Germany

Welcome to Germany

Founded in Germany in 1785, HSBC Germany offers in-depth local knowledge and financial expertise from its base in Düsseldorf and 11 other locations across the country. With almost 3,000 employees in Germany, backed by a global network of around 3,800 offices in 66 countries and territories, HSBC is well positioned to help you take advantage of the many opportunities Germany can offer.

Germany is one of Europe’s leading financial and economic centres with international reach that can support growing businesses. With its "AA- (stable)" rating, the bank has the highest Fitch rating of all private commercial banks in Germany and offers a comprehensive range of financial services for corporates, institutional clients, investors and private wealth clients.

Carola von Schmettow Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Germany

Head office address: HSBC Germany, Königsallee 21/23, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany

Germany: The engine of Europe

• Economic powerhouse

  Europe’s largest economy, Germany is positioned as the fourth biggest in the world. A population of almost 83 million make it Europe’s largest market.

• Well connected

  Germany’s transport infrastructure connects to every region in the world, with Frankfurt airport alone offering over 300 destinations, making it the fourth busiest for passengers in Europe.

• Logistics leader

  Germany tops the World Bank’s 2018 Logistics Performance Index comprising 160 countries. The sector is projected to make up 21% of national growth between now and 2025.

• Innovation hub

  Ranked third for innovation, Germany is recognised for the strength of its research & development (R&D). No other country in Europe invests greater R&D amounts and that figure continues to rise.

• Global outlook

  Germany is the third largest exporter in the world, after China and the US. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to grow, as the country proves stable and attractive for foreign investors.

Country profile

Germany is a significant economic power right in the heart of Europe. It’s also one of the world’s major industrial nations with dense communications and transport networks.

With the largest population and economy in the European Union, Germany’s strength is built not only on the major corporations that call it home, but on its renowned Mittelstand – a legion of small and medium-sized enterprises that power its economy.

Germany’s workforce is highly skilled, and the country’s culture of innovation and its commitment to R&D are key economic drivers. Low levels of unemployment and an emphasis on work-life balance also make Germany an attractive destination for international businesses.

Germany shares borders with nine other countries – Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Rated as the second most popular expat destination in the world by the OECD and Migration Policy Institute, Germany is a cosmopolitan and multicultural country, embracing many ethnicities and religions. 

Read on to discover more about the dos and don’ts of doing business in Germany. Also find out how trading in or with the country could help boost the future growth of your business.

5 key challenges²

1. 1

   Starting a business

   Germany has a bureaucratic approach to starting a business, with a number of procedures that have to be adhered to and several different offices that need to be contacted.

2. 2

   Registering a property

   Registering a property can take around 40 days, with many processes to adhere to. Companies must obtain an extract from the Land Registry and notarise the transfer agreement.

3. 3

   Paying taxes

   Paying taxes in Germany can be onerous. Nine tax payments a year and 14 different taxes, which may be payable by businesses operating in Germany, make this quite time-consuming.

4. 4

   Energy costs

   High energy costs following the introduction of surcharges to encourage the use of renewable energy are a challenge for many businesses, particularly those that are high users.

5. 5

   Employment laws

   Germany has some of the strictest employment laws in the world, so understanding the regulations and your responsibilities as an employer is essential.