Country Profile

Federal republic of germany, known as germany, is situated in the amidst of central europe. Germany is dissipated in total 357,021 sq km area , in which land area is 349,223 sq km and water area is 7,798 sq km. Germany's affluent economy has witnessed a rapid rise in the GDP with a $2.833 trillion. Largest economy of europe, germany is characterized as one of the world's biggest and technologically advanced producer of iron, coal, cement, chemical, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, textiles, ship building, food & beverages. With the export of machinery, textiles, metals, foodstuffs, chemicals, vehicles, germany has embarked a total export of $1.361 trillion. France, usa, uk, italy, austria, belgium, spain and netherland are major exporting countries.

Snapshot

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.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Machinery, Vehicles, Chemicals, Iron and Steel Products, Manufactured Goods, Foodstuffs, Textiles, Electrical Products.

Main Destinations of Exports
France, US, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Spain

Major Import Items
Machinery, Vehicles, Chemicals, Foodstuffs, Textiles, Metals, Petroleum Products, Manufactured Goods, Electrical Products, Apparel.

Main Origins of Imports
France, Netherlands, US, Italy, UK, China, Belgium, Austria

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

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

Public Holidays