Foreign Business in Oklahoma
Welcome to the world’s boardroom.
Lufthansa Technik, Hitachi, and Georg Fischer didn’t stumble into Oklahoma. Deliberate was the name of their decision. With the lowest cost of doing business in America, 99 million people within 500 miles, and an incentive environment that treats foreign-owned companies exactly like homegrown ones, Oklahoma welcomes the world with plenty of reasons to stay.
The Center of the U.S.
It doesn’t get more connected than the heart of it all. Oklahoma sits at the intersection of three major interstate highways, 131 public-use airports, 2,600+ miles of Class I rail, and four inland ports. With twenty-six major cities within an 800-mile length of haul, access comes with the address.
Infrastructure & Assets
Oklahoma’s advantages come in the form of roads, rivers, runways, and world-renowned research institutions. All centrally positioned and ready for global operations from day one.
Quickfacts
Lowest Cost of Doing Business in America
#1
Million People Within 500 Miles
99 Million
Lower Energy Costs Than National Average
20-30%
in FDI Capital Investment Over Five Years
$6.35B
Right to Work State
Foreign Trade Zones
Oklahoma’s four FTZs give global operators a true edge. Goods can be stored, manufactured, or processed without triggering U.S. Customs duties until they enter the U.S. market, and if they’re exported onward, no U.S. duties are paid at all. Inventory held in Oklahoma FTZs is also exempt from state and local ad valorem taxes.
Tulsa Ports
Ocean-level logistics, from the heart of the continent. Doing business in Oklahoma means direct access to the Mississippi River, the Gulf of America, and global markets, all at the low price tag only this state can provide. The helm of the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, the system is anchored by the Port of Catoosa — one of the largest inland, ice-free ports in the United States.
MidAmerica Industrial Park
Google, Siemens, and CBC Global Ammunition call Oklahoma home for good reason. The third largest industrial park in the United States and the eighth largest in the world, MidAmerica spans 1,500 acres, with rail access, an onsite airport, and space to grow. Plus, with a labor shed of 214,000 workers within 40 minutes — and three onsite training facilities — the workforce is ready when you are.
Oklahoma Air & Space Port
Western Oklahoma is home to one of North America’s few FAA-licensed spaceports — and the only one operating in unrestricted airspace. A 13,503-foot runway, a 1,100-acre airpark, and a 150-mile flight corridor make it one of the most capable testing and launch environments in the world. For foreign companies looking to enter the U.S. aerospace market, there is no faster on-ramp.
We chose Oklahoma based on the state’s site-ready infrastructure, the advantages of the Tulsa Ports, and the unique availability of reliable power. Just as important, Oklahoma’s skilled and dedicated workforce and the state’s abundant energy resources make it an ideal location for long-term investment and growth.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Foreign-owned companies have the same access to Oklahoma’s incentive programs as any domestic business. And the menu of options is among the most competitive in the nation.
Quality Jobs Incentive Program
A signature Oklahoma program that rewards job creation with real cash back. Eligible companies can receive cash payments of up to 5% of new payrolls for up to 10 years, supporting sustained growth while scaling high-quality jobs.
Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Program
Designed for companies with 500 employees or fewer, this program offers quarterly cash payments of up to 5% of new payrolls for up to seven years — giving early-stage innovators room to grow.
21st Century Quality Jobs Incentive Program
Designed for highly skilled, knowledge-based operations, the 21st Century Quality Jobs program offers cash payments of up to 10% of new payrolls for up to 10 years. Eligible companies must create at least 10 new full-time jobs, meet elevated wage thresholds, and generate at least 50% of sales from outside Oklahoma.
Engineer Workforce Tax Credit for Aerospace & Civil Engineer
A win-win for employers and their talent. Qualifying companies receive tax credits for hiring new engineering graduates, while qualifying employees can earn individual tax credits of up to $5,000 per year for five years.
Five-Year Ad Valorem Exemption
New or expanded facilities shouldn’t come with an immediate tax burden. With this incentive, qualifying companies — including manufacturers, R&D operations, warehouse and distribution centers, certain computer and data processing services, refineries, and aircraft repair companies — are exempt from ad valorem taxes for five full years after completion.
Training for Industry Program
Through the Oklahoma CareerTech system — the state’s nation-leading technical education system — the Training for Industry (TIP) Program delivers customized, low- to no-cost training for your team. Training is delivered on-site, at alternate locations, or through any local CareerTech center statewide.
Take the Next Step
From site selection and incentive analysis to market research and supply chain sourcing, our team is just a call away.
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