Investing in Germany

At the center of Europe

Germany's central location within Europe gives investors access to the entire market of the European Union (EU) as well as the markets of Central and Eastern Europe. With around 450 million consumers, the EU internal market is the largest common economic area in the world. With the highest GNP and the largest population in the European Union, Germany is Europe's most important market.

• Germany generates nearly a quarter of its gross domestic product in Europe.
• Germany is the largest economy in Europe.
• With more than 83 million residents, Germany is the largest state in the European Union (2022).
• Germany is an influential financial location (seat of the European Central Bank).
• Germany offers excellent commercial structures and long-established contacts to the European markets with the highest trade volumes.
• Germany is a springboard to the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe.
• Germany has acquired know-how through the decades-long integration of East and West.

Quality and innovation

Germany is strong in the development of innovative products. "Made in Germany" is recognized all over the world as shorthand for the above-average quality of German products and testifies to the high qualification of the workforce. 

• Highly qualified specialists from Germany set international benchmarks.
• Rigorous standards for higher education and vocational training ensure a large supply of excellently qualified personnel.
• World-class research and close cooperation between academic science, research and industry make Germany one of the most important sites of innovation in the world.
• Germany is the most important European technology supplier.

Research and development

The German government has a special focus on providing support for research and development. In this context, Germany's research policy treats all companies equally, whether they are German or foreign-owned.

The policy works:

• Germany is a country of innovators. About 24,700 patent applications to the European Patent Office (EPO) came from Germany in 2022, making the Federal Republic the European champion. and third place worldwide. Worldwide, Germany is in second place, behind the USA.
• In terms of multinational companies, Germany is one of the world's most attractive destinations for investments in research.
• Germany is a world leader in nanotechnologies and number 1 in Europe. About half of the companies based in Europe come from Germany.
• More biotechnology firms are founded in Germany than in any other country in Europe.

Mobility and transportation

Germany has a highly developed infrastructure and one of the world's most intricately linked motorway networks. Nearly 230,000 km of roads, including more than 13,000 km of autobahn and around 38,000 km of rail lines make Germany a nexus for European freight transport.

Political system of the Federal Republic of Germany

Long-term stability and the ability to plan ahead are important factors when deciding whether to invest or pursue other economic engagement in a given region. Germany has a state infrastructure that functions extremely well, while ensuring social order and creating a level playing field across the entire country.

Social welfare system of the Federal Republic of Germany

Guaranteeing the welfare of individuals is a primary focus for the German political system. Social security is fundamental for a high quality of life. The welfare state is based on the principles of solidarity and individual responsibility. Germany's social safety is based on a network of laws in all of the states designed to provide security for individuals in case of sickness, disability and old age as well as policies that provide allowances for dependent children and housing.

Associations and interest groups in Germany

After the Federal Government relocated from Bonn to Berlin, many large German associations have followed suit by moving their headquarters to the new capital on the Spree. As the seat of the Federal Government and many of the country's most important industry and trade groups, Berlin is a political and economic center in Germany.

Federal and state taxes

The taxes collected by the state allow it to fulfill its responsibility of promoting the public good in fields such as social welfare, education, infrastructure and healthcare. Accordingly, the measures taken under tax policy contribute to the promotion of investment and to improving Germany's competitiveness in the global economy.

Services for companies

Germany offers companies efficient and unbureaucratic support for their plans to establish new locations here. The organizations charged with administering economic development assistance offer robust support and help companies search for locations, recruit personnel and secure funding.