International Business

Global Business in Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads, Virginia is among the top destinations for international companies looking to establish a presence in the United States. Home to nearly 200 international companies as well as the only American location of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the region’s central location on the East Coast and affordable cost of doing business make it ideally situated for a North American operation. International companies who have selected Hampton Roads for their North American headquarters include:

STIHL, a German-owned power tool manufacturer, whose North American headquarters includes more than 1 million square feet of manufacturing space and over 2,000 employees in Virginia Beach
Liebherr, a Swiss and German-owned mining and construction equipment manufacturer, with a large campus and multiple facilities in Newport News.
Canon, based in Japan, has a major manufacturing facility in Newport News which employs more than 1,500 people.Canon Information Technology Service, a subsidiary, has a customer service center in Chesapeake that employs more than 500 people
Massimo Zanetti, based in Luxembourg, has a major coffee production facility in Suffolk

Our Services for International Companies

Our team can help make the expansion process as smooth as possible for your company. See below for a comprehensive list of service offerings. All of our assistance comes at no cost to you. For international representation, please contact Jared Chalk at jchalk@hamptonroadsalliance.com.

Incorporating your US Business:

Through our network of local legal professionals who specialize in corporate law, The Alliance will connect you with an experienced professional who can advise you about the best form of incorporation. The lawyer of your choice will then file all the required paperwork on your behalf. Generally, a new business can be established in less than 10 business days.

Obtaining an employer ID number:

In most cases, businesses need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. This number is a unique identifier for a business entity. The Alliance, with the assistance of a legal professional, will help obtain an EIN for your new business.

Business and Personal Banking:

After incorporating and obtaining the EIN, the new business can open a banking relationship. The Alliance project manager can arrange and introduce you to a variety of national and international banks with local branch offices. The services include online banking, wire transfers, bill payment, check processing, debit and credit cards for business and personal purposes.

Bookkeeping, Accounting and Audit:

Understanding the best tax structure and its implications is of particular interest to many business owners and executives. We can assist in an array of services from small business support (invoice processing and bill paying), accounting work, to audit of international transactions. This ensures all Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filing requirements and deadlines are met.

Finding Office, Warehouse and Manufacturing or Flex Space:

The Alliance has access to a regional database of available commercial real estate, and we can assist you in finding the perfect fit for your company. We will arrange tours of all buildings you would like to visit during your time in Hampton Roads, and can facilitate conversations with appropriate staff.

Obtaining Proper Permits:

The Alliance staff will work with the economic development department in each of the 11 communities in the area to ensure your new business operates in the appropriate zone (i.e. mixed use for office, light and heavy industrial for manufacturing/assembly/warehouse).

Obtaining a Visa for the United States:

The Alliance staff will gladly introduce you to experienced legal professionals who can advise you on obtaining the most suitable visa for you or your employees. The filing fees for a visa are set, while the cost to prepare the paperwork depends on the complexity of the visa application.

Staffing Needs:

The Alliance works with several temporary hire agencies that specialize in referring qualified applicants, helping companies during their transitional phase.

Corporate Insurance:

The Alliance is supported by insurance brokers focusing on the insurance needs of businesses. Discussing insurance policies is paramount in order to maintain legal compliance and protection for a company or business.

Establishing credit history:

While building credit takes time, newly established companies can employ a few strategies such as exemplary financial management, to accelerate the establishment of credit history in the United States. This is also true for establishing personal credit history.