Establishing a business in Europe – the UK versus Germany

29 September 2025 / Insight posted in Articles

For international companies seeking an entry point into Europe’s marketplace, the UK and Germany are immediate choices. Both have strong economies, skilled workforces and global connections. This guide summarises the key legal and financial differences.

Market entry

Advantages of branches or companies.

Legal status and liability

Choosing a branch or company will determine who is liable.

Migration of workers

Compliance and reporting

Determining administrative duties.

Taxation

Determining double or independent corporate tax.

Moore Kingston Smith and SONNTAG are here to help

Both the UK and Germany are attractive options for a European base, but the right choice depends on business goals. Besides the structure of the entity in the host country, there is also language, transport, EU penetration and remuneration levels to be considered.

If you are looking to set up in Europe, our dedicated teams of legal and tax experts in both the UK and Germany are here to help you choose. Please contact Moore Kingston Smith (UK) and SONNTAG (Germany) to find out how we can support your European expansion. As members of Moore Global, we provide access to expertise and resources worldwide.

If you are a German company looking to enter the UK market, or a UK company planning to expand to Germany, our article provides detailed insights.

*This table is for information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or tax advice and should not be relied on or treated as a substitute for specific advice relevant to particular circumstances.

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