Business migration in Latvia and Lithuania
What are the possibilities to obtain a residency permit in Latvia or Lithuania (both are in European Union)?

IMMIGRATION IN LITHUANIA (UP TO 1 YEAR):
Lithuanian Immigration Law provides ability to apply for residence permit up to 1 year through investments in business. In order to obtain temporary residence permit in Lithuania, the investment must fulfil following conditions:

a company has at least EUR 28,000 share capital;
a company has genuine economical activities and pays minimum taxes;
the presence of investor is necessary for business activities of a company.
IMMIGRATION IN LATVIA (UP TO 5 YEARS):
Latvian Immigration Law provides ability to obtain residence permit if the foreigner`s activities are related to business. Residence permit might be granted for:

Official of the company: Manager Director, Chief Executive, Board Member, Proxy, Representative of Branch, Representative of foreign merchant
Shareholder of existing or newly established company: Residence permit through investment in share capital in the status of shareholder, for example, company formation and registration or acceding to existing company with significant investment
Residence permit through investments in subordinated capital of credit institution
Conditions for officials in the company
Foreigner is entitled to residence permit if he holds a position of:

Board member (Manager Director, Chief Executive), Proxy, Representative of Branch, Representative of foreign merchant
Please note! Although the residence permit is issued for 5 years, it must be registered each year. At the moment of registration, the following should be established:

Company must run actual business and generate taxes at least EUR 21,350 / year (this provision is not applicable to a new company)
Conditions on investing in the equity capital of an enterprise
According to Latvian Immigration Law there are two options:

The amount of investment must be at least EUR 35,000
Temporary residence permit is issued for up to 5 years though the foreigner is obliged to register the residence permit each year. Failure to do this might be basis for annulment of residence permit. For the second and following years, the foreigner shall approve his contribution to Latvian economy:

Company must run actual business and generate taxes at least EUR 40,000 / year
Conditions for investing in Latvian credit institutions:
the amount of financial investments must be at least EUR 280,000;
the term of transaction must be at least five years without the right to terminate it prior to the term of repayment of the deposit. Conditions on investing in the equity capital of an enterprise.
If you do not plan to set up business in Latvia, we advise other option - investment in real estate.

The market entry strategy for sprinklers is to expand business to a number of foreign markets at the same time. Its key feature is simultaneous market entry while pursuing benefits that early entry offers. So it's a high-risk, rewarding approach - a successfully executed sprinkler strategy allows for profits from multiple markets while staying ahead of the competition, but a failed entry (retreat from markets) costs a lot of resources and yields little in terms of compensation .


A company enters several foreign markets at the same time and tries to establish itself, to promote the product and at the same time to build a customer base. The company gets profit and internationalization knowledge from multiple markets, which makes spreading the business even more effective since there are so many sources of resources and information. This is similar to a water sprinkler, where each individual droplet is small but numerous and spread all around, so that the entire area nearby is evenly and thoroughly watered.

Implementation
The sprinkler market entry strategy is best suited for companies that manufacture short lifecycle products or whose products are in the launch or growth phase. Usually the sprinkler strategy is complemented by the price skimming technique when the initial price is quite high and lowered over time. This makes it possible to get as many profits as possible in a relatively short time, taking into account the profits of all regional branches.

Another thing to consider when entering the sprinkler system market is process standardization. Since it is almost impossible to customize and adapt them for each individual market, standardization plays an important role in keeping the business expansion process coherent and the incoming data comparable. Of course, this does not mean that everything should be the same - but it is still important to pay attention to cultural differences and their influence on advertising and branding. For example, in 2016, hot dog companies in Malaysia were forced to rename their products after the word "dog" because this animal is considered "unclean" in Islam, one of the major religions in the region. If the sprinkler strategy does not adapt to such specifics, expansion into a particular market can stall.

Advantages
The sprinkler market entry strategy is an effective method of outrunning competition and utilizing the first-mover or technological advantage. While the competitors enter just one or two markets at a time, the business in question raises the brand-awareness in many more markets. Even if the competitors also enter these markets, they will be seen as followers, rather than as innovators. The business that uses the sprinkler market entry strategy has more time to analyze the market and make adjustments. An early simultaneous entry also means more possibilities for registering intellectual property, which hinders the later advance of competitors even more.

