Hub of International Trade

Since the port has been established more than 830 years ago, cosmopolitanism, tolerance and hospitality have been continuously developed in Hamburg. When the emerging commercial centre joined the merchants’ Hanseatic League in the 14th century, Hamburg became the economic centre of the North Sea and Baltic Sea region. Hamburg turned into a true global player and cosmopolitan city. Since then, the "Gateway to the World“ has kept its gates always open in both directions – out into the world, and open to the world coming to Hamburg.

Today, the Hanseatic city is one of the most attractive cities in the European Union. It attracts companies, institutions and professionals from all over the world. Some 250,000 citizens from 185 nations have made Hamburg their new home and are currently working on the banks of the Alster and Elbe rivers. More than 100 consular missions represent their interests.

More than 550 companies from China, 100 from Japan, and 50 from Taiwan make Hamburg the German location with the largest Asia competence. Also, companies from Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the UK and the United States steer their activities in the D-A-CH market and Northern Europe from Hamburg.

Hamburg will always be an excellent environment with ideal conditions for people and companies looking to achieve something. The team at the Hamburg Welcome Center provides competent, free advice on all aspects of working and living in Hamburg. In addition, they offer a special consulting service for qualified executives, scientists and experts, addressing immigration, residential registration and tax issues.