Investment Guide
The German market was never closer. And setting up business in Germany never easier. We have considerable experience in helping international companies set up business in Germany.
At some point in the process of setting up a company, investors usually visit their future business location in Germany. Like every country, Germany has certain entry regulations that might require different types of visas and permits. What visa is needed for establishing a business in Germany? And most importantly: how can it be obtained?
Any entrepreneur who wishes to start a business in Germany may do so: there are generally no restrictions limiting the establishment of new companies. Find out what steps are required for establishing the new business in Germany: from choosing the appropriate legal form for the business to entry in the trade register.
Germany offers a competitive system of company taxation. The average tax burden on companies is less than 30 percent. In some regions, due to a locally variable rate of trade tax, it is under 23 percent. This means that company taxation in Germany is clearly competitive with other leading industrial nations. Read more in the following chapters.
A company's success very much depends on its employees. Finding suitable staff in Germany is quite easy. But what considerations need to be addressed once employees are found? How is employment regulated? What do employers need to know about the German social security system? And how does payroll accounting work?
n principle, business activities in Germany are free from regulations limiting day to day business. Intellectual property is strongly protected by patent laws which hold foreign entrepreneurs to the same conditions as Germans. If necessary, investors’ rights can be enforced by Germany’s efficient judicial system.
Germany offers numerous incentives for foreign investors. There is a variety of programs available, designed to fit the needs of economic activities at different stages of the investment process. Support ranges from cash incentives to labour-related and R&D incentives. Find out how your investment project can benefit from public funding.
Information by Germany Trade & Invest GmbH