Another advantage is the amount of income from a large number of entered market, especially if the business expansion was successful in the majority of the markets. Besides just receiving profits and using them to develop the company, this also gives another advantage - the profits from successfully entered markets can be allocated to less successful regional branches, thus minimizing the risk of withdrawal across all the markets. This makes the sprinkler strategy advantageous in the long-run.

Disadvantages
The sprinkler market entry relies on a big number of markets entered simultaneously, which, in turn, requires a significant amount of initial investments. This includes both finances and staff, as well as the general business expansion planning. Depending on the markets and other circumstances, production facilities, offices, logistics networks and bank accounts will need to be established in numerous markets at once, putting additional strain on resources.

Another disadvantage of the sprinkler strategy is the high risk of entering a number of markets at once. Although a failure and possible withdrawal in one can be compensated by the profits from other markets, if the whole business expansion is unsuccessful, the losses are rather serious (due to big initial investments, see the previous disadvantage).

Acquiring a residence permit based on an investment in a Latvian bank is often a better option for those who want to obtain a residence permit while ensuring a stable investment with a guaranteed return, rather than exposing themselves to the potential variable returns that are sometimes seen in investing are real estate. Statistics show that this type of investment is a less common method of obtaining a residency permit compared to buying real estate in general. However, there are some peculiarities of the system available in Latvia that make this option the best solution for some investors.

Investment in a Latvian bank
To apply for a residence permit in Latvia on the basis of a financial investment in a bank, you must deposit at least EUR 280,000 in subordinated capital in a bank and pay a government fee of EUR 25,000 to the government. Subordinated capital is funds that the bank borrows from a customer for a minimum of 5 years (like a corporate bond – but if the corporation is a bank). If you choose this option, you should know that the term of your residence permit corresponds to the term of the subordinated capital (duration of the bond). The banks usually assume all risks. It's also worth noting that just like any other bond, the bank will pay you interest, so this can be a good, low-risk way to ensure a return on your investment and grow your capital over time, while also getting your residency status. The interest rate is agreed upfront, and therefore this option effectively guarantees the size of your investment's return, while it may not offer you the same level of liquidity that you see with a property purchase - where you have the option to sell at any time.

Last year only 208 investors applied for a residence permit based on investing in Latvian banks. Since 2010, the total investment sum is estimated at around 75.7 million euros.

Choosing between the available options can be difficult and requires careful consideration of your needs and circumstances. We can help you choose the most suitable solution for your needs, by advising you and making all the necessary calculations. We can also provide full legal support for every other part of the incorporation process to ensure your investment and stay is a smooth and hassle free experience.

Baltic Legal offers a wide range of services and support in establishing and promoting your business in Latvia and other Baltic countries. If you are considering opening a restaurant, bistro, cafe, bar or any other venue in Latvia, we will discuss aspects such as real estate, business registration and company formation, permits and licenses, recruitment, creating a potential client base and tax regulations.
Today, Latvia is in many ways a growing country with great business potential due to its advantageous geographic location. Opening a restaurant in Latvia is a good choice and a potentially lucrative venture. However, it is important to be fully informed about all relevant factors and risks.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the country every year and they love to have a good time - especially in restaurants, bars and cafes, just like the locals. It is therefore not surprising that the restaurant business is currently one of the most popular and profitable sectors of the Latvian economy.

Commercial real estate and business premises
Finding space is the first step in starting your restaurant. In recent years there has been an increase in construction activity across the country, so finding the right property shouldn't be too difficult. First you need to decide what type of property you need and where. Next you need to buy or rent the right premises to support the success of your business in Latvia.

This process can take a few months if you do it yourself, but we are here to help and save your time and resources. Our team of specialists is ready to help you choose the best location for a restaurant across the country.

We will help you choose a property to rent or buy based on your goals. To make sure you choose the best option and all the formalities are taken care of, contact us for a consultation!

