Germany

 

Official Name - Federal Republic of Germany (GM)
Capital City - Berlin
Type of Government - Federal Republic
Currency - Euro (€) - EUR
Fiscal Year - Calendar year
Official Language(s) - German
Local Time - GMT +01:00 (+02:00 in summer)
International Dialling Code - +49
Internet Domain - .de
Major Cities - Bonn, Franfurt, Hamburg, München (Munich), Hannover
Major Industries - Motor Vehicles, Engineering, Chemicals, Iron, Steel, Coal, Electronics, Environmental Technology, Food, Clothing.
Major Trading Partners - EU (esp. France, Netherlands, Italy, UK, Belgium/Luxembourg), USA, Japan
Double Taxation Treaty with India - YES

Economic Overview

  • One of the world's highest developed market economies.
  • World's third largest economy in USD exchange-rate terms.
  • Fifth largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity.
  • Largest economy in Europe.
  • The heart of the economy is the industry sector contributing approximately 28% of GDP.
  • The economy is export-oriented, accounting for more than one-third of national output.
  • West Germany experienced almost continuous economic expansion.
  • Germans describe their economic system as "social market economy."
  • Germany has a liberal investment policy.

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Association of the German Trade Fair Industry
German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB)
German Centre for Industry and Trade
Littenstraße 910179
Berlin Germany
Tel.: +(49)-(30)-24000
Fax: +(49)-(30)-24000-330
E-mail: info@auma.de
Website: www.auma-messen.de 		Henriette-Herz-Platz
210178 Berlin
Tel.: +(49)-(30)-24060-641
E-mail: thorben.albrecht@dgb.de
Website: www.dgb.de 		Landesbank Baden-Württemberg
German Centres Am Hauptbahnhof
270173 Stuttgart, Germany
Tel.: +(49)-(711)-1277420
Fax: +(49)-(711)-127-4317
E-mail: germancentre@LBBW.de

Business Visa Rules
The following documents are required for obtaining business visa:

  • In case if the visit is for a period that is less than 3 months, the applicant must complete two yellow forms.
  • In case if the visit is for a period that is more than 3 months, the applicant must complete two white forms.
  • In case of transit visa, then, the applicant must complete a blue form. Besides that, the applicant must have a visa for the final destination.
  • A recent passport-sized photograph.
  • A passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the departure from Germany.
  • Any proof that shows the applicant has sufficient funds to cover his expenses during his stay.
  • A formal invitation from the business partner or a letter of recommendation from the Indo German chamber of commerce. In case of a private visit, the applicant must submit a legalised sponsorship form.
  • Confirmed return ticket.
  • Valid medical insurance (original policy & 1 photocopy).
Business Hours
Throughout the year, apart from Festivals, businesses are open at the following hours:
Offices :    Mondays to Fridays 09:00 - 18:00 (with a 1 hour lunch break)
Banks :     Mondays to Fridays 08:30 - 13:00
                   14:30 - 16:00 (on Thursday until 18:00)
Stores :     Mondays to Fridays 09:00 - 18:30
                   Saturdays (shopping centers) 09:00 - 16:00