Foreign investment leader
Michigan ranks among the top U.S. destinations for FDI, led by investment from South Korea, Canada, China, the UAE, and Germany.
USAGBC Investment Gateway
Invest in Michigan
Your Gateway to the Great Lakes Economy
USAGBC partners with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to connect international companies and investors with one of the most globally connected, business-friendly economies in the United States.
$20B+Foreign direct investment, 2021–2025
6,464Foreign-owned business locations
#3U.S. state for FDI projects
10% lowerCost of living vs. U.S. average
The Michigan advantage
A globally connected economy built for growth
Michigan combines industrial depth, cross-border reach, competitive operating costs, and an exceptional concentration of technical talent.
Unmatched connectivity
Within 500 miles of nearly half the U.S. and Canadian population and commercial base, with 33 deep-water ports and 18 commercial airports.
Competitive tax structure
A 6% flat corporate income tax, 4.25% personal income tax, and 6% sales tax with no local add-on.
International access
Detroit Metropolitan Airport offers direct connections to Europe and Asia, while the Ambassador Bridge anchors U.S.–Canada trade.
Affordable quality of life
Living costs are roughly 10% below the national average, placing Michigan among the country’s most affordable states.
Resilient natural assets
A favorable natural-risk profile and access to the Great Lakes—home to 20% of the world’s surface freshwater.
Talent & innovation
Where engineering meets enterprise
- #1 in the U.S. for concentration of engineering talent and commercial and industrial designers.
- Top 10 nationally for completed STEM degrees.
- 250,000+ skilled trades workers and the nation’s fourth-largest manufacturing workforce.
- $2.3 billion in annual university R&D across Southeast Michigan.
- 1.3 million students across 150+ regional post-secondary institutions.
Innovation corridor
A Midwest R&D powerhouse
Michigan leads automotive R&D, advanced mobility, materials science, and production innovation. Ann Arbor is ranked among the leading technology hubs in the United States, supported by a dense university and research network.
13
Top-100 U.S. universities nearby
15
Ontario universities within reach
Priority industries
Opportunity across advanced sectors
Michigan’s industrial ecosystem supports companies at every stage—from R&D and market entry to production, procurement, and global expansion.
Mobility & Automotive Manufacturing18.5% of U.S. auto production and 96 of the top 100 North American automotive suppliers.
Semiconductors & CybersecurityA top-10 semiconductor workforce and a growing technology ecosystem centered around Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Defense, Aerospace & Advanced MaterialsHome to federally designated lightweight-materials manufacturing institutes and a deep advanced-production base.
Professional & Corporate ServicesLegal, financial, consulting, and business services supporting international companies entering the U.S.
Life Sciences & Medical DevicesA recognized destination for life-sciences investment, production, and customized workforce development.
Advanced EnergyGrowing capabilities in grid modernization, battery manufacturing, clean energy, and the EV supply chain.
USAGBC + MEDC
A partnership designed to move investment forward
USAGBC works with MEDC to connect international investors and businesses with Michigan’s resources, programs, partners, and expansion pathways.
Strategic introductions
Connections to economic-development organizations, professional advisors, institutions, and business partners.
Market-entry support
Guidance around company formation, state resources, temporary workspace, talent, banking, and professional services.
Trade engagement
Investment forums, webinars, business delegations, and trade missions connecting Michigan with global stakeholders.
Market entry
Setting up a business in Michigan
Businesses generally register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The filing process depends on whether the business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or branch of a foreign company.
Foreign nationals and companies may own and operate Michigan entities, subject to applicable corporate, reporting, federal tax, and immigration requirements. Businesses typically also obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
This overview is general information and is not legal, tax, or immigration advice. USAGBC and MEDC can help facilitate introductions to qualified professionals.
Support programs
Resources that help companies scale
MI-STEP
Export marketing reimbursement for eligible trade activity.
Michigan Business Development Program
Performance-based support for job creation and capital investment.
Pure Michigan Business Connect
Supply-chain and procurement matchmaking.
Talent Action Team
Industry and higher-education workforce partnerships.
Office of Future Mobility
Mobility, electrification, smart infrastructure, and workforce strategy.
Michigan Works!
Recruiting, screening, training, and statewide talent support.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a federal USCIS program, not a Michigan state program. Learn more at uscis.gov.
Ready to explore Michigan?
Turn market interest into an actionable entry plan.
Tell us about your company, target sector, and investment goals. USAGBC can help identify the right conversations and next steps.