Bremeninvest guidelines for foreign nationals setting up businesses in Bremen
Investing in BremenSuccessful relocations to Bremen with the help of Bremeninvest
Language barriers, unfamiliar legal and fiscal systems, qualifications that need to be recognised. There are many additional hurdles that entrepreneurs have to overcome when setting up a new branch or a new company in a different country. Bremeninvest is committed to offering you advice and support from the outset. One designated representative will be at your side throughout the process.
This is how Bremeninvest can help you set up your international business in Bremen
The following infographic shows the areas in which we can provide step-by-step support. You will find our contact details and further information on our relocation service below the chart and on our Bremeninvest overview page.
Bremeninvest team for international relocations
The team at Bremeninvest advises companies from all over the world on relocating to Bremen. It provides assistance with all matters related to the setting up of subsidiaries, branches or new enterprises. Bremeninvest also promotes Bremen as an investment location through its dedicated offices in China, Türkiye and the USA and facilitates collaborations with local companies.
If you are based outside Germany and are looking to relocate your company to Bremen or establish operations in the city, please contact Andreas Gerber, tel: +49 (0)421 960 0123, andreas.gerber@wfb-bremen.de.
Success Stories
Seeing China as an Opportunity for Bremen Companies
Yurong Jiang has been a resident of Bremen for two years – and he loves the city. With his company Jiang & Son GmbH, he helps businesses assess China-related technologies, partners and commercial opportunities and make them usable for concrete projects.
Learn moreGleistein: High-Tech Ropes from Bremen-Blumenthal for the World
For more than 200 years, Gleistein has been combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology—and is considered one of the Hanseatic city’s “hidden champions.”
Learn more35 years of the World Trade Center in Bremen – More than just a Building
The World Trade Center (WTC) in Bremen opened 35 years ago. Today, it gives companies easier access to international markets than ever before, as Anna Heines from Bremeninvest explains in this interview.
Learn moreWhat is Economic Development?
What is Economic Development? The aim of economic development is to help companies to get established in a particular location (municipality), to expand and to run their business.
Learn moreAre electric heavy-duty trucks viable in real-world operations?
A quiet revolution is taking shape in the logistics industry: More and more companies are turning to electric heavy-duty vehicles. But is it worth it in the long run? Two examples from Bremen show how it could work.
Learn moreFrom Logistics to Delicacies – Bremen is attracting international investment
Germany’s smallest federal state can look back at the high levels of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), worth 60 million Euros, in 2025. The synergy between high tech and favourable conditions for doing business has been attracting investors from all over the world.
Learn moreBremen’s Economy in Figures: Statistics 2025
The State of Bremen is a strong economic hub. A look at the latest statistics highlights its economic strength — summarising key data such as cargo volumes, export performance, industry turnover, and more.
Learn moreMedium-Sized Companies in Bremen Showcasing the Full Range of the Local Economy
Medium-sized companies form the backbone of Bremen’s economy. They create jobs and produce goods that are in demand worldwide. Here is a selection of ten businesses that illustrate the diversity of Bremen’s economic landscape.
Learn moreTwelve international food and beverage companies in Bremen
Becks and Melitta may be high-profile brands, but international food and beverage companies also manufacture lots of other products in Bremen and Bremerhaven. Here are twelve examples.
Learn moreTake-off for Bremen: what makes the city a hub for aerospace expertise
The sky is not the limit. Science, production, development and business all agree on this. Aircraft wings, Ariane rockets, Galileo satellites - Bremen is one of the top locations in the international aerospace industry. Five reasons for Bremen's success story.
Learn moreBremen – Germany's greenest city
The greenest major city in Germany is Bremen - with an average of 60 square metres of sports, leisure and recreation space per person. Parks, sports facilities, but also water areas invite you to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city every day.
Learn more8 Bremen Companies involved in Mass Spectrometry
If you want to get down to the smallest building blocks of our world, you need mass spectrometers. And there are few places in the world where there is such a high concentration of specialists and manufacturing companies and suppliers in this sector as in Bremen.
Learn moreLetters from Vietnam: Winter 2025 edition
What effects will the sweeping changes in the White House have on Vietnam's economy? Could the current administrative reforms have negative implications for foreign investors? These topics and more will be discussed in the latest Letter from Vietnam.