Business registration and company formation
If you start a business, you need to register your business. We can provide you with a ready company or start a new one for you according to your business plan. Depending on the case, this can take up to a few weeks. Contact us so you don't have to worry about the paperwork and possible mistakes when drafting documents - we have the knowledge to do it correctly and at a high level, saving you time.

You must also open one or more bank accounts in Latvia. Baltic Legal can help you open a bank account in over twenty jurisdictions, making it easy to avoid challenging language barriers or bureaucratic deadlocks.

What we can do for you:

We provide high quality professional company registration services and an individual approach to your needs while promising loyalty, privacy and fast service;
We provide efficient service and take so much burden off your shoulders;
We will help you solve complex issues and provide you with swift, high-quality legal, accounting and business management services.

Before founding a company, it is essential to examine and select the legally and economically most suitable form of company. This choice affects not only the amount of equity required, but also the legal form of the company and other company-related issues.

There are several legal forms for doing business in Latvia. Entrepreneurs usually register the following types of companies:

Limited Liability Company (SIA)
Public limited company (AS)
branch
Representative office of the foreign merchant
According to Baltic Legal's experience, the most popular company form is a limited liability company (SIA). Baltic Legal assists in establishing a company or opening a branch or representative office in Latvia. Our lawyers support you in the preparation of incorporation documents and represent your interests in dealings with the relevant state authorities.

Limited Liability Company (SIA)
Equity – when establishing a limited liability company, the minimum equity is 2820 euros. The equity contribution can take the form of a cash contribution or a contribution in kind.

Founders – Founders of a limited liability company can be one or more individuals, which can be both natural and legal persons. The founder may or may not be a resident of the Republic of Latvia.

Status – a limited liability company is considered a legal entity.

Liability – The company is liable for its obligations to the extent of its entire assets. A founder or partner is not liable for the obligations of the limited liability company, just as the limited company is not liable for the obligations of the founder or partner.

Governing body – the decision-making body of a limited liability company is the board of directors and, if necessary, the council. The Board of Directors consists of one or more natural persons who may or may not be residents of the Republic of Latvia.

The process of company formation and registration is not considered complex. Registration takes only four business days from the moment all incorporation documents are prepared and submitted to the Commercial Register of the Republic of Latvia. The registration time may be shortened by up to two business days in response to such a request.

The European Union Blue Card Directive applies to highly qualified non-EU citizens wishing to be admitted to the territory of a Member State of the European Union (European Union Common Immigration Policy) for more than three years, with the exception of Denmark, Ireland and months in the UK for employment and residence purposes. The EU Blue Card also enables authorized persons to bring their close family members with them.

The "Blue Card" can be obtained in a one-way process, with which non-EU citizens can apply for a work permit, which is then valid for up to two years and can then be renewed.

The Blue Card confers a range of rights, including favorable rules on family reunification. The proposal also encourages geographical mobility within the EU between different Member States for those who have been granted a blue card.

requirements
In order to be admitted to the EU, the applicant must present:

an employment contract or a binding job offer with a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary paid in the Member State;
a valid travel document and, in certain cases, a valid residence permit or long-term national visa;
valid health insurance;
in the case of regulated professions, documents proving that you meet the legal requirements and, in the case of non-regulated professions, documents proving that you have the relevant higher professional qualification.
In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to public policy from the point of view of the Member State in which he is seeking authorisation.

The Baltic Sea region is the fastest growing business region in Europe. The trade flow among the states in this region has been steadily increasing year by year. The taxation system of Estonia is considered one of the most liberal taxation systems in the world. In 2000, Estonia implemented a comprehensive tax reform with an aim to create the simplest, most comprehensible and most convenient taxation system possible. The main advantage of Estonia is the low-tax system that can be described as a simple system with no hidden surprises and that was basically established to promote business and increase profits.

The taxation system of Estonia includes state taxes stipulated by the tax legislation and local taxes imposed by local governments or city councils in the respective territories according to laws and regulations.

