As demand for products or services grows in overseas markets, or as new business needs emerge, growing businesses may face the prospect of global expansion. This is a natural progression that, if done correctly and at the right time, can provide significant benefits.

Have you thought about taking your business global? Do you want to understand the benefits and drawbacks of expanding your business internationally? One should first consider the advantages and disadvantages of international expansion.

If global expansion is your next step, the first step is to conduct research. Global expansion planning can mean the difference between success and failure. Before you begin establishing entities and hiring employees in foreign countries, you must first understand the new market into which you intend to expand.

Even with the advantages of expansion, every company will face some difficulties when entering foreign markets. Some of the drawbacks of a company’s globalization include the following:

• Tightening Immigration Regulations

The task of establishing a branch and assigning staff can be daunting in the face of immigration rules for long-term workers. Expect a thorough government audit of the company’s registration, as well as work permits for any assigned management or employees.

• Cultural and Linguistic Barriers

Most regional markets, such as the EU or Southeast Asia, continue to have cultural and linguistic barriers between countries, as well as distinct business norms that many people are unfamiliar with.

• Costs and Regulations of Incorporation

Companies establishing their own production branch will face significant and time-consuming registration and incorporation challenges if they do not seek expert assistance.

• Services may still need to be outsourced

Because establishing a branch solely for customer service is difficult, many businesses outsource to call centres, but they lose some of the individualized attention provided by experienced employees.

• Requirements for Capitalization and Ownership

Some countries impose capitalization limits on international enterprises, and the UAE requires at least 51 percent local ownership of any company (except in free trade zones).

• Compliance risk

Breaking into new markets can be difficult. When entering a new market, a company must adapt to and operate in accordance with local norms. These rules may be significantly different from those in your home country. As a result, it’s critical to start with the right experts who can help you stay compliant and implement proper business procedures with regards to localization and SEO optimization.

A message to take home…

Before taking your company to the next level, it’s critical to understand the benefits and drawbacks of international expansion. Going global opens up a plethora of opportunities, but it also has a slew of drawbacks, as we’ve seen. One option is to expand internationally without forming a company. This method eliminates all of the inconvenience while still providing all of the benefits.

Finally, when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business, don’t be afraid to seek advice from business experts and consider solutions such as trade credit insurance to help promote sales growth and protect your company from loss if something unexpected happens.

K&J Translations takes the guesswork and effort out of expanding your business internationally. If you require assistance in transitioning your business to a foreign market, please contact us here, and our team of trained professionals will ensure a smooth transition.