Learn moreClockwise opens its first German location in Bremen: Flexible coworking with a regional flair
The British company Clockwise has opened its first German location in Bremen. With locations in London, Belgium, The Netherlands, and now on Martinistraße in the city center, the company follows a clear vision: to create workspaces that are flexible, welcoming, and tailored to the needs of modern professionals.
Learn more8 New Buildings in Bremen in 2024
Despite the crisis, the real estate industry in Bremen is shining with numerous new construction projects. Showpieces such as the John & Will Silo Hotel top our list of eight new buildings.
Learn moreBremen's Economy in Figures: 2024 Statistics
A look at the statistics on Bremen's economy in 2024 reveals: Germany's smallest federal state has a lot to offer. An overview of the industrial and service sectors with the most important current figures.
Learn more“After all, we're here because someone else made room for us, and it's our duty to do the same for others”
Theoretical physicist, industrial mathematician, manager – as a member of the start-up company TOPAS, Dr. Shruti Patel creates change in Bremen. However, being a role model has not always been easy for her.
Learn moreState of Bremen at Expo Real 2024: property market stable and robust despite recent crises
The State of Bremen will present itself as having a forward-looking property market that can withstand turbulent times at the Expo Real 2024 trade fair (Europe's leading property event) in Munich, Germany. From the 7th to the 9th of October 2024, 27 companies from Bremen and Bremerhaven will showcase their pioneering, sustainable real estate projects on a joint 200 square metre stand at the fair.
Learn moreA Space for Innovations and Ideas in Bremen City
Six years ago, Arne Stehnken was still a new founder himself; today he is part of the management team at the software company syniotec in Bremen's city centre. To make the start easier for other founders, start-ups and creative people and to offer them a place to work, network and exchange ideas, he and his company have opened a creative and innovation centre - a source of inspiration for fresh ideas in the heart of Bremen´s city centre.
Learn moreLetters from Vietnam: Summer 2024 – Are German companies underestimating Vietnam?
Are German companies underestimating investment opportunities in Vietnam? And is Cambodia stealing the limelight from Vietnam? You'll find details about all this and more in our summer 2024 Vietnam newsletter.
Learn moreFrom the sun of southern France into the northern German summer: an internship at ECOMAT
What is it like to be a intern at the technology centre ECOMAT? Éva Perrier comes from Montpellier – and quickly finds her feet in Bremen. What she loves about Bremen.
Read more at ECOMATLetters from the United Kingdom: What does the new government have to offer?
Four years after Brexit and just a few days after the general election: What opportunities does the UK offer companies - and how does the local economy see itself positioned? UK expert Peter Decu clarifies this in our new country letter.
Learn more“We’re blazing our own trail”
SAACKE is a hidden champion renowned the world over for its combustion systems, which can be relied upon on tankers in international waters and in continuous operation in car factories. Leading the way in technology, the Bremen-based business has been setting a global example by using hydrogen for over 40 years.
Learn moreThe new ECOMAT CRYOLAB: Working at “Absolute Zero”
To enable aircraft to fly CO2-free on hydrogen in the future, aircraft tanks must be developed for extreme conditions: lightweight, robust, impermeable to hydrogen and at temperatures close to absolute zero - a challenging task. Bremen's ECOMAT now has a new laboratory to test the materials for this.
Take a look into the Cryolab20 Years of Bremen in China
The Bremeninvest office opened its doors in Shanghai two decades ago. As the international brand of the WFB, Bremeninvest had set itself the goals of reinforcing the economic links between Bremen and China and inspiring Chinese businesses to consider relocating to Bremen. Since then, more than 150 companies have set up premises in the Hanseatic city.
Learn moreLetters from Türkiye: Summer 2024 edition
Turkey has discovered railways and is building on infrastructure. A way to greater resilience and a path out of the crisis? And ... how Bremen is refocussing its economic development strategy in Turkey.
Learn moreLocational factors for companies: seven convincing arguments for choosing Bremen
The right location for a business depends on many factors - infrastructure, location, but also labor supply and quality of life. Bremen convinces companies from Germany and abroad with numerous location factors.
Learn moreHave you watered your pencil today?
Into the flowerbed instead of the trash: the products from Bremen-based Scribbling Seeds turn discarded office and advertising materials into tomatoes, basil or sunflowers. Founder Anushree Jain is certain that this is the way to a more sustainable office.
