OnlineLiquidationWebsitesinGermany—B2BAuctionsandSurplus

How do I buy at a German liquidation auction?

Register on the platform (Surplex, Troostwijk, etc.) with your company details and VAT number. Browse lots, view catalogue and photos. Request viewing appointment if offered. Place bids online during the auction window. If you win: pay within 5–7 days by bank transfer, arrange collection within the stipulated deadline. Lots are sold as-is; there is no Widerrufsrecht (right of withdrawal) for B2B auction sales under German law.

Is VAT applicable on German liquidation auction purchases?

Yes — most lots at German liquidation auctions are sold with 19% Umsatzsteuer. If you are a VAT-registered business (German USt-IdNr. or EU VAT number), you can reclaim this as Vorsteuer on your next VAT return. Non-EU buyers should check whether the platform operates reverse charge for international sales. Always request a proper Rechnung (invoice) from the auction house with the VAT amount clearly stated.

What is the process for dissolving a German GmbH?

Dissolving a German GmbH requires: (1) Shareholders' dissolution resolution (75% majority), (2) Handelsregister notification and "in Liquidation" designation, (3) creditor call-out in Bundesanzeiger, (4) mandatory 1-year Sperrjahr (creditor protection waiting period) per §73 GmbHG, (5) final balance sheet and asset distribution, (6) Handelsregister deletion. The entire process takes minimum 13–15 months. We handle complete GmbH dissolution and Handelsregister deregistration.

What happens to employees when a German GmbH is liquidated?

In a voluntary liquidation (Auflösung), employment contracts must be terminated by the Liquidator with statutory or contractual notice (Kündigungsfristen). Employees have all normal employment protection rights. If the company is insolvent (Insolvenz), the Insolvenzverwalter handles terminations — employees receive Insolvenzgeld (insolvency pay, up to 3 months' gross salary) from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. A works council (Betriebsrat) must be consulted before mass redundancies (§17 KSchG).

Can I buy a GmbH shell company in Germany?

Yes — "shelf companies" (Vorratsgesellschaften) are pre-incorporated GmbHs available for sale. These are not the same as liquidation — they are clean companies incorporated but never traded. A GmbH shelf company can be transferred and operational within 2–5 business days, versus 2–4 weeks for a new formation. We maintain a portfolio of ready shelf companies. Cost: €3,000–€5,000 above the share capital (€25,000), total ~€28,000–€30,000.

What is the Insolvenzordnung (InsO) and how does German insolvency work?

The Insolvenzordnung (InsO) governs all German insolvency proceedings. If a German company becomes illiquid (zahlungsunfähig) or over-indebted (überschuldet), directors have a legal obligation to file for insolvency within 21 days (Section 15a InsO). Late filing is a criminal offence (Insolvenzverschleppung). The Insolvenzverwalter (insolvency administrator) is appointed by the court to manage the assets, pay creditors in priority order, and liquidate remaining assets — typically through auction platforms like Surplex or Troostwijk.

What is the difference between Regelinsolvenz and Verbraucherinsolvenz in Germany?

Regelinsolvenzverfahren (standard insolvency) applies to companies, self-employed persons, and former self-employed persons with more than 20 creditors or business-related debts. Verbraucherinsolvenz (consumer insolvency) is a simplified procedure for private individuals with purely personal debts and fewer than 20 creditors. For dissolved GmbHs and business closures, the Regelinsolvenz applies. Both procedures lead to Restschuldbefreiung (debt discharge) after 3 years in most cases since the 2021 reform (reduced from 6 years).

How long does voluntary GmbH dissolution (Auflösung) take in Germany?

Voluntary GmbH dissolution (Auflösung und Löschung) takes a minimum of 13–15 months due to the mandatory 1-year Sperrjahr (creditor protection waiting period) under Section 73 GmbHG. Process: shareholder dissolution resolution (75% majority), Handelsregister filing (company shows "in Liquidation"), creditor call in Bundesanzeiger, 1-year waiting period, final liquidation balance sheet, asset distribution to shareholders, and Handelsregister deletion. We manage the complete dissolution process including all filings.

What assets are typically sold at German liquidation auctions?

German liquidation auctions typically include: industrial machinery (CNC machines, presses, conveyor systems), office furniture and IT equipment, vehicles (trucks, forklifts, company cars), medical and laboratory equipment, food production equipment, textiles and clothing inventory, construction equipment, and hotel/restaurant fixtures. The best deals are often at insolvency auctions of Mittelstand manufacturers — precision machinery at 20–40% of replacement value. Major platforms: Surplex (industrial), Troostwijk (mixed), Wertauktion (office/IT), Deutsche Zoll-Auktionen (confiscated goods).

What buyer protections apply when purchasing assets at German liquidation auctions?

German B2B auction sales are generally "as is" — Gewährleistungsausschluss (warranty exclusion) is standard in auction terms. Buyers have no Widerrufsrecht (right of withdrawal) for B2B auctions. The auction house is typically not liable for defects. Practical protection: attend the Besichtigung (viewing) before bidding, request maintenance records and operating hours data for machinery, have technical experts assess high-value lots, and factor removal costs (Abbau und Transport) into your bid. Always request a formal invoice (Rechnung) with VAT breakdown for Vorsteuer reclaim.