Company formation
Business Setup & Company Formation in Europe
Establishing a business in Europe opens a market of 450+ million consumers. Our setup services guide you through the entire journey, from selecting the right legal entity to full operational readiness.
European Business Setup Comparison
| Country | Time | Setup Cost | Min. Capital | English Level | EU Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 3-5 days | €720-1,500 | €2,680 | Very High | Full EU |
| Netherlands | 3-5 days | €1,500-3,000 | €0.01 | Very High | Full EU |
| Estonia | 3-5 days | €250-600 | €0.01 | High | Full EU |
| UK | 4-6 days | €500-1,200 | ~€120 | Native | Post-Brexit |
| Ireland | 4-7 days | €500-1,200 | €1 | Native | Full EU |
| Sweden | 1-3 weeks | €1,800-3,000 | €2,200 | Very High | Full EU |
| Norway | 5-10 weeks | €2,000-3,500 | €2,600 | Very High | EEA Member |
| Finland | 1-3 weeks | €1,500-2,800 | €2,500 | High | Full EU |
| Belgium | 1-2 weeks | €1,500-3,000 | €1 | High | Full EU |
| Portugal | 6-9 days | €600-1,200 | €1 | Very High | Full EU |
| Germany | 4-8 weeks | €2,000-4,000 | €25,000 | Very High | Full EU |
| Switzerland | 2-4 weeks | €2,500-5,000 | €18,500 | High | EFTA Member |
| France | 2-4 weeks | €2,000-4,000 | €1 | Moderate | Full EU |
| Lithuania | 3-5 days | €300-600 | €2,500 | High | Full EU |
| Poland | 20-25 days | €400-900 | €1,200 | High | Full EU |
Frequently Asked Questions
What business structures are available in Europe?
Common structures include Private Limited Companies (Ltd/GmbH/BV), PLCs, Sole Proprietorships, and Branches. Compare legal entities here.
How long does it take to set up?
Timeframes range from days in Estonia to weeks in Western Europe. This includes formation, VAT registration, and banking setup.
Do I need to be physically present?
In most cases, we can establish your company via Power of Attorney. However, some traditional banks may require a one-time in-person meeting. Read more in our formation section.
What are the ongoing compliance obligations?
Companies must file annual accounts and maintain tax records. Requirements vary by country. Explore our accounting services.
What is the minimum capital requirement?
It ranges from €0.01 in the Netherlands/Estonia to €25,000 in Germany. Capital can usually be used for operations immediately after deposit.
What documents are typically needed?
ID proof for directors/shareholders, Articles of Association, proof of address, and share capital confirmation are the baseline requirements.
What about corporate tax implications?
Rates vary from 9% to 31%. Consider headline rates vs. integrated tax rates. Visit our tax services section.
Can I open a bank account remotely?
Yes, digital banks and EMIs allow for fully remote setup. Traditional banks may still require an in-person visit. Learn more about banking here.
The Business Setup Roadmap
- Entity Selection: Choosing between a local BV/AS/AB or a branch office.
- Documentation: Drafting Articles of Association and Power of Attorney.
- Registration: Formal filing with the Commercial Register.
- Tax & VAT: Obtaining Tax IDs and EU VAT registration.
- Banking: Opening a corporate account with traditional or digital providers.
Ready to scale? Read our full country comparison ranking or contact us for a feasibility check.