An app to make starting a company easier:

• For the first time, business and tax registrations can be completed entirely online through the start-up platform app
• Berlin is the first federal state to implement a new standard operating procedure
• Seamless data transfer to Berlin trade offices

KfW and the state of Berlin are setting new standards throughout Germany. Entrepreneurs in Berlin can now register their business and register with the tax office in a single digital process via KfW’s start-up platform (“Gründerplattform”) app and transfer data to the tax office directly.

How the new process works

• Step 1: Business founders answer an interactive questionnaire about their project in the app.
• Step 2: The responses automatically generate the forms for registering the business and for the associated tax declaration, bundled into a single application.
• Step 3: The app transmits the data for business registration digitally to the relevant Berlin agencies.
• Step 4: Any fees required can be paid immediately in the start-up platform app via Berlin’s e-payment system.

This completes two key steps in establishing a new company – quick, secure and paperless. The previous dual procedure with two different administrative bodies is no longer needed. The project is being launched in Berlin and will significantly streamline the process for registering a new business. The aim is a nationwide and uniform process to set up a new company fully digitally and within 24 hours.

Melanie Kehr, Executive Board Member for domestic promotion at KfW:

“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.”

Digital business registration via the start-up platform app reduces bureaucratic hurdles and simplifies the registration process considerably.

“This is a significant step forwards for entrepreneurs in Berlin,”

says Kehr.

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Operations of the state of Berlin:

“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.”

About KfW’s start-up platform:

The start-up platform is an innovative and free approach that addresses the bureaucratic challenges in the process of starting a company. Those interested can develop their business model, create their business plan and receive support from a wide network of partners. The platform has already helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs.

About Berlin’s Digital Business Service:

Digital business registration has been established in Berlin for years with a high number of users. Most recently, in 2024 more than 80 per cent of business registrations in the capital were completed digitally. A new feature is the close integration with tax registration via the KfW start-up platform app.

Further information can be found directly on the platform: Start-up platform - The toolkit for your business (in German).

A graphic on the topic of digital business registration is available for download at:

Graphic start-up platform(PNG, 216 KB).