The state taxes are the following:

excise duty;
income taxes;
gambling tax;
value added tax;
land tax;
social tax;
customs tariffs;
heavy goods vehicle tax.
Corporate income tax
As a result of reforms, the main benefit of entrepreneurs was the exemption from the corporate income tax in the event of reinvesting the profits. Thus, Estonian enterprises must pay the income tax only on their distributed profits, namely, dividends. The corporate income tax (tax on distributed profits) is 21 % of gross dividends.

This taxation system is conceptually different from the classic income tax system, because the tax is levied on distributed profits (also hidden distributed profits) instead of company profits.

Value added tax (VAT)
The value added tax payers are enterprises the taxable supply (except for import) of which does not exceed EUR 16,000 during a calendar year. The tax is levied on transactions with goods and services in Estonia and on the import of goods. The tax rate is 20 % of the taxable value.

The taxable period is one calendar month, and the value added tax must be paid into the state budget by the twentieth day of each month. The tax is fully paid into the state budget.

The registration of enterprises is carried out by the Tax and Customs Board also administering the VAT levied on domestic goods and services.

Personal income tax
In 2010, the tax rate is 21 % of taxable income, and residents must pay the tax on their income received both inside and outside Estonia. The taxable income includes the income from employment (salary, wage, bonus and other remunerations), business income, interest, royalties, rent, capital gains, maintenance support, pensions, scholarships (except for scholarships paid from the state budget or pursuant to law).

Social tax
This tax is imposed to ensure state pensions and health insurance. It is paid by legal persons, natural persons and non-residents with regular income. The tax rate is 33 % of the taxable amount. The tax must be calculated monthly, and a corresponding amount of money must be transferred no later than by the tenth day of each month.

Since 1 January 1999 the social tax payments have been personalised, and they form pension funds which will be considered in each specific case. The tax is accumulated in a special account of health and pension insurance funds within the state budget.

Excise duty
In Estonia, the excise duty is levied on tobacco, alcohol, fuel, packaging and vehicles.

The excise duty helps to control the amount of a specific product or provision of a specific service seeking to adjust the consumption of domestically sold goods.

Like value added tax revenues, also excise duty revenues are affected by changes in domestic demand, increase in imports of excise goods, as well as changes in excise duty rates.

Official Name: Federal Republic of Germany
Capital: Berlin
Total area: 357 021 km2
GDP per capita: $39,028
Native Language: German
Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
Population: 80,399,300
Major Religion: Roman Catholicism, Lutheran
Monetary Unit: Euro (EUR)

Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a federal parliamentary republic in west-central Europe. The country consists of 16 federal states, the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of ​​357,021 square kilometers (137,847 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal climate. With 80.3 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is the greatest economic and political power on the European continent and historically a leader in many theoretical and technical areas.

Germany has the largest population of all EU countries. Its territory stretches from the North and Baltic Seas in the north to the Alps in the south and is crossed by some of Europe's most important rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe.

Germany is a federal republic. The legislatures at the national level are the Bundestag, whose members are elected by popular vote every four years, and the Bundesrat, which consists of 69 representatives from the 16 federal states.

After the Second World War, Germany was divided into the democratic west and the communist east (German Democratic Republic). The Berlin Wall became the symbol of this division. It fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited a year later.

German is the most widespread first language in the European Union. Germany is the third largest economy in the world and produces automobiles, precision engineering products, electronic and communication equipment, chemical and pharmaceutical products and much more. Its companies have invested heavily in the Central and Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004.

As the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner, among others, Germany's gift to European classical music is important. In thought and word, Germany's vast legacy encompasses the works of Luther, Goethe, Schiller, Nietzsche, Kant, Brecht and Thomas Mann.

Germany is the second largest hop producer in the world and the country is known for its quality beers. Wine is produced in the Moselle and Rhine valleys.

Health & Welfare
Germany has one of the most comprehensive and generous systems in the world. It includes health, old age, disability, unemployment insurance, child support, public housing and veterans aid.

Economy & Jobs
Manufacturing, industry, mining, farming, forestry, fishing, energy, banking, and tourism.

