The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy continues to tighten FDI control, but the investment climate remains liberal in principle

Following major reforms, the French Foreign Investments Control regime is now reaching cruising speed

Member States are introducing or expanding investment screening regimes, and the European Commission is now playing an active role

New rules require transactions involving Swedish security-sensitive activities or assets to undergo a security screening

Deals are generally not blocked in Finland

The Investment Screening Act requires a careful assessment of investments involving Danish entities

Foreign direct investments, whether undertaken directly or indirectly, are generally allowed without restrictions or the need to obtain prior authorization

Expanded jurisdiction, mandatory filings and a substantially increased pursuit of non-notified transactions have changed the landscape 

Since COVID-19, deals involving foreign state-owned enterprises or enterprises related to public health or the supply of critical goods and services are increasingly subject to review

A guide to navigating the rules for investing in countries that require foreign direct investment approval

Key legal developments in 2021 and their implications for Taiwan

Expanded reviews and more resources: The view from 2021

A renewed focus on methodical analysis means careful preparation can improve deal outcomes

Taiwan continues to promote FDI under a two-track screening mechanism for foreign and PRC investors.

New Zealand has recently seen a period of stabilization of the overseas investment regime.

The Republic of Korea continues to welcome foreign investment, offering enhanced incentive packages and easing regulations while heightening scrutiny over transactions involving strategic industrial.

The Japanese government expands business sectors subject to Japan's FDI regime to secure stable supply chains and mitigate the risk of technology leakage and diversion of commercial technologies into military use.

FDI continues to be an area of focus for the Indian government, which has announced plans to attract further foreign investment into the country.

China continues to optimize its foreign investment environment by reducing investment restrictions, opening up market access and lowering investment thresholds into listed companies.

Australia's FDI regimes underwent some modifications in 2024, designed to streamline the process of carrying out investments.

FDI in the UK is covered by the National Security and Investment Act 2021, and in 2024 the government continued to update information and guidelines concerning the legislation.

Foreign direct investment is permissible in the UAE, subject to applicable licensing and ownership conditions.

Strengthening Türkiye's position as a key investment hub remains a government priority.

Apart from limited sector-specific regulations, there is currently no general FDI regime in Switzerland. An FDI Act is expected to come into force in 2026 at the earliest.

In its second year of operation, the Swedish FDI Act has become a standard component of a large portion of all transactions involving Swedish companies.

Since 2020, certain foreign direct investments are subject to scrutiny in Spain and, since then, additional formalities have been introduced, specifically by a developing FDI regulation that entered into force on September 1, 2023.

Slovenia's updated FDI regime now extends to branch offices and introduces new challenges for foreign investors navigating critical sectors.

After two years of foreign investment regulation in Slovakia, a supportive climate for foreign investments remains.

The year 2024 was not marked by any major changes in the sphere of regulation of foreign investments in Russia, and the regulator continues to implement the course taken earlier in 2023.

While far-reaching in its scope, compared to other EU countries, the Romanian FDI regime is generally perceived as investor-friendly.

In Portugal, transactions involving acquisition of control over strategic assets by entities residing outside the EU or the EEA may be subject to FDI screening.

After revision of the Polish FDI regime in 2024, the way the authorities are assessing transactions is evolving.

Norway's foreign direct investment regime is in the process of being expanded, with more profound changes expected in the future.