Information about Berlin

Come to Berlin and you'll feel it, too: energy. Over the last two decades, Germany's capital city has become the gateway between East and West as well as one of the world's most vibrant, creative, and innovative locations. The city is situated in the northeastern part of the country surrounded by the state of Brandenburg.

Tourists flock to Berlin to enjoy the city's unmatchable cultural offerings in museums, historical sites, musical and performing-art venues, as well as vibrant nightlife and shopping. And, of course, they can't help but enjoy the beauty of a city that has more bridges than Venice!

In addition to this vibrancy, Germany's largest city offers unbeatable infrastructure, affordable prices, proximity to major decision makers, targeted funding to promote development, a skilled workforce, and an attractive quality of life. These prime conditions have led many large firms to locate head offices here. The same holds true for countless small and medium-sized firms, especially young and innovative ones.

The range of industries in Berlin includes film, media, fashion, music, services, IT, and health care, as well as bio-, optical, environmental, and medical technologies. These companies flourish in new facilities, and the synergies they develop with the city-state's more than 18 institutions of higher education and 250 research establishments help them to achieve their loftiest goals.

Business Related Sites in Berlin

Foreign entrepreneurs will find many state level institutions that offer helpful support for business operations.

The State of Berlin
The official website of the State of Berlin is a first source of information on local matters.

http://www.berlin.de

Business Location Center
The Business Location Center (BLC) bundles information on sales markets, technologies, labor market, real estate, foreign trade, research, infrastructure and financing of business activities in the federal States of Berlin and Brandenburg.

http://www.businesslocationcenter.de

Berlin Partner GmbH
Berlin Partner provides investors on-site support, helps Berlin-based companies to tap foreign markets, and make the city a strong brand.

http://www.berlin-partner.de

Gründerportal - Startup Portal
Gruenden-in-berlin.de is the central internet platform for business startups in Berlin.

http://www.gruenden-in-berlin.de

Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB)
Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) is the subsidy bank of the Federal Land of Berlin. With its newly orientated economic support and subsidy policy, it actively contributes towards developing Berlin as a business and industry location.

http://www.ibb.de

Administration Guide of the State of Berlin (German only)
The administration guide of the state of Berlin (Verwaltungsführer des Landes Berlin) offers information, interactive access and links to all public services of the Berlin authorities.

https://service.berlin.de/

Berlin Tourism
Online travel guide of the Berlin Tourism Board (Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH).

http://www.visitberlin.de

Point of Single Contact in Berlin

Picture shows Points of Single Contact

Picture shows Points of Single Contact

Service businesses from EU Member States seeking for support with the German administrative procedures may address the local Points of Single Contact. These state run one-stop-shops will guide them through the necessary paper work.

In the state of Berlin, the Point of Single Contact is located at the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises. Besides being a contact and information point for businesses in Berlin, the Point of Single Contact also guides through the necessary administrative procedures within the state. In the area of information and consulting services, the Point of Single Contact in Berlin cooperates with the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts and the Confederation of German Trade Unions in Berlin and Brandenburg. The internet portal provides further information on doing business in Berlin and gives access to the relevant administrative procedures online.

The service of the Points of Single Contact is optional. Entrepreneurs may always contact the relevant authorities directly, if they prefer. Moreover, there are many institutions at the state level that may be addressed for further support.