Reaching majority and what changes

In short: At 18 parental custody ends. You have full legal capacity, need no approval any more and can open accounts, payment providers and contracts yourself.

In more detail: For a small business this means: the authorisation and approval are no longer needed. The business continues without parents or court being involved. At the same time the special protection ends; liability is limited under § 1629a BGB, but only for old debts.

In detail

• Contracts: new contracts apply in full immediately. Old contracts have to be reviewed and, if needed, actively confirmed or cancelled.
• Payment providers: now you can open Stripe, PayPal and business accounts yourself.
• Taxes and insurance: family health insurance may end, so check health insurance and child benefit again.
• Timing: shortly before the 18th birthday it is worth checking all contracts so that no legacy items continue.
• Liability limit: if you want to rely on § 1629a BGB, do it soon after reaching majority.

See also: Liability limit for minors (§ 1629a BGB), Legal capacity of minors