Insights · Inbound
Doing business in Germany.
The pillar guide for foreign companies and investors entering the German market — from FDI screening and choice of entity to employment, data protection and distribution. The guide is being built and will grow continuously; the chapters below show what is coming.
§ I — Planned chapters
What this guide will cover.
- FDI screening (AWG/AWV) — when the Federal Ministry (BMWK) reviews an acquisition, voting thresholds of 10/20/25 % by sector, timelines and filing strategy.
- Setting up: GmbH or branch — notarial deed, EUR 25,000 minimum share capital, the UG alternative, commercial-register (HRB) filing, managing-director duties.
- Acquiring a German target — share deal vs asset deal, due diligence on Mittelstand companies, W&I, closing mechanics before the notary.
- Employment & posting of workers — hiring in Germany, works councils, posting under the AEntG, minimum wage.
- GDPR compliance — legal bases under Art. 6/9, liability under Art. 82, fines under Art. 83, supervisory authorities per federal state.
- Distribution & commercial agents — agent indemnity under sec. 89b HGB, distributor networks, e-commerce terms.
Chapters go live step by step as they pass our editorial and legal review.
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