BEA uses surveys to collect data about U.S.-owned business activities in other countries. The data are needed for statistics measuring the scale of direct investment abroad and the effects these activities have on the U.S. economy.

Data from these surveys contribute to many of BEA's international and national economic statistics and help answer questions such as:

  • Which countries get the most direct investment from U.S. parent companies?
  • Which industries are U.S. companies investing in abroad?

These statistics aid decision-making by Congress and federal officials; help analysts and researchers study the impact of direct investment on employment, wages, productivity, and tax revenues; and help American businesses make informed decisions about hiring, growth, and investment. All surveys of U.S. direct investment abroad are mandatory and confidential.

A foreign affiliate is a business enterprise located outside the United States in which a U.S. person or business holds a 10 percent or more voting interest.

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How can I file?

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  • All entities must complete the BE-11A (Fillable - PDF) form for the fully consolidated U.S. business with at least one foreign affiliate
  • And entities must file one or more of the following forms:
  • BE-11B (Fillable - PDF) for majority-owned foreign affiliate(s) whose assets, sales, or net income exceed $60 million
  • BE-11C (Fillable - PDF) for minority-owned foreign affiliate(s) whose assets, sales, or net income exceed $60 million
  • BE-11D (Fillable - PDF) for newly established or acquired foreign affiliate(s) that have assets, sales, or net income above $25 million but below $60 million
  • BE-11D (Fillable - PDF) extra page for reporting additional BE-11D affiliates

Additional Documents

Have questions about the BE-11?

How can I file?

File online here with eFile

File by Mail or Fax

  • All entities must complete the BE-11A (Fillable - PDF) form for the fully consolidated U.S. business with at least one foreign affiliate
  • And entities must file one or more of the following forms:
  • BE-11B (Fillable - PDF) for majority-owned foreign affiliate(s) whose assets, sales, or net income exceed $60 million
  • BE-11C (Fillable - PDF) for minority-owned foreign affiliate(s) whose assets, sales, or net income exceed $60 million
  • BE-11D (Fillable - PDF) for newly established or acquired foreign affiliate(s) that have assets, sales, or net income above $25 million but below $60 million
  • BE-11D (Fillable - PDF) extra page for reporting additional BE-11D affiliates

Additional Documents

Have questions about the BE-11?

How can I file?

File online here with eFile

File by Mail or Fax

  • All entities must complete the BE-11A (Fillable - PDF) form for the fully consolidated U.S. business with at least one foreign affiliate
  • And entities must file one or more of the following forms:
  • BE-11B (Fillable - PDF) for majority-owned foreign affiliate(s) whose assets, sales, or net income exceed $60 million
  • BE-11C (Fillable - PDF) for minority-owned foreign affiliate(s) whose assets, sales, or net income exceed $60 million
  • BE-11D (Fillable - PDF) for newly established or acquired foreign affiliate(s) that have assets, sales, or net income above $25 million but below $60 million
  • BE-11D (Fillable - PDF) extra page for reporting additional BE-11D affiliates

Additional Documents

Have questions about the BE-11?