Separate the commercial routes
Exporting to a German customer, appointing a sales partner, opening an operation and acquiring a business require different evidence. Begin by stating which route you are considering and why it is preferable to a smaller initial commitment.
For a UAE supplier, the first test may be customer validation and a reference project. For a company planning a local team, it may be the economics of service delivery. For an investor, it may be the quality of the target’s earnings, governance and operating capabilities.
Choose a location around customers and operations
Berlin, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich and Hamburg are useful starting points for a regional comparison, not interchangeable labels for the German market. Map potential customers, suppliers, staff and travel requirements before shortlisting a location. The Club’s registered office is in Duisburg; this should not be confused with a network of Club offices across these cities.
Ask what needs to be physically close to the customer and what can be managed elsewhere. Build a costed comparison covering premises, staffing, delivery, language requirements and access to relevant professional support.
Use official guidance for establishment questions
Germany Trade & Invest’s Investment Guide brings together information for international companies on establishing operations in Germany. It is a useful starting point for identifying the questions to take to legal, tax, immigration and employment specialists.
Check the rules that apply to your actual activity and ownership structure. A general guide cannot determine whether a particular transaction or regulated activity requires a notification, approval or licence.
Make the first commercial discussion specific
A credible introduction explains your company, the target customer, the problem being addressed and the evidence behind your proposal. Provide a concise English or German summary appropriate to the recipient. Avoid sending sensitive commercial information before confidentiality and the recipient’s role are clear.
- For customers: demonstrate delivery, service and responsibility after the sale.
- For partners: define territory, incentives, customer ownership and reporting.
- For advisers: describe the planned activity, ownership, staffing and transaction timetable.
- For potential investees: clarify investment rationale, decision authority and information needs.
Where the Club fits
The Club is a bilateral business network, not an investment approval body or a directory of every Emirati company in Germany. It offers a context for relevant relationships and exchange. Introductions depend on fit and consent, while commercial and regulatory checks remain the responsibility of the parties.
Explore membership if you want to contribute to ongoing Germany–UAE exchange, or contact the Club with a defined business or institutional enquiry.