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Appointing a Managing Director for a Canadian MedTech Startup

When a Canadian MedTech company recently set up a GmbH in Germany, they encountered a critical step: appointing an experienced and reliable local managing director.

Sounds simple? It’s not. From identifying the right candidate to understanding and meeting local obligations and regulations, getting this right is essential for a successful and compliant launch.

With support from Greenfields, the company:

✅ Appointed a qualified director provided by Greenfields in accordance with German law

✅ Navigated liability, authority, and residency requirements

✅ Registered changes with the commercial register (Handelsregister)

✅ Met transparency and AML compliance under German law

 

Why the Role of Managing Director Is So Crucial in Germany

Appointing a Geschäftsführer (MD) is more than naming a contact person. It involves:

📌 Legal Representation – The MD manages daily operations and legally represents the company

📌 Compliance & Accountability – The MD holds personal liability for the company’s actions

📌 Authority & Banking Access – Key decisions and account management depend on this role

📌 Residency & Tax Substance Considerations – Local presence often accelerates processes and demonstrates genuine economic activity

 

💡 Need to appoint a managing director for your German company? Let’s connect!