Entrepreneurs in Berlin can now register their businesses and complete tax registration through a single digital process using KfW’s start-up platform app. This new procedure allows business founders to fill out an interactive questionnaire, which automatically generates the necessary forms for both business and tax registration. The data is then transmitted directly to relevant Berlin agencies, and any required fees can be paid immediately via the app’s integration with Berlin’s e-payment system.
This marks the first time that business and tax registrations can be completed entirely online in Germany, with Berlin serving as the pilot federal state for this standard operating procedure. The dual administrative process previously required has been replaced by a streamlined, paperless solution. Officials expect this approach to become a nationwide standard, enabling company formation fully digitally within 24 hours.
Melanie Kehr, Executive Board Member for domestic promotion at KfW, stated: “Start-ups are essential drivers of our competitiveness. By launching a fully digital start-up process in Berlin, we are enhancing the attractiveness of Germany as a business hub for creative entrepreneurs while also fostering innovation and growth.” She added: “This is a significant step forwards for entrepreneurs in Berlin.”
Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Operations of the state of Berlin, commented: “Fast, secure and digital – from today, entrepreneurs in Berlin can register their company in just a few clicks via an app. We are working with KfW to make our city a pioneer across Germany and demonstrating how consistent digitalisation of administration can reduce bureaucracy and strengthen the economy. The new procedure is part of Berlin’s Digital Business Service (DIWI), through which we will offer more than 300 individual administrative services for the business sector by the end of this year. This is an important prerequisite for our goal of making Berlin the number one innovation hub in Europe.”
The KfW start-up platform provides tools for developing business models and plans as well as support from a network of partners. More than 100,000 entrepreneurs have used it so far.
Digital business registration has already been widely adopted in Berlin; over 80 percent of registrations were completed digitally in 2024. The current initiative adds closer integration with tax registration through the KfW app.
Further information about these services is available on the platform.