Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the United States

Your Legal Partner for Foreign Investment in North Carolina & Beyond

At BridgehouseLaw LLP, our Charlotte office specializes in assisting foreign companies and investors with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the United States. Whether you are expanding your business, acquiring a U.S. company, or setting up a new subsidiary, our international business attorneys provide comprehensive legal guidance to ensure compliance with U.S. investment regulations, tax laws, corporate structuring, and employment requirements.

North Carolina is one of the most attractive states for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), offering low corporate tax rates, strong economic incentives, and a skilled workforce. We specialize in assisting companies with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into North Carolina and the United States. We help businesses expand into the U.S. through Foreign Direct Investment, ensuring proper corporate structuring that is protected, compliant, and built for long-term success.

Key Legal Considerations for Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S.

1. Foreign Direct Investment: U.S. Investment Regulations & Sector Restrictions

• Certain U.S. industries have restrictions on foreign ownership, including:
  • Defense & Aerospace
  • Telecommunications & Technology
  • Energy & Infrastructure
  • Banking & Financial Services
• Some industries require government approval before foreign investment is permitted.
• BridgehouseLaw Charlotte assists international investors in securing regulatory approvals and structuring investments within legal boundaries.

2. FDI Screening & National Security Reviews (CFIUS Approval)

• The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews foreign investments for national security risks.
• If your investment involves critical technology, infrastructure, or sensitive personal data, a CFIUS filing may be mandatory.
• We guide foreign investors through the CFIUS review process to prevent delays or investment restrictions.

3. Corporate & Business Law: Structuring Your U.S. Entity for Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign businesses investing in North Carolina or elsewhere in the U.S. must choose the right legal structure, such as:

• Subsidiary (LLC or Corporation)
• Joint Venture with a U.S. Partner
• Acquisition of an Existing U.S. Business
• Branch Office (for Limited Operations)

With our Corporate Law Services, our attorneys can assist with entity formation, corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and compliance with U.S. business laws to ensure your investment is structured for long-term success for your Foreign Direct Investment.

4. North Carolina Foreign Direct Investment Tax Benefits & Incentives

North Carolina offers one of the most competitive tax environments in the U.S. for foreign investors:

• Low Corporate Income Tax Rate:
  • Currently 2.5%, decreasing to 2.25% in 2025, and phasing out to 0% by 2030—one of the lowest in the U.S.
• Sales & Use Tax Exemptions:
  • Manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and R&D investments may qualify for exemptions.
  • Qualifying Data Centers can receive exemptions on electricity and support equipment.
  • Large Fulfillment Facilities that meet investment/job thresholds can also secure tax benefits.
• Property Tax Exemptions:
  • Inventories, solar energy systems, and recycling facilities receive full or partial exemptions.
• Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs):
  • North Carolina hosts multiple FTZs, allowing businesses to store and process goods with reduced customs duties and improved logistics.

Learn more about North Carolina’s tax incentives here: NC Department of Commerce

5. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection for Foreign Investors: Foreign Direct Investments

• Investors must secure U.S. trademarks, patents, and copyrights to prevent infringement.
• BridgehouseLaw Charlotte assists with:
  • Trademark registration with the USPTO
  • Patent filings & IP licensing agreements
  • IP dispute resolution & enforcement

6. Dispute Resolution & International Arbitration

• Many foreign investors prefer arbitration over U.S. courts for resolving disputes.
• We structure agreements with arbitration clauses under:
  • ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes)
  • UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law)
  • ICC (International Chamber of Commerce)
• We also advise on Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) to ensure investor protections.

7. Labor & Employment Compliance in the U.S.

BridgehouseLaw Charlotte has helped many businesses with Foreign Direct Investment in North Carolina, including:

• At-will employment rules
• Wage & hour laws (Fair Labor Standards Act)
• Work visa sponsorships (L-1, E-2, EB-5) for foreign executives and employees

At BridgehouseLaw, our team providing Employment Law Services advises on employment contracts, HR compliance, and visa options for international companies hiring in the U.S.

Examples of FDI Transactions We Handle

BridgehouseLaw in Charlotte has successfully guided numerous foreign companies, manufacturers, and investors in their U.S. market entry through Foreign Direct Investment.

• A European automotive supplier establishing a manufacturing plant in North Carolina
• A global tech company acquiring a software startup in the North Carolina
• An international pharmaceutical company launching operations in North Carolina
• A foreign investor purchasing commercial real estate for U.S. market expansion

How BridgehouseLaw Assists Foreign Investors

At BridgehouseLaw LLP – Charlotte, we provide comprehensive legal solutions for foreign businesses expanding to the U.S. We help investors with:

• Legal entity formation & structuring through our Corporate Law Services
• Foreign investment approvals (CFIUS screening, government permits)
• Tax planning through our preferred partner & investment incentives
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) transactions
• Intellectual property (IP) protection
• Employment law compliance through our Employment Law Services & visa sponsorships through our Immigration Law Services
• Commercial contract negotiations & arbitration

With deep expertise in international business law, our attorneys ensure your investment is protected, compliant, and strategically structured for success in the U.S. market.

Looking to expand your Foreign Direct investment business to North Carolina? Contact BridgehouseLaw in Charlotte, North Carolina today!