Main Attractions
Berlin, Frankfurt city, Lubeck medieval town, Munich city, Rhine Valley, and Weimar pilgrimage site.

Economy
Germany is the 12th richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita, has a well-developed social market economy, and a high standard of living. Until the 1980s, many of Germany's largest industry firms were nationalised; in recent years, however, privatisation has reduced state holdings to a level comparable to other European economies. Labour movements are particularly strong in Germany and have large influence on labour politics. Next to a highly developed industry, international tourism is the most important part of the national economy. Mariahilf shopping avenue in Vienna.

Germany has historically been the main trading partner of Germany, making it vulnerable to rapid changes in the German economy. Since Germany became a member state of the European Union it has gained closer ties to other EU economies, reducing its economic dependence on Germany. In addition, membership in the EU has drawn an influx of foreign investors attracted by Germany's access to the single European market and proximity to the aspiring economies of the European Union. Growth in GDP accelerated in recent years and reached 3.3% in 2006.

Germany indicated on 16 Nov 2010 that it would withhold the December installment of its contribution to the EU bailout of Greece citing material worsening of the Greek debt situation and apparent inability of Greece to collect the level of tax receipts it had previously promised.

Since the fall of communism, Germanyn companies have been quite active players and consolidators in Eastern Europe. Between 1995 and 2010, 4'868 mergers & acquisitions with a total known value of 163 bil. EUR with the involvement of Germanyn firms have been announced. The largest transactions with involvement of Germanyn companies have been: the acquisition of Bank Germany by Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank for 7.8 bil. EUR in 2000, the acquisition of Porsche Holding Salzburg by Volkswagen Group for 3.6 bil. EUR in 2009, and the acquisition of Banca Comercială Română by Erste Group for 3.7 bil. EUR in 2005.

Official Name: Republic of Latvia
Capital: Riga
Total area: 65 000 km2
GDP per capita: $18,100
Native Language: Latvian
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Population: 1,911,108
Major Religion: Evangelical Lutheranism
Monetary Unit: Euro (EUR)
Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Located on the Baltic coast, Latvia is a flat country with large forests that provide timber for the construction and paper industries. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife. Latvia also produces consumer goods, textiles and machine tools. The country attracts tourists from all over Europe.

Ethnically, the population is 59% Latvian and 29% Russian, and more than a third live in the capital, Riga. Riga was founded in 1201 and is the largest city in the three Baltic States with a population of 730,000. At 43 meters, the Statue of Liberty is one of the tallest monuments in Europe.

Latvia's 100-seat unicameral parliament, the Saeima, is elected every four years by direct popular vote. The President is also elected by Parliament every four years.

The best-known Latvians include the expressionist painter Mark Rothko and the contemporary composer Peteris Vasks.

Characteristic specialties of Latvian cuisine are speķapīrādziņi (bacon pies) and a refreshing, cold sour cream soup.

Health & Wellbeing
Social security and benefit programs are being developed, including free provider choice, free medicines and prescriptions, and inclusive health insurance for all citizens.

Economy & Jobs
Service, tourism, shipping, trade and agriculture.

Main attraction
Riga, Bauska Castle, the cities of Jurmala, the historical town of Kuldiga and the medieval castles of Sigulda.

Economy
Latvia is a small, open economy, with exports accounting for almost a third of GDP. Because of its geographic location, transit services are highly developed, along with timber and wood processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics. Corruption remains a barrier to attracting foreign direct investment, and Latvia's low birth rate and declining population pose major challenges to its long-term economic vitality. The Latvian economy recorded GDP growth of more than 10% per year in 2006/07, but slipped into a severe recession in 2008 due to an unsustainable current account deficit and high levels of debt amid the ailing global economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP collapsed by 18% in 2009. The economy has not returned to pre-crisis levels, despite strong growth, particularly in the export sector in 2011-12. The IMF, the EU and other international donors provided significant financial support to Latvia under an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to tough austerity measures. The IMF/EU program was successfully completed in December 2011. The government of Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS has maintained its commitment to fiscal prudence, reducing the budget deficit to 2.7% of GDP in 2012 from 7.7% of GDP in 2010. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds significant stakes in some large companies, including 99.8% of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia intends to join the eurozone in 2014.