Learn moreBremen continues to attract foreign investors
Last year, international companies and investors invested around 8 million Euros in Bremen. In particular, it was funding for sustainable projects that attracted special attention at home and abroad.
Learn moreBrüning Group: From Fischerhude to the Überseeinsel
New settlement in Bremen: for three decades, the Brüning Group had its company headquarters in Fischerhude. In the summer of 2023, the rapidly expanding company moved its head offices to the Überseeinsel in the Überseestadt (the New Harbour District) in Bremen. A modern brick-built office block with a glass facade now stands where Kellogg's once stored rice.
Learn moreLetters from Silicon Valley: Winter 2023 – a Journey into the world of AI
AI at any cost or proportionate regulation? Silicon Valley is divided on the subject, as shown not least by the conflict surrounding OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman in the past few weeks. By visiting Silicon Valley as a delegation, we are personally going to find out how things are exactly.
Learn moreBuilt on Solid Ground: What History Can Tell Us about the Property Market in Bremen
The real estate sector is currently in a crisis. However, if we look back into the past, data from previous decades shows that Bremen's property market has remained stable, despite the challenging times.
Learn moreNeed a base in Europe? Bremen is the Key
When was the last time you enjoyed a Beck’s beer? Or told your children the story of the Bremen Town musicians? The North German Federal State of Bremen is home to 685,000 people and is world-famous for premium brands. It's also the key to Europe.
Learn moreA plate of Shanghai in the middle of Bremen
New in Bremen: Juicy dumplings, freshly prepared, with savoury or spicy sauce - Mr. Dumpling brings Chinese flair to Bremen's city centre.
Learn moreProperty Market: Bremen Still Producing Solid Results
Once a year, renowned analysts collect information for the Real Estate Market Report. This is a review of the past year, combined with forecasts based on the market data available within the first six months. The 2023 report shows stable results despite the current difficult market conditions.
Learn more"There's a great deal of interest in setting up a business Bremen"
In May this year, Malte Blank took over as project manager for Turkish companies that want to establish a presence in Bremen.
Learn moreLogistics Facilities in Bremen – Can the Hanseatic city hold its own against the market trend?
High interest rates, soaring rents, faltering supply chains and low consumer demand: does this mean the end of the good times for the once record-breaking logistics facilities sector? How is Bremen doing as a property hotspot and how can it safeguard its future?
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Science plays a leading role in Bremen: in the laboratories of the university, at one of the more than 50 research institutes or in the green botanika. There are many opportunities for visitors to experience science at first hand.
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Tailor-made support to successfully bring your own idea to the market - or into space? That's possible in Bremen with the ESA BIC Northern Germany incubation programme. Start-ups from a wide range of sectors can apply. Inge Heydt from the Starthaus explains for whom the incubator is suitable and what is behind it.
Read the Interview"With a sound risk management, China still offers great opportunities for German companies"
The entry of Chinese companies into the port of Hamburg or into the German heat pump market caused a stir. China is Germanys most important trading partner, but at the same time the trade war, sanctions and new Chinese laws are changing the business model. Dr Florian Kessler knows how companies must deal with this now.
Learn moreThe biggest car park in Europe
BLG LOGISTICS GROUP AG & Co. KG’s AutoTerminal in Bremerhaven is a record-breaking automotive hub. Every year, the terminal handles some 1.7 million vehicles. But that’s not all.
Learn moreStarting A Career with ECOMAT – How Young Professionals in Bremen Find a Job
Catherine Rau finished her studies at ECOMAT and has now found a job at Airbus in Bremen. So she's now also encouraging other young professionals to consider working in the aviation and aerospace sector in Bremen.
visit ECOMAT websiteHydrogen-Powered Vehicles from Bremen – how ENGINIUS is growing in Bremen
A year ago, ENGINIUS began producing the first hydrogen truck with EU type approval in Bremen. Today, 100 employees already work at the plant. The plans are still set for growth, thanks to tailwind from Bremen and strong demand from around the world.
