Canada: an entrepreneur in Canada can finish the process in two days by paying US$280 in fees and completing only two procedures to enter the market.
Qatar: It is required by law to have an import license for almost all products and are issued only to Qatari nationals. Imports of alcoholic liquor, firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs are strictly controlled. Importing and distribution of pork products and alcoholic beverages are highly restricted. The Government of Qatar may ban import of religious or politically sensitive items.
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotations should be in Australian dollars (with Pound Sterling equivalents), Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF), or Cost, Insurance, Freight and Commission (CIFC) (Incoterms 1990) preferably by Pro-forma invoice. Payment is usually by an irrevocable letter of credit.
Finland: There are no general restrictions on foreign investment, although authorization is required in specific regulated sectors such as banking, investment services, fund management, and payment services. However, foreign investments into, or acquisitions of ownership in, defense industry companies (including companies manufacturing dual-use products) and security sector companies are subject to a mandatory approval process. Under the same regime, non-EU investments into, or acquisitions of ownership in, companies deemed critical for society's vital functioning may require approval. In each case, the approval thresholds are ownership reaching or exceeding 10%, one-third, and 50% of the votes (or similar control).
Denmark: Foreign investment is encouraged and, generally, no authorization is required. However, there are restrictions in some sectors, including national security. Approval from the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority is required for both Danish and foreign investors before acquiring certain qualified interests in a company in some sectors, such as banking and insurance.
Switzerland: In general, there are no restrictions on foreign shareholders in a Swiss private company.
However, foreign shareholders cannot own land in Switzerland without a permit (see Question 22). Foreign shareholders with a controlling interest in companies in certain regulated sectors (such as, banking and insurance) are subject to additional licensing requirements.
Sweden: Insurance, banking and credit institutions are subject to restrictions and require permits, but foreign ownership does not disqualify a company from carrying on business in these industries.
Australia: Industry Sector. Specific restrictions apply to sectors including banking, media, telecommunications, shipping, civil aviation and airports. There are also further restrictions on actions involving national security businesses and/or land.
Norway:
Netherlands; The Netherlands applies and enforces EU trade sanctions regulations, which can restrict doing business with certain countries or jurisdictions. These regulations apply in the whole of the EU. The Dutch government does not typically impose additional trade sanctions on a national level.
New Zealand:
Austria:
Ireland; **There are generally no restrictions on foreign investment in Ireland. The government encourages foreign investments, and the tax regime is particularly favourable.
Regulation (EU) 2019/452 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments (FDI Screening Regulation) is directly applicable in Ireland and came into effect on 11 October 2020. Ireland is not required to screen foreign investment under this regulation, but there are indications that the government may introduce new legislation in this area. However, Ireland is subject to certain obligations under the FDI Screening Regulation (such as sharing information on relevant transactions with the European Commission and other member states, where requested to do so).
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment held a public consultation on Ireland's implementation of the FDI Screenin