Internationalization

From startups to established companies, hannoverimpuls offers comprehensive support for expanding business operations into international markets and helps foreign companies set up operations in Hannover.

The Economic Development Agency is here to support you—from the initial contact and consultation through to establishing a presence in Hannover or your target country.

The more than 400 international projects we have advised on speak to our experience and expertise in legal and bureaucratic matters, as well as in overcoming intercultural barriers. We support internationalization initiatives by providing access to relevant contacts in politics, business, and government, as well as within the relevant industry networks.

Flagship projects such as the German Indian Business Center and the German-Russian Center for Technology Transfer, as well as our close ties to China, Scandinavia, and the United States, demonstrate the broad scope and extensive expertise of HannoverImpuls in matters related to business relocation and expansion. We work with you to analyze your business in order to provide the best possible support as you enter new regions or establish your operations smoothly in Hannover.

Reasons to Choose Hannover as an Investment Location

• State capital: 539,000 residents
• Region Hannover: 633,000 residents
• Employees subject to social security contributions: 488,000
• Unemployment rate: 7.1 percent
• Four areas of activity characterized by particularly strong sustainable growth and significant potential for innovation and job creation:
  • Energy and Mobility
  • Digital economy and production technology
  • Life Sciences and Medical Technology
  • Creative Industries and Multimedia

University location

• 47,500 students
• In addition to Leibniz University, there are twelve universities and universities of applied sciences
• Close ties between industry and academia, including through strong networks with internationally renowned institutes and various centers.
• A rapidly growing startup culture.

Attractive residential and commercial properties

Office and retail rents, as well as land prices, are key factors for companies when choosing a location.

• Vacancy rate of approximately 4.5 percent (about 229,000 square meters)
• Top rents in the city center: 15.30 euros per square meter
• Average rent for apartments (new construction/first-time occupancy): between 10 and 13 euros per square meter – in the mid-range compared to other major cities in Germany
• 88 hectares of land ready for immediate sale in the Region Hannover, 37.7 hectares of which are classified as being close to the highway

The commercial real estate portal provides a centralized overview of available properties and commercial spaces in all 21 municipalities in the Region Hannover

Geographical location: International hub

Located in the heart of Europe, Hannover serves as a hub for passenger, freight, and goods traffic. Its excellent transportation links support Hannover’s key role as a world-leading trade fair destination, boasting the world’s largest fairground, covering 463,000 square meters.

• 69 trade shows in 2016, attracting 1.24 million visitors, including leading events such as CeBIT, Hannover Messe, Agritechnica, and the IAA Commercial Vehicles

Settlement

hannoverimpuls supports companies looking to establish a branch office in Hannover or launch a startup with extensive expertise and practical assistance. We help minimize the bureaucratic hurdles involved in setting up operations in Germany.

Through the Plug & Work program, companies benefit from subsidized office and workspace for one year, coaching, networking opportunities, and other services.

hannoverimpuls supports companies in developing the right business strategy through its ProMAP (Product Market Analysis and Placement) program. Experts from the economic development agency work closely with the company to develop a well-founded market entry strategy based on a market analysis and an assessment of the company’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points.

The GeMS (German Marketing & Sales Solutions) program provides support for the operational implementation of sales activities. With its excellent industry and market knowledge,hannoverimpuls helps foreign companies identify key customers, establish long-term sales partnerships, and enter the German market smoothly.

Foreign Trade

hannoverimpuls supports the internationalization efforts of companies based in the city and Region Hannover, from identifying and analyzing suitable countries and markets to connecting them with local partners in the target country. This applies to both established companies and startups, which should consider their international potential right from the start.

The economic development agency’s comprehensive range of consulting services can only be provided in collaboration with regional partners such as the Hanover Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sparkasse Hannover, NBank, the Lower Saxony Innovation Center, and others.

An overview of the specific services offered byhannoverimpuls and its partners:

• Identification of potential target countries
• ProMAP (Product Market Analysis and Placement): Based on a market analysis and an assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points, hannoverimpuls develops a well-founded strategy for market entry
• NBank Innovation Audit to Assess the Status and Support Internationalization Processes in Companies
• Identifying and contacting business partners and local sources of information abroad
• Expert legal advice on tax, labor, corporate, social security, bankruptcy, and contract law, as well as intellectual property rights in the destination country
• Customs regulations for your products
• Connecting companies with banks that strategically help develop and support their international expansion efforts
• Delegations to selected locations, industry conferences, and trade shows
• Assistance in finding qualified personnel for your international project