Learn moreHydrogen Technology Expo in Bremen: Why the World is Looking towards Bremen When it Comes to Hydrogen
Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe is the largest trade fair for suppliers of hydrogen technologies. It takes place in the Hanseatic city of Bremen every September. The big names in this sector will meet up there, once again, on September 27th and 28th 2023.
visit bremen-innovativLight for the Chancellor and the Sun for Bremen
Anyone flying on vacation with an Airbus will almost certainly come into contact with products from the Bremen-based aviation supplier AES Elektro/Elektronik System GmbH. But they are not only to be found in vacation planes - even German Chancellor Olaf Scholz cannot do without them.
Learn moreBremen in Demand Abroad
Around 8 million euros were invested by foreign companies in Bremen in 2022. Especially in the technology sector - as these three examples of successful settlements show.
Learn moreNew Buildings in Bremen in 2022
Despite crises and economic challenges, Bremen remains an attractive real estate location – as proven by these 8 selected new construction projects completed in 2022.
Learn moreWhere is Bremen the Number 1?
Robot football, exports, fish fingers and sundials – here are nine examples where Bremen is often at the top of the podium.
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Climate-neutral hydrogen is an indispensable component of our future energy supply. In Bremen, more than one billion euros are being invested in sustainable hydrogen projects.
external link to Bremen-InnovativLetters from Vietnam – Fall 2022
Bremen and Vietnam are growing closer together and hydrogen projects from Vietnam - insights into Vietnam's economy are provided by Huong Thi Hoang, director of our Bremeninvest office in Vietnam.
Learn moreA blend of heritage and modernity
Old and new, work and home, culture and leisure – modern, urban living spaces are being created in Bremen on 20 hectares of the company grounds of a former cigarette and tobacco factory.
Learn moreCoffee in Bremen – roasteries in Germany’s coffee capital
Coffee in Bremen - that's a tradition. Almost every second bean is imported via Bremen or Bremerhaven. In recent years, numerous coffee roasting companies have been founded that bring a whole new coffee enjoyment.
Learn more14 hidden champions from Bremen
Who are Bremen's hidden champions? Hidden champions are small and medium-sized businesses that are among the global market leaders in their niche industry; they are usually owner-managed and highly influential in shaping the market with their products – but few people have heard of them. A number of these hidden champions can be found in Bremen. They come from all areas of business, including the maritime, aerospace and digital industries. They show that Bremen is regarded as one of the most innovative locations for industry in Germany – and rightly so. The city has the highest export quota of all Germany's federal states – products that are manufactured here are in demand all over the world.
Let's take a look at 14 hidden champions from Bremen:High-Tech Bridge between Bremen and Izmir
What is the best place for a European high-tech expansion? Berlin? Paris? London? The Turkish robot producer Searover has chosen Bremen. Because there's something here that the megacities can't compete with. Welcome to Bremen - Bremen'e hoşgeldiniz!
Learn moreSpare parts from the printer
The pandemic has proven it: When supply routes do not work and production facilities are at a standstill, urgently needed construction and spare parts can often be a long time coming. The Bremen-based start-up WeserCAD has developed an innovative and fast solution.
Learn moreDriving a hydrogen-powered car through Bremen
How does a hydrogen-powered car work? How do you fill it up? And is it all safe? There's a lot of questions about driving with hydrogen. One of the very first users of this technology has given us an insight into this topic on a tour of Bremen and also shown us just what's happening with this volatile gas in the city.
Learn more14 3D printing companies in Bremen
3D printers have been in use in industry for quite some time now. Large corporations such as Airbus, as well as small manufacturers, rely on additive manufacturing. Here comes an industry overview with companies from the Hanseatic city.
Learn moreLetters from Silicon Valley July 2022 – Hypergrowth is History
Is the get rich quick dream over? Dark clouds are gathering for start-ups in Silicon Valley, according to our US expert, Tim Ole Jöhnk. In other news: how Bremen has become the talk of the town in Los Angeles.
summer edition 2022CAE is Training Pilots by the Weser
New in the airport city: CAE-GmbH trains pilots. "We have come to stay," says CAE Vice President European Strategy, Niels Kröning. And is thus continuing a long tradition.
Learn moreAll the Answers under one Roof: Bremen's Business Service, the "Unternehmensservice"
Navigating the administrative jungle can be a challenge, no matter whether you've only just decided to set up your own company or you already have an established business. By providing a "Single point of contact" and a Welcome Service, Unternehmensservice Bremen supports entrepreneurs and businesses alike by answering questions and helping them overcome the challenges they face.
Learn more