International business
Greater Sacramento is the capital of California, the world’s fourth largest economy. It is located 88 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area. The two areas share an economy and workforce. Greater Sacramento is the ideal entry point for international companies to access West Coast markets while keeping costs low.
700
consulates within 100 miles
20
ethnic and trade organizations within 100 miles
700
foreign-owned companies
15,600
jobs supported by foreign-owned companies
Globalizing Greater Sacramento: 2024 Germany market visit
In February 2024, GSEC led a delegation of 20 regional leaders on a weeklong market visit to Germany. We attended 24 meetings in five days across five Germany cities, including meetings with global leadership at some of Germany’s largest companies. We also toured Aachen University and their zero-emission vehicle center – a model for the ZEV Hub at Sac State. We made groundbreaking connections and incredible headway on key initiatives.
Top international employers in the region
Munich, Germany
2,500 regional employees
Leverkusen, Germany*
250 regional employees
Aichi, Japan
120 regional employees
Montreal, Canada
196 regional employees
Asker, Norway
112 regional employees
Bagsværd, Denmark
110 regional employees
Icheon-si, South Korea*
1,900 regional employees
Osaka, Japan
174 regional employees
Basel, Switzerland
79 regional employees
Noida, India
663 regional employees
Valence, France
159 regional employees
Gerlingen, Germany
Up to 700 regional employees
Sources: Business Journal Book of Lists, LinkedIn & DB Hoovers
* Subsidiary’s global headquarters is based in Greater Sacramento
Top countries for foreign direct investment (FDI)
Top 5 countries for FDI by jobs supported
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
Top 5 countries for FDI by number of foreign-owned companies
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- France
- Canada
- Netherlands
Recent announcements
Greater Sacramento is gaining momentum as a destination for international investment. Between 2021 and 2024, GSEC brought 12 foreign-owned companies to the region, creating more than 2,900 jobs.
| Company | Parent company headquarters | Regional jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Solidigm | Icheon-si, South Korea | 1,900 |
| HCL Technologies | Noida, India | 663 |
| Kubota Tractor | Osaka, Japan | 125 |
| Schilling Robotics | United Kingdom | 100 |
| TurtleTree Labs | Singapore | 40 |
| Shalby Limited | Ahmedabad, India | 25 |
| SIR Robotics | Modena, Italy | 15 |
| QPQ | Ireland | 15 |
| Bosch | Gerlingen, Germany | Up to 700 |
The best place to live and work on the West Coast
Greater Sacramento has one of the lowest costs of living among large cities in California and on the West Coast.
Source: C2ER 2022 Annual Average
Business expansion and relocation assistance
The Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) is the region’s leading economic development organization. Our team helps companies navigate and identify solutions to meet their goals. With regional, state and national connections, GSEC ensures companies have a customized and seamless entry into the Greater Sacramento region. Our services include:
- Site selection assistance
- State and local incentive identification
- Custom research and analytics
- Hiring
- Public relations and marketing
- Connectivity to consulates and service providers
- Connections to international investors
Global connectivity
20%
of population is foreign-born
29%
of population speaks a foreign language
Source: 2021 ACS 1-Yr Estimate Data Profile, DP02 table
Transportation
An international airport, Amtrak train network, major north-south and east-west freeways and regional public transportation offer great connectivity between Greater Sacramento and major markets in the U.S. and around the world. The downtown area also offers shipping access from its deep-water port: the Port of West Sacramento, which is a Foreign Trade Zone.
Sacramento International Airport Sacramento International Airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown Sacramento. It offers daily nonstop flights to Canada (Toronto and Vancouver), Mexico (Guadalajara and Cabo San Lucas) and major hubs across the United States.
Sacramento International Airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown Sacramento. It offers daily nonstop flights to Canada (Toronto and Vancouver), Mexico (Guadalajara and Cabo San Lucas) and major hubs across the United States.
Sister Cities Cities and counties within the Greater Sacramento region are connected to cities across the world. See the cities that our communities have Sister City relationships in the map below.
Cities and counties within the Greater Sacramento region are connected to cities across the world. See the cities that our communities have Sister City relationships in the map below.
Business services
Looking to relocate, expand or retain your business in the region? We’re here to help.
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