Site, incentives, and permits
States and localities compete for foreign direct investment in the US, and incentive packages can include tax credits, grants, and infrastructure support. These agreements usually come with commitments on jobs or capital spending, and clawback provisions if targets are missed, so the terms deserve as much attention as the headline figure. Environmental, zoning, and building permits depend on the site and the activity, and some can take time to obtain. Buying or leasing land near military installations or certain other sensitive sites can fall within CFIUS jurisdiction even when no business is being acquired. Some states also restrict land purchases by investors connected to particular countries.
People and operations
The U.S. entity will need payroll, benefits, and employment policies that follow federal law and the law of the state where staff work. Managers or technical staff sent from the parent company may need visas, and the options depend on the individual and the company's structure; approval is not automatic. Importing equipment brings customs classification and duty questions, which shift with tariff actions and court rulings, so current rates should be confirmed before budgets are set. Intercompany agreements covering services, licenses, and pricing between the parent and the U.S. company help support the tax position.
Where we begin
We start with the project: its location, size, timing, and the parent's ownership structure. From there we review incentive offers, real estate documents, and the entity structure, and we identify any CFIUS or state law question tied to the site. We coordinate with tax advisers, immigration counsel, and local consultants so the pieces arrive in the right order. Bring any letters of intent with landlords or sellers, incentive proposals from states or economic development agencies, and your target date for starting operations. Where the project involves buying an existing site, we also review its environmental history and title before commitments become binding.