Official Name: Federal Republic of Germany
Capital: Berlin
Total area: 357 021 km2
GDP per capita: $39,028
Native Language: German
Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
Population: 80,399,300
Major Religion: Roman Catholicism, Lutheran
Monetary Unit: Euro (EUR)
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a federal parliamentary republic in western-central Europe. The country consists of 16 states, and its capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 square kilometres (137,847 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal climate. With 80.3 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state in the European Union. Germany is the major economic and political power of the European continent and a historic leader in many theoretical and technical fields.

Germany has the largest population of any EU country. Its territory stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic in the north to the Alps in the south and is traversed by some of Europe's major rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe.

Germany is a federal republic. The lawmakers at the national level are the Bundestag , whose members are elected every four years by popular vote and the Bundesrat , which consists of 69 representatives of the 16 states (Bundesländer).

After the Second World War, Germany was divided into the democratic West and the Communist East (German Democratic Republic). The Berlin Wall became the symbol of this division. It fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited a year later.

German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union. Germany is the world's third largest economy, producing automobiles, precision engineering products, electronic and communications equipment, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and much more besides. Its companies have invested heavily in the central and east European countries which joined the EU in 2004.

As birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner, among others, Germany's gift to European classical music is important. In thought and word, Germany’s huge heritage includes the works of Luther, Goethe, Schiller, Nietzsche, Kant, Brecht and Thomas Mann.

Germany is the second largest producer of hops in the world and the country is known for its quality beers. Wine is produced in the Moselle and Rhine valleys.

Health & Welfare
Germany has one of the most comprehensive and generous systems in the world. It includes health, old age, disability, unemployment insurance, child support, public housing and veterans aid.

Economy & Jobs
Manufacturing, industry, mining, farming, forestry, fishing, energy, banking, and tourism.

Main Attractions
Berlin, Frankfurt city, Lubeck medieval town, Munich city, Rhine Valley, and Weimar pilgrimage site.

Economy
Germany is the 12th richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita, has a well-developed social market economy, and a high standard of living. Until the 1980s, many of Germany's largest industry firms were nationalised; in recent years, however, privatisation has reduced state holdings to a level comparable to other European economies. Labour movements are particularly strong in Germany and have large influence on labour politics. Next to a highly developed industry, international tourism is the most important part of the national economy. Mariahilf shopping avenue in Vienna.

Germany has historically been the main trading partner of Germany, making it vulnerable to rapid changes in the German economy. Since Germany became a member state of the European Union it has gained closer ties to other EU economies, reducing its economic dependence on Germany. In addition, membership in the EU has drawn an influx of foreign investors attracted by Germany's access to the single European market and proximity to the aspiring economies of the European Union. Growth in GDP accelerated in recent years and reached 3.3% in 2006.

Germany indicated on 16 Nov 2010 that it would withhold the December installment of its contribution to the EU bailout of Greece citing material worsening of the Greek debt situation and apparent inability of Greece to collect the level of tax receipts it had previously promised.

Since the fall of communism, Germanyn companies have been quite active players and consolidators in Eastern Europe. Between 1995 and 2010, 4'868 mergers & acquisitions with a total known value of 163 bil. EUR with the involvement of Germanyn firms have been announced. The largest transactions with involvement of Germanyn companies have been: the acquisition of Bank Germany by Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank for 7.8 bil. EUR in 2000, the acquisition of Porsche Holding Salzburg by Volkswagen Group for 3.6 bil. EUR in 2009, and the acquisition of Banca Comercială Română by Erste Group for 3.7 bil. EUR in 2005.

Tourism accounts for almost 9% of the Germanyn gross domestic product. In 2007, Germany ranked 9th worldwide in international tourism receipts, with 18.9 billion US$. In international tourist arrivals, Germany ranked 12th with 20.8 million tourists.