Why does closing a GmbH take at least a year?
Last updated: Oct 21, 2026, 17:46 (UTC+08:00)
Because of the blocking year. After the dissolution is published and creditors are called to come forward, the remaining assets cannot be paid out to shareholders until debts are settled and one year has passed. Only then can the company be removed from the register.
Source: GmbH-Gesetz § 73: Sperrjahr, Federal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de