To apply for a business loan, companies typically need financial statements, tax returns, a business plan, proof of revenue, and legal business documents.

Applying for a business loan can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when dealing with traditional lenders. Banks typically require a long list of documents, leaving business owners without the funds they need for weeks.

Research shows that uncertainty and delayed funding are the leading factors driving small and medium-sized enterprises away from borrowing funds from banks.

By contrast, Bizcap’s application process is quick and easy, enabling funds to reach business bank accounts in as little as 24 hours.

The paperwork required to obtain a Bizcap business loan is minimal, but there are a few key business loan documents and details you’ll need.

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Can I get a loan with minimal documentation?

The basic requirements for a company loan usually include:

🔹 Registered Business – Must be a legally operating entity.

🔹 Minimum Trading Time – Some lenders require at least 6 months to 1 year of operation.

🔹 Steady Revenue – Proof of income to ensure repayment ability.

🔹 Credit History – A strong credit score increases approval chances.

🔹 Financial Statements – Business bank statements, tax returns, or profit & loss reports.

🔹 Collateral (if required) – Some loans may require business assets as security.

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Do all business lenders require the same documentation paperwork?

No, different lenders have varying requirements. Banks and traditional lenders often require extensive documentation, such as audited financials and business plans. Alternative lenders, like Bizcap, typically have faster approvals with fewer documents, making it easier for SMEs to access funding.

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What Documents You’ll Need for Traditional Lenders

Before we get to what you’ll need for a Bizcap business loan application, it's worth being aware of the documents requested by traditional lenders during the application process. These can include:

  • Financial statements (Bilanz, Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung), interim figures (Betriebswirtschaftliche Auswertung - BWA) and recent bank statements )
  • Tax number and VAT registration, Business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) and extract from the commercial register (Handelsregisterauszug) if applicable 
  • Individual tax returns and credit history of the company owners, directors and shareholders (for example via the German credit bureau SCHUFA Holding AG or other checks) 
  • Proof of income from earnings outside the business, for company owners
  • Details of your personal income, the business’ income, your savings, existing loans and credit cards
  • Identification documents (e.g. drivers license or passport) and the company registration details or partnership agreement.
  • Startups may also need to provide cash flow projections, sales forecast, business plan, lease agreement and business contract of sale.

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It can be time consuming gathering all the necessary documents and time is money. We understand that when small business owners need a cash injection, they need the funds as soon as possible. That’s why we do things differently at Bizcap.

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What Documents You’ll Need for a Bizcap Business Loan

Bizcap couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is fill out an online application form that takes less than five minutes to complete and, being a low-doc lender, the only document we ask for before making you a conditional offer is:

  • Identification documents (e.g. drivers license or passport)
  • Your business bank statements.

Best of all, we can make the initial offer without running a credit check, which avoids denting your score (as credit ratings can decline with every inquiry).

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Online Application:

Before applying for a Bizcap small business loan, ensure your business meets our minimum eligibility criteria:

  •  A valid company or tax registration (Handelsregister / Steuernummer). 
  • At least 5 months of trading
  • A minimum monthly revenue of €12,000

If your business ticks all three boxes you can apply for a business loan online. All you need to do is fill out the online application form with your business name and monthly revenue, the size of the loan you’re after and your contact details. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll be taken to Bizcaps unique open banking link or have the option to manually upload your business bank statements.

Your security is important to us, which is why we use open banking supported by our partner Plaid. It provides us with view-only access to your bank statements, which allows us to make you the best offer we can – without running a credit check.

If eligible, you can expect to receive an initial offer from Bizcap in less than 24 hours. Once you’ve accepted our offer, all we’ll ask for is your driver's license (or another form of identification). That's how easy it is!

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Other Documents Required

Once you’ve decided that you’d like to accept our loan offer, we may ask additional questions or require additional documents. These could include your business profit and loss statement, balance sheet, accounts receivable and payable and your most recent tax return.

In cases where you’re putting a property as security against the loan, we’ll ask for further documentation, such as a mortgage statement, rates notice and latest property valuation (if available).

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Offers:

It is only once you’re happy with the loan terms and wish to proceed that we run a credit report to make you an unconditional offer. Funds are often issued that same day.

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The contrast between the long list of documents required by traditional lenders and Bizcap’s streamlined approach highlights the evolution in business financing. With Bizcap, the hassle of gathering numerous documents is replaced by a straightforward online application that prioritises efficiency and speed. This makes applying for a business loan easy, and gives your business fast access to the funds it needs to plug cash flow or fuel its growth.

To find out more about Bizcap business loans and the minimal documentation required, get in touch with our team today. 

If you’d like to find out what kind of business loan you’re eligible for, apply now.

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This information is general in nature and does not constitute financial or business advice. You should consider whether any financing options are appropriate for your circumstances.

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