Are you looking for new business opportunities in Germany or abroad? We support you in this and always take a holistic view of your investments from two perspectives:
Investments from abroad in Germany (inbound FDI)
Germany is one of the most international locations in the world, with over 40,000 foreign subsidiaries that generate more than 20 per cent of the turnover of all companies based in Germany.000 foreign subsidiaries, which generate more than 20 per cent of the turnover of all companies based in Germany.
In the last ten years, the turnover of these foreign companies has increased by 60 per cent, while it has only risen by 25 per cent for purely German companies. This development illustrates the key importance of foreign direct investment for the German economy.
Why Germany is the ideal location for international companies
Despite current economic and political challenges, Germany remains attractive for international investors in an EU comparison. The country regularly ranks among the top 10 target markets for global direct investment.
Germany is currently undergoing a far-reaching transformation process, which includes the areas of renewable energies, digitalisation and climate neutrality. These developments are opening up new, profitable business areas, often supported by subsidies. More and more foreign companies are therefore opting for greenfield and brownfield investments in Germany in order to benefit from these growth opportunities.
We advise you in all phases of your investment in Germany - in a targeted, modular and comprehensive.
KPMG Thought Leadership on Germany as a business location
Investments abroad (outbound FDI)
More than 40,000 German subsidiaries are active abroad. In many countries, they are the largest or, after American companies, the second largest investor group.
An analysis of the published annual financial statements of German listed companies shows: The contribution to turnover and earnings generated by these companies outside Germany is usually between 60 and 90 per cent.
Global resilience: How German companies are adapting their value chains
In the face of geopolitical upheaval, increasing protectionism and further disruption, more and more German companies are endeavouring to strengthen their global resilience. They are adapting their value chains by localising or regionalising them, diversifying their activities worldwide and expanding into emerging growth markets.
KPMG Thought Leadership on Global Markets
We regularly analyse current developments, produce white papers and survey German and international companies on site in all regions of the world in order to provide you with sound advice for your entry into foreign markets. You can find our latest findings in our country studies and white papers. We are also part of the global KPMG network in 143 countries around the world with more than 273,000 employees. The exchange within the network gives us a global picture of the situation for your successful expansion.
From market entry to sustainable business processes
We support international companies in setting up their growth projects in Germany in a sustainable manner right from the start. This includes location assessment, market and competition analysis, investment planning, investment control, tax structuring, governance, financing and the subsequent transition to regular operations. Particularly in the case of cross-border projects, the early coordination of these issues often determines the speed, controllability and acceptance within the company.
We advise international companies on how to develop the German market efficiently. Relevant aspects include funding opportunities, approval processes, labour and tax law structures, ERP and reporting requirements and the establishment of local functions. We bring together experts from the fields of tax, advisory, audit and legal advice and coordinate the implementation with a view to the overall project.
At the same time, we also advise German companies on their foreign investments. Companies need to consider growth potential with geopolitical risks, local compliance regulations, investment control laws, currency and financing issues as well as the resilience of their supply and production networks. Outbound FDI therefore requires a target picture that combines market attractiveness, risk profile and operational feasibility.
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Your contacts
- Africa & Middle East
- Americas
- Asia Pacific
- Europe
Africa
Dr. Benedikt Herles
Director, Co-Lead Competence Center Geopolitics & Defence, Head of Country Practice Africa
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Middle East
Stefan Friedrich
Partner, Audit, Regulatory Advisory, Head of Sustainability Reporting & Governance Healthcare & Public Sector, Head of Country Practice Middle East
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Brazil
Martin Baltes
Partner, Tax, Head of German Tax Desk USA, Head of Country Practice South America
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
USA
China
Dr. Holger Lampe
Partner, Tax - International Transaction Tax, Head of International Business Tax; Head of the Country Practice China/Hong Kong (SAR), China/Taiwan
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
India
Ergün Kis
Partner, Audit, Branch Manager Dortmund, Head of Country Practices India and Turkey
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Japan
Jörg Grünenberger
Partner, Corporate Tax Services, Head of Country Practice Japan
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
South Korea
Barbara Sillich
Partner, Tax, Head of Country Practice South Korea
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Turkey
Ergün Kis
Partner, Audit, Branch Manager Dortmund, Head of Country Practices India and Turkey
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Belgium
Axel Beaucamp
Partner, Tax, Head of Country Practice Belgium
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Denmark
Carsten Döring
Partner, Tax, Branch Manager Kiel, Head of Country Practices Denmark and Norway
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Finland
France
Petra Mayran
Director, Audit, Head of Country Practice France
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Ireland
Nikolaus Schadeck
Partner, Audit, Head of Country Practice Great Britain
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Italy
Ukraine
Netherlands
Lutz Hoffmann
Partner, Audit, Head of Country Practice Netherlands
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Norway
Austria
Karl Spangler
Partner, Tax, Head of Country Practice Austria
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Sweden
Switzerland
Dietmar Kaupp
Director, Tax, Head of Country Practice Switzerland
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Spain
Dr. Holger Lampe
Partner, Tax - International Transaction Tax, Head of International Business Tax; Head of the Country Practice China/Hong Kong (SAR), China/Taiwan
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
United Kingdom
Nikolaus Schadeck
Partner, Audit, Head of Country Practice Great Britain
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Resilient decisions on international investments
Successful international business starts with a clear decision-making architecture. Which markets fit the strategy? Which functions should be set up locally? Which management models are suitable? And where do risks arise from customs, taxes, transfer pricing, investment control laws, cyber security, ESG requirements or regulatory intervention? We advise you on these questions using a modular approach. Depending on the initial situation, we provide support with market prioritisation, business case, due diligence, tax structuring, international transaction tax, transfer pricing, global mobility services, financing, risk management, investment control and post-investment governance. The result is a reliable picture of which foreign investments make economic sense, are regulatory viable and can be realised operationally.
KPMG as a partner for cross-border growth
KPMG combines local market knowledge with international implementation strength. The global network in 143 countries provides access to regional expertise while keeping an eye on overall management. KPMG's existing thought leadership on global markets, including Business Destination Germany 2026 and country-specific business outlooks, complements this advice with up-to-date assessments of location attractiveness, market environment, investment control and investment climate.
Our advice is aimed at companies that want to take advantage of international opportunities and at the same time improve their decision-making basis. We work with you to determine where growth is realistic, what structures are required for this and how foreign investments can be structured and integrated into ongoing operations. For international companies focussing on the German market, the section Investing in Germany also offers a suitable entry point. For geopolitical issues, we can also include our perspectives on Geopolitics & Defence on request.
Ready for a chat? Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
International business encompasses the strategic planning, evaluation and implementation of cross-border business activities. This includes investments in Germany, foreign investments, market and location analyses as well as tax, regulatory and operational issues.
Inbound FDI describes foreign direct investment in Germany. Outbound FDI refers to foreign investments by German companies, for example through subsidiaries, production sites, acquisitions or strategic investments.
Investment control can be relevant for cross-border transactions, investments or location decisions. Companies should check early on whether there are any screening or reporting obligations and how these are incorporated into the investment timetable.
A reassessment makes sense if market conditions, supply chains, customs, investment control, regulatory requirements, financing costs or geopolitical risks change. Major transformation programmes and location decisions should also be the reason for a structured review.
KPMG assists with market prioritisation, business case, tax structuring, transfer pricing, financing, risk assessment, investment control laws and governance. The aim is to create a viable target image that combines growth potential and feasibility.
KPMG assists international companies with site selection and evaluation, establishment, financing, funding assessment and application, tax structuring, construction support, creation of reporting structures, personnel and process set-up and preparation for regular operations in Germany.