US companies entering the German market

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Germany – a market made for US companies

Germany is the EU country with the strongest economy, and the ideal entry point into the European economic area. Germany’s central location, good connections and outstanding infrastructure make it the ideal stepping-stone into Europe for US investors. You also gain access to the neighbouring markets, like France, the Netherlands and Eastern Europe.

Key points in brief

Companies from the USA need extensive tax advice in Germany from day one.
German employment legislation is complex – employees have many rights and often enjoy special protection from dismissal.
Companies in Germany are obligated to cover their employees’ social security. We’ll answer all your questions on these topics.
Selecting a legal form for your establishment in Germany will have an effect on all the areas of the business and decisions for the future.

Employment law and social insurance – the two most major differences

Particular differences exist between Germany and the USA in administration, bureaucracy and the social system. Selecting a legal form is already a crucial decision because different business structures have different requirements, and this will have different effects on how the business is run and on questions of liability. In Germany, social security contributions have to be paid for each employee. These have to be calculated correctly, even when the business is growing quickly. We’ll be glad to be at your side with all our expertise.

Challenges and solutions

Shaped by domestic and EU directives, regulation in Germany is extensive – from health and safety to data protection to compliance. With our knowledge of the legal aspects of all areas of business, we’ll assist you in getting established in Germany quickly.

We’re there when you need us and provide advisory in the following areas:

Business acquisitions, founding companies and restructuring
All tax and legal topics in all areas of business law
Compliance services
Subsidies – from Germany or the EU
Questions about EU legislation (e.g. the General Data Protection Regulation)
Audits (German and international) and
Outsourcing of services (bookkeeping, and much more) and
Worldwide with our international Grant Thornton network.

Get in touch without any commitment.

Are you an American company looking to do business in Germany? Are you looking for advice from understanding, native speakers to allow you to enter the German market as smoothly as possible? Our contacts, Christina Busch, Carsten Carstens, Norbert Miethe and Frank Schmid help American companies get the best start into the German market. Take advantage of their expertise and feel free to contact them with your questions without any commitment.

The US Desk – services exactly as needed.

Audit & Assurance

Compliance services for the German legal system
SOX 404 compliance services
CSR reporting
Assurance according to IDW, AICPA and PCAOB standards
Outsourcing (bookkeeping, reporting, internal audits, internal management)
Financial management
Post merger integration (GAAP conversion, reporting, training)
IT security management and tests

Tax

Designing tax-optimised investment structures
Post merger integration
Tax compliance services
DAC-6 reporting
Obtaining tax benefits under the double taxation agreement
Out-from-under planning
Tax reporting (deferred and current taxation, FIN48 support)

Transaction advisory

Buy-side/sell-side financial, operational and commercial due diligence
Exit readiness and carve-out assistance
Transaction accounting
SPA financial advisory
Post-merger integration assistance
Business valuations

Our awards

We’re proud of the awards we’ve won. And we’re just as happy that our clients give us top ratings! We’re working hard to keep it that way. And that’s a promise!