Investing in Germany: Legal Advice for Investors

The first question is the right structure: a subsidiary, a branch office or a stake in an existing company. This choice determines liability, taxation and the effort required to set up and run the business.

We prepare the formation, accompany the notary appointment and the commercial register entry, and advise managing directors on their duties.

Many investments take the form of acquiring a company or a stake in one. A careful review of the target and the choice between an asset deal and a share deal are key.

We support transactions from due diligence through contract negotiations to closing.

An investment needs people on the ground. Managing directors, specialists and seconded employees from non-EU countries need residence and work permits, and entrepreneurs and investors face specific requirements.

We handle the application procedures and draft employment and secondment contracts under German employment law.

Supply agreements, partnerships, leases and service contracts: after market entry, day-to-day business begins. International companies are often not familiar with the details of German contract law.

We review and draft contracts and can act as your external legal department.

Cross-border investments and flows of goods trigger reporting and due diligence obligations, for example under the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance or customs law. Compliance requirements in day-to-day operations come on top.

We show you which obligations apply to your project and support you in meeting them.

The tax structure of an investment determines its return. For production sites, offices and data centres, questions about land, construction projects and permits come on top.

Our colleagues in tax law, real estate law and construction law work together with our team.

Data centres and industrial AI are among the focal points of the current investment pledges. Investors from the US and other countries also need to know how German and foreign law interact.

Our industry and country pages provide an overview.