Document background
Corporation Articles of Incorporation are essential foundational documents required when establishing a new company in Germany or converting an existing business into a corporate structure. This document, known as 'Satzung' for an AG (public company) or 'Gesellschaftsvertrag' for a GmbH (private limited company), must be notarized and filed with the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) to legally establish the corporation. It defines the company's fundamental characteristics, including its name, registered office, corporate purpose, share capital structure, management framework, and shareholder rights and obligations. The document must comply with mandatory requirements under German corporate law while allowing for customization to meet specific business needs and shareholder arrangements. It serves as the primary reference point for corporate governance throughout the company's lifetime and can only be modified through formal amendment procedures.
