic idea is that a Cooperative conducts activities for the benefit of the members.

Purpose: Registration of a eG

Main specifications:

• a legal entity
• liability of members can be limited or excluded
• no minimum capital
• various types of capital contributions from each partner (e.g. cash contribution, goods, labor)
• profit rights and voting rights can be attributed to the members in different ways

Registering authority: the German Trade Register (subject to a deed executed by a German notary)

Term of registration: 15-20 working days

Personal presence: Optional

Conditions for registration:

• Members of Cooperative – Minimum 2 (maximum – unlimited) natural/legal person of any nationality/jurisdiction
• Director – Minimum 1 (maximum – unlimited) natural/legal person of any nationality/jurisdiction
• Registered office address in Germany

Required documents:

• Passport or European ID card (for all associated persons)
• Proof of residential address not older than 3 months (for all associated natural persons)
• Extract from the Trade Register not older than 3 months (for all associated legal persons)
• Document, authorizing to use of the registered office address (Copy of the Rental Agreement, Authorization Letter from the Owner, Certificate on Property)
• Power of attorney (in case of remote registration)
• Signed copy of the Deed of Incorporation

Optional documents:

• Cooperative`s Membership Agreement