India Desk

German companies in India – what you need to know on entering the market

Brexit in particular has caused the Indian and German economies to grow together more closely. Great cultural differences always characterise European-Asian collaboration, but more connects India with Germany than first meets the eye. The great benefits of India as a place for doing business are surely its status as a democracy and its openness to the world and technology.

Over the years, many partnerships have developed in the economic and technological spheres between Germany and India.  India is a highly interesting market to the German economy and increasingly to German mid-market companies as well.  And conversely, too, Indian companies are becoming ever more important to the German economy. After all, with its continuous growth rate, India will in the future be one of the largest economies and markets in the world. This aspiring country has significant economic and entrepreneurial potential.

India – skilled workers and English skills

With its size and population in its dynamics, global connections and resources, India offers German companies the ideal conditions for accelerating and supporting international growth.  The constant demand in Germany for qualified workers is well supplied by the large pool of experienced professionals, talented young people and the widespread English-speaking population in India. Among other things, these factors have in recent years led to German businesses continually increasing their investments in India. 

Challenges and solutions

There are, of course, challenges awaiting German companies in becoming involved in India. The greatest of these are the cultural differences. The legal and administrative systems differ, just like the business practices. The key here is acting with know-how and tact. The global Grant Thornton network offers profound knowledge and understanding of the Indian culture. Our particular strength lies in collaborating on an equal footing. In our global network, we offer German companies the best advice and assist them comprehensively with their business activities in India.

We’re there when you need us and provide advisory in the following areas:

• Founding companies, transactions, purchases and restructuring       
• Tax and legal issues, regardless of the area, including on subsidies       
• Reporting for Indian government administrative bodies       
• The use of services (bookkeeping, payroll accounting, etc.)     
• IT issues like data security, cyber compliance and e-discovery
• Planning, documenting and developing prices structures   
• Financial statement audits according to Indian and international standards and audit-related services.

Our awards 

We’re proud of the awards we’ve won. And we’re just as happy that our clients give us top ratings! We’re working hard to keep it that way. And that’s a promise!