Welcome Package

The easiest way to establish your business in Dortmund

Soft landing in Dortmund, wrapped in a package.

Entering a new market takes more than just ambition – it requires the right environment. Our Welcome Package enables international growth companies to establish a smooth, low-risk start in Germany with workspace, a business address, local connections and personal guidance.

Explore the market, build your network and validate your expansion strategy with the support of Dortmund Economic Development Agency – all before making long-term commitments.

How it works

Starting your expansion shouldn’t be complicated. The Welcome Package provides practical support to help you establish your first business presence in Germany.

Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll review your company profile to confirm that it meets the conditions of participation. We will then reach out to you for a first consultation, before we help you find the right coworking space in Dortmund. Your new business address will allow you to establish your legal entity in Germany.

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What you receive

Depending on your individual needs, you'll benefit from:

Assistance in finding the right coworking space for your business
A coworking desk for up to 12 months
A German business address
Personal guidance from Dortmund Economic Development Agency
Access to Dortmund's innovation ecosystem
Introductions to relevant business contacts and partners
Invitations to selected networking events

A business address opens doors

A registered business address is a key requirement for establishing a legal entity in Germany. However, it is often challenging to get a business address without already having established a German corporation. And here’s where we come in. Risk-free, we provide you with a business address for 12 months so that you have sufficient time to establish your company in Dortmund.

Please note you will sign the coworking agreement directly with the coworking provider and we will reimburse you upon presentation of your rental expenses after 12 months.

The roadmap to your presence in the German market

Step 1
Apply online
Complete the application form and tell us about your company and your expansion plans.
Step 2
Initial consultation
Meet our team to discuss your goals and find out whether the Soft Landing Kit is the right fit.
Step 3
Eligibility review
We'll review your application based on the programme's eligibility criteria.
Step 4
Soft Landing Kit Approval
If your application is successful, you'll receive an official confirmation letter.
Step 5
Choose your coworking space
Select the coworking space that best suits your business with our support.
Step 6
Start your soft landing
Move into your workspace and begin building your presence in Dortmund.
Step 7
Ongoing support & networking
Receive ongoing support and benefit from valuable connections and networking opportunities.
Step 8
Build your German presence
Use your first months to establish your business and prepare for long-term growth.

Is the Welcome Package right for you?

If you can answer "yes" to most of the following questions, your company is likely a good fit.

Your company was founded less than 10 years ago

Your company is technology-driven or knowledge-based

You're an international business planning to expand to Germany

You see strong growth potential in the German market

You offer an innovative product or business model

You're interested in establishing a presence in Dortmund

Get in touch

FAQs

Who can apply?

Generally, any non-German company can apply that fulfills the eligibility criteria (see above).

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Is the Welcome Package free of charge?

Yes, the Welcome Package is free of charge for a total duration of 12 months. This means, the costs for a business address for 6 months and a co-working space for 6 months in Dortmund will be reimbursed to you afterwards.

Do I need to have a German legal entity already?

It is actually a requirement that you DO NOT have a legal entity in Germany yet. The Welcome Package is supporting you in the process of establishing your corporation in Germany.

How long does the Welcome Package last?

The Welcome Package covers a period of up to 12 months, of which the first 6 months are a virtual office to have your business address ready while the remaining 6 months provide you with a co-working desk in Dortmund.

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Which costs are covered by the Welcome Package?

We will cover the costs of a virtual office (business address) for 6 months and a co-working desk for another 6 months.

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What happens after I submit my application?

We will review your application and company details and hold a jury meeting to make the final decision on your acceptance. In the meantime, we might reach out to you for clarifications.

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