Nurdan Ertogan, Rechtsanwältin, Köln
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Business Start-ups in Cologne

Anyone becoming self-employed makes early decisions that are difficult to correct later. The Ertogan law firm in Cologne guides you through the step into self-employment in a legally sound and personal way.

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Starting a business raises many legal questions, often before the first order has even been written. Which legal structure fits your plans, how do you protect yourself against business partners, and which contracts do you need from the outset? These decisions are usually made in the first few weeks and have an impact for years afterward. Early advice helps avoid later disputes and unnecessary costs.

The Ertogan law firm has advised founders from Cologne since 2010, in German, Turkish and English. Attorney Nurdan Ertogan handles every matter personally and takes the time to understand your specific starting point. Whether sole proprietorship, freelance status or a limited company, we set out the legal options and show you the consequences of each choice, so you can make your decisions on a clear basis.

01You may recognise this

  • You want to become self-employed and are not sure whether a sole proprietorship, GbR, UG or GmbH is the right legal structure.
  • You are founding a business together with partners and need a partnership agreement that regulates responsibilities, profit distribution and exit arrangements.
  • You have your first client contracts, terms and conditions, or a proposal in front of you and want the liability risks checked beforehand.
  • You are unsure how much of your personal assets you would be liable with in the event of debts or mistakes, and how you can protect yourself.
  • You are taking over an existing business or joining an ongoing company and want to understand the contracts and liabilities involved.

02How I support you

Advice on the right legal structure and an explanation of the consequences for liability, tax and administrative effort.
Drafting and reviewing partnership agreements for GbR, UG and GmbH structures.
Drafting and reviewing your first contracts with clients, suppliers and service providers.
Preparing and reviewing terms and conditions (AGB) and legal notices for your business.
Clarifying liability questions and options for limiting personal risk.
Support with business registration, entry in the commercial register, and coordination with the notary.

03How we work together

We begin with an initial meeting in which you describe your plans and we clarify the legal framework and any open questions. You then receive an assessment of the appropriate legal structure and a proposal for which contracts and steps make sense in your situation. On this basis, we draft or review the necessary documents and coordinate them with you. Where needed, we accompany you to appointments with the notary and remain available even after the business is launched.

04What does the advice cost?

The initial consultation is a paid service costing 249.90 euros for private individuals and 450 euros for businesses. Further work is billed under the German Attorneys' Remuneration Act or under a fee agreement at an hourly rate of 450 euros. These figures are for non-binding orientation; the specific fee depends on the scope of your matter and is discussed with you in advance.

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05Frequently asked questions about Business Start-ups

Which legal structure is right for my business start-up?
The right legal structure depends on your liability needs, the number of founders, the starting capital and your tax goals. For many solo self-employed people, a sole proprietorship is enough at first, while a UG or GmbH becomes worthwhile once you want to limit your personal liability. In the consultation, we set out the options based on your specific plans.
What is the difference between a UG and a GmbH?
The UG and the GmbH are both limited liability companies, and they differ mainly in the minimum capital required. A UG can be founded with as little as one euro of registered capital but must build up reserves, whereas a GmbH requires registered capital of 25,000 euros. Which structure suits you depends on your financial situation and how you want to present yourself in the market.
Do I need a partnership agreement for a GmbH?
Yes, a notarised partnership agreement is mandatory for a GmbH. It governs, among other things, the company's business purpose, shares, management, and how a partner's departure is handled. We draft or review the agreement and coordinate it with you before the notary appointment.
How am I liable as a founder for my company's debts?
As a sole proprietor or a partner in a GbR, you are generally liable with your entire personal assets. With a UG or GmbH, liability is usually limited to the company's assets, provided you meet your duties as managing director. We explain which risks apply to your legal structure and how you can protect yourself.
From when do I need to register a business?
You must register a business as soon as you take up an independent, ongoing, profit-oriented activity that is not a liberal profession. Freelancers such as doctors, lawyers or many creative professionals are exempt from business registration. Whether your activity counts as a trade or a liberal profession is something we clarify together based on your services.
Do I need my own terms and conditions (AGB) as a founder?
Terms and conditions are not mandatory in every case, but are very useful in many business models. They govern recurring points such as payment terms, delivery times, liability and the right of withdrawal, and create clarity for your customers. It is important that the clauses fit your offering and are legally valid, since invalid clauses can become costly.
What should my first client contracts include?
A good contract describes the service, price, deadlines and the consequences of any problems as clearly as possible. Especially at the start, clear rules on payment, warranty and termination help avoid later disputes. We review your drafts or prepare templates you can reuse for similar assignments.
Can I get advice from the Ertogan law firm in Turkish or English?
Yes, the Ertogan law firm advises in German, Turkish and English. Especially with legal questions around starting a business, it is important that you understand every point in your preferred language, so you can make your decisions confidently and without a language barrier.
When should I involve a lawyer in the founding process?
It is best to involve a lawyer before you settle on a legal structure and sign the first contracts. At that stage, decisions can still be made correctly without much effort, whereas corrections later are often more complicated. Early advice can help you avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs.
What does legal advice for a business start-up cost?
The paid initial consultation costs 249.90 euros for private individuals and 450 euros for businesses. Further cooperation is billed under the German Attorneys' Remuneration Act or under a fee agreement at an hourly rate of 450 euros. The exact fee depends on the scope of your matter and is discussed with you transparently in advance.
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